Re: Dilemma in decision making - Below 1 lakh

Dilemma approved.

Re: Dilemma in decision making - Below 1 lakh

Given your requirements, I'd suggest Hornet over Avenger because

1. Since your major usage is in the city and you mentioned maneuverability, Avenger does not handle that well in traffic (given the longer wheel base).

2. I haven't tested the new Avenger but the older one had an uncomfortable pillion seat.

3. Hornet has more power, smoother engine and comes with Honda reliability, hence easier to maintain. Avenger whereas is the same old bajaj engine and similar issues.

All the best!

Re: Dilemma in decision making - Below 1 lakh

Thank you.

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Thanks a lot for your reply.
I've read on many websites that due to lower handelbars Avenger 150 can be easily maneuvered in the traffic.
I've test ridden Horner 160R and I really liked it, didn't notice much difference in ride quality between Gixxer and Hornet.
But I'm skeptical about whether Hornet would look good for a big guy like me or not.

Re: Dilemma in decision making - Below 1 lakh

The handling in city traffic differs from person to person. One of my friends owns a Avenger I have a hard time controlling it in traffic but he finds it very easy. Similarly I move through traffic very very easily on my r15 but my friend finds it hard to do so. So according to me it is a matter of practice and familiarity on a bike.

But I would suggest to go for Hornet because of the Honda reliability, build quality and smoothness. Avenger is nowhere near Honda in terms of reliability, build quality and smoothness of engines.
At the end, choose the one that suits you the best.
Ride safe.

Re: Dilemma in decision making - Below 1 lakh

Thank you Paradoxx and Amkey for your replies.
I've decided to go for Hornet.

It is priced at Rs. 87430 in my city.(Std version, On-Road)
I would go for Sports Red color most probably.

Anyway, do you guys know the exact price of the accessories and extended warranty ?
I don't want to get cheated by the dealer.

Re: Dilemma in decision making - Below 1 lakh

Good decision mate!
Do keep us updated on your purchase! Congratulations in advance!
Ask for the accessories and extended warranty cost in CB Hornet thread too, owners will be able to help you.

Re: Dilemma in decision making - Below 1 lakh

All the best for the new bike mate.

For any specific info on Hornet please visit the owner ship thread and ask the owners, as they will be able to answer accurately. Also the prices may vary a bit from place to place because of taxes in different states. But you will get a general idea.
Ride safe.

Re: Dilemma in decision making - Below 1 lakh

It's been only two weeks and 100kms on ODO but still, I'm loving it !

Bought the Hornet (Sports Red) on Gudhipadva, after a lot of verbal fight with two dealers.
One dealer was quoting 5,000 Rs. more and the other dealer was asking for 7,000 Rs. more than the actual On-road price mentioned on Honda's website.
When I complained this to Honda's customer care, they assured me that I do not need to pay even an extra penny.
Some senior guy from main office had called the first dealer and perhaps asked him for the justification of this extra amount.
Later in the day, I got a call from the same dealer.
He was now saying that there was some confusion and I only need to pay 1400 Rs. extra.
But I refused to pay this unjustifiable extra amount.

Then I went to the second showroom.
Here they were asking for 7,000 Rs. extra.
I explained him the sequence of all the discussions (including the discussion with the first dealer), but he still refused to sell the bike at the actual price.
I stood up from the chair and started to walk towards the exit and suddenly the showroom manager agreed to sell the bike for the price mentioned on Honda's website.

I know Hornet is not some sabji-tarkari to bargain like this, but I didn't like the idea of paying any unjustifiable money, that's it.
Anyway, enough of my purchase-purana, let's come to the Hornet 160R. (will post the photos later)

I have used Gixxer for couple of months, so I will try to review the Hornet by comparing it with the Gixxer.
I don't know much about the technicalities of the bike, so please bear with me.


~ Looks ~
I think this department shouldn't be a primary factor to 'judge' a bike, because what looks good to me, may not appeal to some other person.
According to me, Hornet is a better eye candy than the Gixxer.
The only thing I found more appealing in Gixxer is its exhaust.

~Handling~
Gear shifting is buttery smooth in Hornet, but shifting from 1st gear to 2nd gear is equally hard in both the bikes.
Gixxer is a better performer at lower rave range.
I don't know the exact term for this thing, but Gixxer can be driven at 4th gear even at lower speeds, whereas Hornet is not as peppier as Gixxer in this department.

~ Suspension ~
At first, I felt the suspension of Hornet to be on a stiffer side.
The bike was not absorbing the potholes well, but then I went to check the tyre pressure and found it to be too high in both the tyres.
In the front tyre, it was 30 and in the rear it was 40.
I changed it to 25 and 30 and it's all good now.
To be honest, I haven't felt much difference in Gixxer and Hornet when it comes to suspension. Both are equally good.
But the ground clearance is much much better in Hornet than the Gixxer

~ Braking ~
Again, haven't noticed much of a difference between both these bikes.
Both the bikes I used have only front disk.

~ Comfort ~
This was one of my primary concerns while buying the bike.
Hornet is undoubtedly more comfortable than Gixxer for both, the biker as well as the pillion. (specially a female pillion)

~ Mileage ~
Haven't checked it yet.
I will update this post after second servicing.


Now I have some queries for the experts.

1) Which is the ideal place to keep a cleaning cloth ?
2) The horn sound is too low and doesn't suit the bike. Please recommend a good horn.
3) The run-in period is too long. (500kms) I've completed 100kms, but it is too hard to be under 4,000RPM What will happen if I cross 4,000RPM ?
4) Any other maintenance/performance tips you want to share ?

Re: Dilemma in decision making - Below 1 lakh

I don't know anything about the Hornet really, but general running in procedures are the same for bikes. Even if you do exceed 4000 rpm occasionally, it won't affect your engine/performance etc. The only thing to be careful about is that you do not stay at a higher RPM for a longer period of time. Suppose, you touch 6000rpm for 5 seconds, it won't have any negative effect, just avoid staying at that higher RPM for say >30 seconds.
Regarding maintenance, just google it, you'll find it
The general basic points are ensuring you check air tyre pressure periodically(I forgot for a month and half once :P), make sure your chain is lubricated and has the correct tensioning, washing regularly(saw a new hornet at a petrol bunk today, looked real nice, so maintain that), check coolant level occasionally. Most other factors are taken care of by service centres.
PS You write reviews well, I'd suggest you post this in the ownership thread, thats where people will see it and help you out for queries, over here few people would notice.

Have fun

Re: Dilemma in decision making - Below 1 lakh

There will be a bolt in horn. Adjusting it will increase/decrease loudness. Try to tweek that and see before thinking of replacing horn. Check with any mechanic, they should be able to do it.

Re: Dilemma in decision making - Below 1 lakh

If your Honda manual says to stick to a particular rpm, do it. If it says - avoid full throttle starts and rapid acceleration, do that.

Personally, I've taken my cbr250 to 136 kmph before first service, however odo was 560kms by then. I didnt follow any rpm restrictions. Never lug the engine, and don't redline. Follow this throughout its life.

Re: Dilemma in decision making - Below 1 lakh

1 Lakh is quite a good budget and you can get many other potions but you mentioned Hornet and Avenger.

Hornet is a new bike by Honda which is pretty good in looks and performence. Bajaj Avenger though the name is old but is a new release. It looks better than previous one. If you want a sports motorcycle Hornet is there but if you are looking for a bike with cruiser looks then go for Avenger. You will get Honda reliability and quality with Hornet though (no offence) Bajaj motorcycles are not better in quality than Honda.

You can consider AS series from Bajaj or Yamaha Fz.