Honda Hornet CB: An Honest Review for New Buyers

Honda Hornet: An Honest User Review for New MotorBike Buyers

Are you considering purchasing a Honda Hornet CB?

I am an owner of a Honda Hornet 2017 model. Having put it through its speeds both off-road and on long-distance trips of 150 and 250 kilometers, I can attest to its reliability and performance. With an average speed of 60 kilometers per hour and a top speed of 110 kilometers, this Motorbike has served me well in the hilly terrain of Jammu and Kashmir, where there are both challenging roads and picturesque vistas to enjoy.

In the interest of helping prospective buyers make an informed decision, I will provide an honest review of this Motorbike, outlining both its strengths and weaknesses. My sole purpose in writing about this topic is to assist new buyers in making the best possible choice.

---

The Cons:

1. Poor Plastic Quality – While the plastic used in the instrument panel, rear tire cover, and fuel tank guard may contribute to the overall look of the Motorbike, it’s unfortunately of poor quality. Honda should not compromise on quality to this extent. Over time, plastic can deteriorate and lose its original appearance.
2. Body Posture – Although the sitting posture may appear comfortable at first, riding for more than 15 km can cause discomfort in your pelvic muscles. If you’re carrying a passenger, the metal area of the fuel tank can even cause blood circulation to stop in your pelvic area. Honda needs to work on the ergonomics of this Motorbike to make it more comfortable for long-distance travel. Having a comfortable seat can enhance one’s overall level of comfort.
3. Engine Heating – This is the biggest issue I faced with the Honda Hornet 2017. Even if you drive for just a few kilometers, the engine will start to heat up to the point where you can’t even touch the engine casing. This affects the engine’s performance over time, and Honda should work on resolving this issue.
4. Low Visibility in Night – The main headlight of the Honda Hornet 2017 is insufficient for night driving and doesn’t provide enough visibility to drive confidently. Honda needs to provide a better headlamp with maximum visibility.
5. Gear Shifting Not Smooth – Over time, the gear shifting became less smooth and started to stick and make a clunking sound while driving. Honda needs to work on making the gear shift smoother.
6. Service Facilities – If you want to use this Motorbike for 10 years, you need to learn how to service it or find a good mechanic. Unfortunately, service centers of Honda may not have the technical experts to service the Motorbike, and the service cost may also be high due to CGST and SGST in INDIA.

---

The Pros:

1. Fuel Mileage – The Honda Hornet 2017 gives an impressive mileage of 55 to 60 liters per kilometer, making it one of the best Motorbikes in its segment in terms of fuel efficiency. It doesn’t matter what speed you’re driving; you’ll still get great mileage.
2. Ride and Handling – Despite the uncomfortable body posture, the Honda Hornet 2017 is fun to ride and has great control. It’s safe within traffic, provides a fun riding experience in hilly areas, and won’t disappoint you.
3. Design and Style – The Motorbike’s unique design is a real attention-grabber, with its striking appearance and distinctive features catching the eye from every angle. Whether cruising down the road or parked up, it manages to stand out and effortlessly draw the gaze of all those around. It’s sure to leave a lasting impression, making it hard to forget once it’s gone.
4. Oneness with Body – The 2017 Honda Hornet offers a seamless riding experience by providing a strong connection between the rider and the motorcycle. This creates a sense of unity with the Motorbike, ensuring greater stability while taking corners at high speeds or riding off-road. Moreover, the seat design prevents sliding, enhancing comfort and confidence for the rider.

Specifications

1. Engine: 4-stroke, 1-cylinder, air-cooled
2. Displacement: 162.7cc
3. Power Output: 15.4 PS @ 8,500 RPM
4. Torque Output: 14.5 Nm @ 7,500 RPM
5. Fuel System: Fuel Injection
6. Ignition: Full Transistorized
7. Transmission: 5-speed manual
8. Front Suspension: Telescopic
9. Rear Suspension: Monoshock
10. Front Brake: Disc (276mm)
11. Rear Brake: Disc (220mm)
12. Fuel Tank Capacity: 12 liters
13. Weight: 135 kg
14. Length x Width x Height: 2,056mm x 753mm x 1,059mm
15. Ground Clearance: 167mm
16. Wheelbase: 1,341mm
17. Tyre Size (Front & Rear): 110/70-17 (Tubeless) & 140/70-17 (Tubeless)
18. Battery: 12V, 5.0Ah
19. Headlamp: LED
20. Speedometer: Digital.

Conclusion:

If you’re looking for a Motorbike that’s fuel-efficient, fun to ride, and has a unique design, the Honda Hornet 2017 is a great option. However, be aware of the cons mentioned above, such as poor plastic quality, uncomfortable body posture, engine heating, and low visibility at night. Overall, I hope this review helps you make an informed decision about purchasing a Honda Hornet 2017.