Honda Hornet 2.0: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has launched the updated 2025 Hornet 2.0, bringing significant technological enhancements to its popular naked streetfighter while maintaining the aggressive design philosophy that has made it a favorite among young enthusiasts. Priced at Rs 1,56,953 (ex-showroom Delhi), the new model represents a substantial Rs 13,502 increase over its predecessor, reflecting the comprehensive feature upgrades that position it competitively in the evolving 180cc segment.
Revolutionary Digital Integration Transforms Riding Experience
The most striking enhancement in the 2025 Hornet 2.0 is the introduction of a 4.2-inch TFT display that replaces the previous LCD unit, bringing smartphone-level connectivity to the streetfighter category. The bike gets a 4.2-inch, colour TFT display. The layout is clean and informative, while Bluetooth connectivity brings more features such as navigation support, incoming call alerts, and SMS notifications. This technological leap aligns the Hornet 2.0 with contemporary expectations for connected mobility.
The TFT system integrates seamlessly with Honda’s RoadSync app, providing riders with turn-by-turn navigation guidance directly on the instrument cluster. For urban commuters navigating complex city routes, this integration eliminates the need for handlebar-mounted smartphone holders while ensuring essential information remains visible and accessible. Additionally, the inclusion of a USB Type-C charging port addresses modern connectivity needs, ensuring riders can maintain device power throughout their journeys.
Enhanced Safety Systems Address Real-World Challenges
Honda has significantly bolstered the Hornet 2.0’s safety credentials with the addition of advanced rider assistance systems. The 2025 model now includes Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and dual-channel ABS as standard equipment. While some might question the necessity of traction control on a sub-20bhp motorcycle, the unpredictability of Indian road conditions, with gravel, bad roads, and what have you, means the safety layer that traction control offers is more than welcome.
The dual-channel ABS system works in conjunction with petal disc brakes measuring 276mm at the front and 220mm at the rear. This combination provides confident stopping power across various road conditions, particularly important for riders who encounter everything from smooth highways to unpredictable urban surfaces during their daily commutes.
Refined Engine Performance Meets Environmental Standards
The 2025 Hornet 2.0 continues with its proven 184.4cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, now updated to comply with stringent OBD2B emission standards. The Hornet 2.0 has a 184cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that is OBD2B compliant. Compared to the previous engine, this one makes 16.7bhp and 15.7Nm, which is a minscule drop. The slight reduction in power output reflects the engineering challenges of meeting stricter environmental regulations while maintaining performance characteristics.
Despite the marginal decrease in peak figures, the engine retains its characteristic linear power delivery that has made the Hornet 2.0 popular for both city commuting and spirited riding. The motor continues to be paired with a five-speed gearbox featuring an assist and slipper clutch system that reduces effort during gear changes and prevents rear wheel lockup during aggressive downshifting.
Design Evolution Maintains Streetfighter Appeal
While Honda has preserved the Hornet 2.0’s distinctive aggressive silhouette, subtle updates enhance its visual impact. The Hornet 2.0 gets a new set of graphics and comes in four colour options including Pearl Igneous Black, Radiant Red Metallic, Athletic Blue Metallic, and Mat Axis Gray Metallic. These new colorways, combined with revised graphics packages, provide buyers with fresh aesthetic options that reflect contemporary design trends.
The motorcycle retains its signature golden USD front forks, which not only provide visual distinction but also deliver superior handling characteristics compared to conventional telescopic forks found on many competitors. The overall design language continues to emphasize the bike’s streetfighter credentials while incorporating subtle modern touches that appeal to style-conscious riders.
Competitive Positioning in Evolving Market Landscape
The updated Hornet 2.0 enters a highly competitive segment where it faces established rivals including the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, Yamaha MT-15 V2, and Bajaj Pulsar NS200. The Honda Hornet competes directly with the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, and also other single-cylinder, liquid-cooled bikes like the Yamaha MT-15 V2 and the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 in terms of price. However, Honda’s technological additions, particularly the TFT display and connectivity features, provide differentiation in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
The significant price increase positions the Hornet 2.0 as a premium offering within its displacement category. While this strategy may challenge price-sensitive buyers, the comprehensive feature set justifies the premium for riders seeking modern connectivity and advanced safety systems in their daily transportation.
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Practical Performance for Urban Environments
Real-world testing reveals that the Hornet 2.0 excels in urban environments where its combination of manageable power, light weight, and agile handling proves ideal for navigating traffic. The kerb weight is still 142kg, the fuel tank capacity is also 12-litres, the ground clearance of 167mm, and a seat height of 790mm. These dimensions strike an effective balance between stability and maneuverability.
The motorcycle’s 57.35 kmpl claimed fuel efficiency makes it economically viable for daily commuting, while the refined engine character ensures comfortable highway cruising. The 790mm seat height accommodates a wide range of rider sizes, contributing to its broad appeal across different demographics.
Honda Hornet 2.0 Future Direction for Honda’s Streetfighter Philosophy
The 2025 Hornet 2.0 represents Honda’s evolving approach to the streetfighter segment, emphasizing technology integration and safety enhancement while preserving the raw appeal that defines the category. By successfully combining modern connectivity features with proven mechanical reliability, Honda has created a motorcycle that bridges traditional streetfighter values with contemporary rider expectations, setting a new benchmark for what buyers can expect from performance-oriented commuter motorcycles in India.