Re: Honda CB Hornet 160R Owners Experiences

Thanks broda, Feeling lucky to opt for hornet

Re: Honda CB Hornet 160R Owners Experiences

It does make a rattling sound while accelerating and decelerating. There is a noticeable clicking noise from the tappets too (if I set them a little tight, noise stops but the engine is lazy). Also I can hear some sort of grinding noise (as if some part isn't rotating smoothly). Engine feels rough (feels like there are sand particles in the sump) and lot of vibes.

I gave the bike to 9-10 different SVCs (don't remember clearly) and complained thrice on the website link. Wasn't fixed. Tried some other mechanics suggested by friends here. Still not fixed. One of the things said to me by the owner of Top gear Honda world - "It's all in your head. There's nothing wrong with the bike. If you want I can charge you 10k for changing all the bearings." If only he would ride another uni 160 or hornet and see the difference.

Spent a lot of time and money trying to fix it. Even [MENTION=28527]sibun[/MENTION] da helped a lot. I replaced the camshaft, rockers and the bearings. Tuned the carb many times. Still nothing. Got fed up and now it's for sale. Love the bike but this experience just killed that motorcycling spirit in me. Now I don't mind losing 35k on the price I bought it for. Such was the experience.

I think you should upload a video so that others can help you out.

Re: Honda CB Hornet 160R Owners Experiences

hornet being my first bike will appreciate few answers on below queries

1. i have completed my first service at 500km and atm i have completed 2700km. so do i need a oil change or its good till 2nd service. during 1st service they put "engine oil 1000ml water 10w30". Also if i change oil to motul or any other brand will it have issue on 2nd service when they switch to different oil brand that time. 2nd service is due for December or 6000km

2. being a newbie i cant figure out if chain is ok, loose or tight. haven't touched since i bought bike should i get it checked.

3. Since i wash bike once a week, should i get a chain cleaner and lube. if yes do i need to use it weekly or after certain amount of km.

4. I keep my tyre pressure 28/30. i ride single mostly occasionally double. is the pressure ok.

5. i'm not happy with headlamps its really dull makes it hard to see ahead while riding fast (are there any alternatives without damaging warranty). also is it easier to replace.

6. also recently i have seen decrease in my top acceleration, like before i could reach 80km in 4th gear (6k rpm) but now i get about 70km speed with 6k rpm in 4th gear. is it due to less lube on chain or engine oil or some other mistake i'm doing.

Re: Honda CB Hornet 160R Owners Experiences

1. It depends on person to person. I think its better if you change it, cos what the SVC must've changed would be the Honda oil 10w30 grade. I changed mine with the same oil many times(bought it from svc but got it changed outside). And my 2nd service is due tomorrow. I suggest you keep the honda oil till 5000 to 6000 kms as many experts have mentioned, for proper run in, and warranty.

2. Refer to the Users manual for proper chain slackness. put the bike on centre stand before checking.

3. Get the chain washed as well during the weekly wash, and lube it later at home,leaving it overnight or for a few hrs atleast.

4. The tyre pressure is way too high. For single rider its 25/25 and pillion 25/29, if im not wrong, see on the swingarm near chain a chart is provided. use recommended pressure for a safe ride. it will also increase tyre life.

5. Warranty will get void, but again its up to you, many members here are suggesting the Osram silver star and night racer. ive left mine stock for now.

6. It could be the chain,get it adjusted and lubed then check. also if I was you I would change the engine oil. Its good only for 1500kms or so.

p.s. members please correct me if I am wrong anywhere. thx.

Re: Honda CB Hornet 160R Owners Experiences

1. Usually Honda mineral lasts only 1500kms max for me. For some other members it works well for more than 3000-4000kms. One thing to note is that when they drain the old oil, they won't know or care which oil it is.

4. Too high pressure. Will affect braking.

5. Most SVCs don't bother to check the bulb. We can replace the bulb with another having the same wattage.

6. You have mixed the gears. 80 comes at 6k in 5th while 70 comes at around 6k in 4th. Speed to rpm ratio won't change significant unless your clutch plates have gone bad.

Re: Honda CB Hornet 160R Owners Experiences

[MENTION=80486]Shashank K R[/MENTION]

Have you replaced the headlight bulb? To which one have you changed to? Lights are very poor when theres any oncoming vehicle & when its raining. I would love to change to some other better bulbs as well. But in case of an electrical or wiring failure I guess warranty will get void, but I can live with that.

Re: Honda CB Hornet 160R Owners Experiences

Osram Silverstar or Philips Germany 35/35W. Costs 140 and it improves the light. Other things you could do is to replace the pilot lamps and number plate illumination lamp with 1W LEDs to reduce the strain on the system.

Re: Honda CB Hornet 160R Owners Experiences

@ Shashank K R

are the headlamp bulbs led as well or normal filament ones? I think I will buy them and change myself at home. Does changing the parking and vin no lamps help cos headlamps run on ac power?

Re: Honda CB Hornet 160R Owners Experiences

Normal halogen bulbs. Those LEDs should help reduce the strain on the electricals. It is fully DIYable, everything is given in the manual.

Re: Honda CB Hornet 160R Owners Experiences

I will get them asap. First change the headlight only check, then change the parking and vin no lamps to led and check again for improvement and report the results. thx for the help mate.

Re: Honda CB Hornet 160R Owners Experiences

going in for 2nd service only 1670 kms on odo, but months are over, so have to go anyway. will report what happens. and will try to be near my bike during its service.

Re: Honda CB Hornet 160R Owners Experiences

Friends, just for info. Getting mileage of above 55 since last 3 fills. Any suggestions whether its ok or I am running lean.

Re: Honda CB Hornet 160R Owners Experiences

Thanks for info I'll change the engine oil, see if chain is getting loose and buy a lube for chain.


I did check with service center they are saying changing headlamp bulb will also void my warranty. So I'll probably leave to stock for now. Don't wanna screw up my warranty

Re: Honda CB Hornet 160R Owners Experiences

That's some great mileage.
What is this app?

Re: Honda CB Hornet 160R Owners Experiences

@scoty 4u

Thats what they told me too in SVC. Didnt do my service today, will go tomorrow, delivery time was too late for me and I am not comfortable with leaving my bike at the SVC. so will go in, early morning as soon as they open and get it done tomorrow. Also my trusted mechanic is down as he slipped and hurt himself on his elbow. Will have to manage with some other.