Honda has rolled out the updated Hornet 2.0 in India, and it’s turning heads with its bold streetfighter vibe. Launched on February 19, 2025, this bike is aimed at young riders who want a mix of aggressive style, solid performance, and modern features without burning a hole in their pocket. Let’s dig into what the Hornet 2.0 has in store for thrill-seekers and daily commuters alike.
A Fierce Look That Stands Out
The Hornet 2.0 has a sharp, muscular design that screams streetfighter. It’s got a bulky tank, a compact LED headlamp that cuts through the night, and an X-shaped LED tail lamp that adds a sporty flair. The sharp lines and gold USD front forks give it a premium feel, while the split seat keeps it looking aggressive yet practical. It’s around 2047 mm long, 783 mm wide, and 1064 mm tall, sitting 167 mm off the deck—decent for city streets but might scrape on rougher patches. Weighing about 142 kg, it feels planted without being too heavy. You get 17-inch alloy wheels with 110/70 front and 140/70 rear tubeless tyres for better grip. It comes in four colors: Pearl Igneous Black, Radiant Red Metallic, Athletic Blue Metallic, and Matte Axis Grey Metallic, with new sporty graphics and a gold finish to make it pop.
Handles The Streets Like A Pro
The Hornet 2.0 uses a diamond frame, with golden USD forks up front and a monoshock at the back to soak up bumps. The wheelbase is 1355 mm, keeping it stable when you’re carving through traffic or cruising on the highway. It sits 167 mm off the ground, fine for urban roads but might struggle on rough terrain some folks on X have mentioned similar bikes scraping on bad roads. Brakes are dual discs—276 mm front, 220 mm rear—with dual-channel ABS and even HSTC traction control in the updated version, making stops safer even on slippery surfaces. It rides well in the city, but the suspension can feel a bit firm on potholes, and at 142 kg, it’s nimble enough for tight spots without feeling too heavy.
Features That Keep It Modern
Honda didn’t skimp on tech with the Hornet 2.0. It’s got a 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity via the Honda RoadSync app, letting you get navigation, call alerts, and SMS notifications right on the display. It also shows gear position, battery voltage, and service reminders, which is handy for keeping track of things. You get all-LED lighting—headlamp, tail lamp, and indicators—for better visibility, plus a start/stop switch and hazard lights for safety in bad weather. There’s a USB charging port to keep your phone juiced, but no underseat storage, though a small spot near the tank can hold little stuff. It’s a 2-seater with a comfy split seat, no third row. Some riders on X wish the pillion seat was a bit softer for longer rides, but most find it decent for short trips.
Keeps Your Fuel Costs In Check
With 40-45 kmpl in real-world conditions, the Hornet 2.0 is pretty efficient for a 184cc bike. The 12L tank gives you 480 to 540 km per fill, saving you around ₹6,000 a year at ₹100/litre compared to a 30 kmpl bike. That’s about ₹2 to ₹2.5 per km to run, which is great for a streetfighter. The BS6 Phase 2 engine with OBD2B compliance keeps emissions low, and Honda’s production focuses on sustainability, making it a practical choice. Some folks on X feel the mileage could be better for city riding, but for a bike this sporty, it’s a fair trade-off.
Price And Options In India
The Hornet 2.0 starts at ₹1.43 lakh ex-showroom for the base model, going up to ₹1.57 lakh for the top variant, according to Times Bull and Bike dekho. On-road in Delhi, you’re looking at ₹1.55 lakh to ₹1.70 lakh. EMIs can start at ₹4,500/month with a ₹15,000 down payment at 8% interest for 3 years. It comes in two variants—standard ABS OBD2 and a premium Repsol Edition—with four color options. Honda has sold over 50,000 Hornet units since its debut, and this update is expected to keep the momentum going. Delivery takes 10-20 days in cities like Delhi, and festive deals through May 2025 might include free accessories like a tank pad—check with Red Wing or Big Wing dealerships.
Bikes It’s Up Against
The Hornet 2.0 competes with:
TVS Apache RTR 200 (₹1.47 lakh): 20.8 PS, 40 kmpl, more power but less tech.
Bajaj Pulsar NS200 (₹1.49 lakh): 24.5 PS, 36 kmpl, punchier but heavier.
Yamaha MT 15 V2 (₹1.68 lakh): 18.4 PS, 48 kmpl, sportier with better mileage.
The Hornet’s dual-channel ABS and Bluetooth give it an edge over Apache, but Pulsar has more power, and MT 15 offers a sharper ride.
What You Should Know Before Buying
The Hornet 2.0’s ₹1.43 lakh starting price is competitive, but the top variant at ₹1.57 lakh might feel steep compared to the Apache’s ₹1.47 lakh, which has more power. At 142 kg, it’s easy to handle, but the 167 mm ground clearance might scrape on rough roads—something to watch for outside cities. Mileage can drop to 38 kmpl in heavy traffic. It’s a 2-seater, no third row. The tech is solid, but some riders on X mention the RoadSync app can be glitchy at times. Honda’s service network is wide, but costs can be higher than TVS in smaller towns. It’s also not built for long highway hauls—better for city sprints and short rides.
Who This Bike Is For
The Hornet 2.0 is for young riders who want a sporty 2-wheeler with 40-45 kmpl mileage and modern features like Bluetooth and ABS. Its aggressive design and nimble handling make it great for city rides, while the engine suits those who want a bit of thrill. It’s not for those needing high power, long-distance comfort, or a bike for rough terrain.
Where To Find It
You can get the Hornet 2.0 at Honda’s Red Wing or Big Wing dealerships in Delhi, Mumbai, and other cities. Book online through Honda BigWing’s website. Metro cities get delivery in 10 days, smaller towns in 20 days. Festive deals in May 2025 might add perks—check for colors like Radiant Red Metallic.
Honda Hornet 2.0: A Stylish Ride With Power
The Honda Hornet 2.0 has a 184.4cc engine, 40-45 kmpl mileage, and starts at ₹1.43 lakh. You get dual-channel ABS, a TFT display with Bluetooth, and a fierce design. Low ground clearance and app glitches are drawbacks, but it’s a great pick for style and city performance in 2025. Perfect for riders who want a streetfighter that stands out without breaking the bank.
Disclaimer: Specs and prices are based on recent reports. Check with Honda dealers for the latest details.
