The popular New Honda Hornet 2.0 is getting ready for a fresh new chapter. Spy shots of what appears to be the 2025 version have recently surfaced online, hinting at some interesting updates. While Honda hasn’t made anything official yet, these images are enough to stir excitement among daily commuters, enthusiasts, and the youth who make up a large part of the street-naked motorcycle market in India.
Let’s take a closer look at what the upcoming Hornet 2.0 might bring to the table.
Sharper LED Headlamp Design for a Bold New Look
One of the biggest highlights from the spy shots is the redesigned LED headlamp. The shape looks sharper and more aggressive than the current model, in line with the trend of bold front-end designs seen on bikes like the TVS Apache RTR series and the Bajaj Pulsar N160.
This updated lighting setup is expected to offer better road visibility, especially for night rides. The Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) also seem to be more prominent, which could improve visibility in dense city traffic and foggy conditions.
Given how most motorcycles in the 160cc–200cc segment are adopting all-LED setups, this update helps the Hornet stay modern and competitive.
New Digital Console May Add Bluetooth and Navigation
The current Hornet already comes with a negative LCD display. However, the test bike seems to feature a bigger, more refined digital instrument cluster. There’s strong speculation that Honda might finally add Bluetooth connectivity, with turn-by-turn navigation—features that younger riders now expect as standard.
This would bring the Hornet in line with competitors like the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V and TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, which already offer these features. Smartphone pairing, call alerts, and ride stats could also become part of the package.
No Big Mechanical Changes Yet
From the looks of the test mule, there are no major changes to the engine or chassis. The bike still features USD (Upside Down) front forks, a rear monoshock, and alloy wheels similar to the current model.
The 2025 Hornet is expected to retain the same 184.4cc air-cooled engine, which produces 17 hp and 15.9 Nm of torque, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. While this engine doesn’t aim for outright performance, it’s known for its smooth delivery, reliability, and efficiency—ideal for city riding and occasional weekend trips.
There might be slight tuning changes to improve fuel economy or to meet stricter emission norms, possibly BS7 if rolled out by next year.
Design Refresh and New Colour Schemes Expected
Though the bike was heavily camouflaged, the body silhouette seems largely unchanged. However, small changes could be coming to areas like the fuel tank extensions, side panels, and tail section. Expect sharper lines and a more aggressive posture to attract younger buyers.
Also, Honda may introduce new dual-tone colours, matte finishes, and possibly new decals to give the Hornet a fresh identity. These visual tweaks, while minor, can play a big role in how the bike is perceived in the highly style-conscious streetbike segment.
Launch Timeline and Expected Price Bump
While there’s no official word on when the 2025 Hornet 2.0 will hit showrooms, industry insiders believe it could launch by late 2024 or early 2025. Since the updates are mostly cosmetic and feature-based, the price hike is expected to be modest.
Currently, the Hornet 2.0 is priced at around ₹1.40 lakh (ex-showroom). The updated model may cost around ₹1.45–₹1.48 lakh, depending on the final features and variant options.
Competition is Heating Up in the Segment
The Hornet 2.0 competes in the crowded 160cc–200cc street-naked segment, where rivals are constantly evolving. Key competitors include:
- TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
- Hero Xtreme 160R 4V
- Bajaj Pulsar N160
- Yamaha FZ-X
All of these bikes have seen recent updates in either performance, styling, or features. So, Honda’s 2025 Hornet update is crucial for staying in the race.
A Well-Timed Refresh for Urban Riders
The 2025 Honda Hornet 2.0 may not bring radical changes, but it looks like Honda is listening to what today’s riders want—style, visibility, tech, and reliability. The updated LED lighting, larger digital console, and modern styling tweaks could give the Hornet the edge it needs in a very competitive market.
For young buyers, college students, and daily commuters looking for a dependable yet stylish bike with updated tech, the new Hornet could be a very appealing option when it launches.
Stay tuned for Honda’s official announcement in the coming months—there might be more surprises in store.