Style, performance, a decent fuel economy along with price is our main priority when looking for a bike. If you are looking for a bike with a price tag under 1 lakh then Suzuki Gixxer and Honda CB Hornet are among top choices. The following comparison between the two will help you to figure out the appropriate choice for you. The Suzuki Gixxer has ruled the hearts since it launch whereas Honda CB Hornet 160R is a young competitor in this segment.
Suzuki Gixxer vs Honda CB Hornet 160R: Detailed Comparison & Verdict
Design and features
Suzuki Gixxer and Honda CB Hornet 160R are unique in their style and design and that’s why a popular choice among buyers. Both the bikes feature an aggressive design which makes them easily noticeable on the road. The Hornet features an X-shaped taillight and not the regular oval number which has now become a signature. Although the Gixxer rules hearts with its simplicity, Hornet outshines it with its pretty styling features.
The Hornet is more muscular and roomier which gives the rider a feeling of riding a bigger motorcycle. The Hornet also features large fuel tank, wider seat, higher handlebars. The Honda holds the customers appeal not just from the front but also from the rear as well.
Both the bikes have excellent fit and finish levels. A bit less liked thing about Hornet is the switchgear and the use of carbon fiber finished plastic as they are the same used in other less expensive motorcycles by the bike maker. Another thing is the missing engine kill switch which again puzzles the customer as why the Honda didn’t provide it.
The headlights of both the bikes are nearly the same. The Suzuki has more flowing lines whereas Hornet features sharper and more angular lines across the body. The Honda of course, wins the race of being the more attractive than the two.
The Gixxer is good with handling traffic or open highway ride due to its wide handlebar and comfortable seat. The duo have got similar instrument consoles with digital speedometer, digital tachometer, digital fuel gauge and trip meter. The Suzuki has got additional features like programmable shift light and an additional gear position indicator.
Engine, Gearbox and Performance
The Honda CB Hornet 160R has got a refined, single-cylinder, air-cooled 162.71 cc engine capable to produce 15.66 Bhp @ 8500 rpm and 14.76 Nm @ 6500 rpm. Hornet would give you a flawless performance in the city without any hiccups in acceleration and a smooth and amazing feel at the throttle. The Suzuki Gixxer comes into rhythm with a loud growl with its 4 stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled 155cc engine.
This engine can churn 14.6 Bhp @ 8000 rpm and 14 Nm of torque @ 6000 rpm. The gearbox is also smooth and the shift indicator on that panel would remind you of costlier and high-performance bikes. Although Gixxer produces 1 bhp less power than Hornet but still there is no noticeable difference due to its strong low- and mid-range and the engine doesn’t signals any signs of stress even with the throttle pinned open. It gives you a smooth acceleration with an amazing ride in traffic or while overtaking.
The Hornet is also flawless at lower revs but for a glimpse of its high power, you will have to wring the throttle open in the region of 6,500-7,000rpm. Here’s it is where you may feel your toes tingling slightly. For the same case in Gixxer, you will not experience any vibrations even when ridden flat out.
Ride, Handling and Braking
Both the bikes offer a similar riding quality which is undoubtedly excellent. Riding on a stretch of broken road on Gixxer would be more easy and comfortable. The Hornet also offers a good ride but is less taut and settled as compared to the Gixxer.
The Hornet weighs 142 kg which is 7 kg more than Gixxer and that’s why its weight is felt when cornering hard. The Hornet has a longer wheelbase of 1345mm than Gixxer (1330mm) which makes it look longer. In case of Gixxer, you would feel more confident while pushing the bike, harder and faster into corners. You would experience the superlative handling of Suzuki while negotiating a traffic circle or during a quick 90-degree turn.
When it comes to braking system, Suzuki Gixxer features 266 mm disc brakes and 130 mm drum brakes for both single tone and dual tone colors. However, it also offers 240mm rear disc brake variant with all dual tone colors. Suzuki gives you the option to flaunt with combinations of Green/Black, Blue/White and Black/Red. CB Hornet’s braking duties are performed by 276 mm front disc brake with triple-pot Nissin caliper and 220 mm rear disc with single-pot Nissin caliper.
Verdict
The Honda CB Hornet 160R rules the road with its look but with the price of 84,783 (ex-showroom Delhi) makes it costlier than Gixxer’s double disc variant also which is priced at 79,726 (ex-showroom Delhi). However, the Honda CB Hornet 160R and Gixxer offer good looks, great performance and refined engine along with a good riding dynamics.
They are both extraordinarily excellent and reliable bikes in their own ways. However, one thing that may draw you towards Gixxer is the rider involvement. The sensations and feel you experience atop a Gixxer are unmatchable with Hornet. The sense of urgency in power delivery and the precise handling add to the excitement of the rider which are absent in Hornet. So, in the end it all depends on what you prefer – the exciting Gixxer or the bold and attractive looking Hornet.
Complete Specs & Review of Honda CB Hornet 160R:
http://autos.maxabout.com/bikes/honda/cb-hornet/cb-hornet-160r
Complete Specs & Review of Suzuki Gixxer 155:
