Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has launched the X-Blade commuter in BS6 format with minor improvements over its phased-out BS4 version. The 2020MY Honda X-Blade BS6 is offered in two formats: single-disc and twin-disc. Ex-showroom prices start at Rs 1.07 lakh and Rs 1.11 lakh, respectively. On average, its pricing has gone up by over Rs 17,000.
Despite carrying a substantial price hike, the Honda X-Blade BS6 gets only an engine-kill switch as a welcome add-on over its BS4 version. The commuter motorcycle was launched back in 2018 at Rs 79,768 ex-showroom. It lacked ABS initially. The single-channel ABS variant which debuted later came at a price roughly Rs 8,000 higher. Honda started its full-LED headlamp trend in the country with the ‘Robo-faced’ X-Blade.
In 2020MY format, the Honda X-Blade is available in four colours: Pearl Spartan Red, Matte Axis Grey Metallic, Pearl Igneous Black and Matte Marvel Blue Metallic. A new tank graphics has been added as well.
| BS6 Honda X-Blade | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Length | 2013 mm |
| Width | 786 mm |
| Height | 1115 mm |
| Wheel Base | 1347 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 160 mm |
| Kerb Weight | Single Disc – 143 Kg, Double Disc – 144 Kg |
| Seat Length | 582 mm |
| Seat Height | 795 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L |
| ENGINE | |
| Type | 4 Stroke, SI, BS-VI Engine |
| Displacement | 162.71 cc |
| Max Engine Output | 10.2 kW / 13.67 hp @ 8000 rpm |
| MaxTorque | 14.7 N-m @ 5500 rpm |
| Fuel System | PGM-FI |
| Bore x Stroke | 57.300 x 63.096 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Starting Method | Self/Kick |
| TRANSMISSION | |
| Clutch Type | Multiplate Wet Clutch |
| No. of Gears | 5 Gears |
| TYRES & BRAKES | |
| Tyre Size &Type (Front) | 80/100-17 M/C 46P (Tubeless) |
| Tyre Size &Type (Rear) | 130/70-17 M/C 62P (Tubeless) |
| BrakeType & Size (Front) | Disc – 276 mm (Single Channel ABS) |
| BrakeType & Size (Rear) | Drum – 130 mm, Disc – 220 mm |
| FRAME & SUSPENSION | |
| Frame Type | Diamond Type |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic |
| Rear Suspension | Hydraulic, Monoshock |
| ELECTRICALS | |
| Battery | 12V, 4.0 Ah |
| Headlamp | LED |
Other notable features include rear monoshock suspension, petal disc brakes, semi-digital instrument console, etc. The digital meter incorporates a gear-position indicator, clock and service reminder. Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director (Sales & Marketing) of Honda Motorcycles & Scooter India, states that the X-Blade BS6 is “hard to resist” in its segment.
Like almost every other Honda product launched in the BS6 era, the new X-Blade features PGM-FI, counter-balancer and HET (Honda Eco Technology) in its power plant. The 160cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine makes 13.67bhp and 14.7Nm of torque. This is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Output figures are slightly better than the Honda Unicorn 160 BS6.
Honda claims that the engine offers superior efficiency and torque characteristics for its class. Customer can also avail a special six-year warranty package (three years standard + three years optional extended). Thanks to this initiative, the company expects a good response on the market in the months to come. The 2020MY Honda X-Blade BS6 is a less-sporty alternative to the all-new Hero Xtreme 160R, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Suzuki Gixxer and Yamaha FZ V3.0.
With its launch, HMSI has updated almost its entire portfolio to BS6 emission norms. The company leads in the petrol-CVT scooter segment with the Honda Activa while being a major player in India’s commuter motorcycle market. Monthly sales are gradually picking after the Indian government eased down its COVID-19 lockdown protocols. However, sales numbers are much lower than usual.