The popular street-naked motorcycle segment in India might be in for a fresh surprise. The upcoming 2025 model of the Honda Hornet 2.0 has been spotted testing on Indian roads, stirring buzz among enthusiasts and daily riders alike.
While Honda hasn’t made any official announcement yet, the recent spy shots hint at a few key upgrades—particularly in the lighting and instrumentation department.
Updated LED Headlamp Takes the Spotlight
From the images now circulating online, it’s clear that Honda is working on redesigning the Hornet’s headlamp setup. The updated LED headlamp appears sharper and more modern compared to the current model, aligning with the trend of aggressive front-end styling seen in other bikes in this segment. This refreshed design is expected to improve visibility and offer better road presence—especially during nighttime rides.
Interestingly, the DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) also seem to be more pronounced, suggesting that Honda might be targeting better visibility in urban traffic conditions. With LED lighting becoming the norm across two-wheelers in India, this change positions the Hornet to stay competitive in 2025.
Full-Digital Cluster Likely to See a Revamp
Another noticeable change is the updated instrument cluster. While the current Hornet 2.0 already features a negative LCD display, the new version appears to sport a slightly larger, more refined layout. There’s speculation that Honda might introduce Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation in the new model, which has already started appearing in rival offerings like the TVS Apache RTR 200 and Hero Xtreme 160R 4V.
Such a digital upgrade could enhance the riding experience, especially for younger riders who demand tech-savvy features from their bikes.
Mechanical Components Remain Unchanged… For Now
As per the spy images, the core chassis and mechanical elements—including the USD (Upside Down) forks, rear monoshock, and alloy wheel design—seem unchanged. The 184.4cc air-cooled engine is also expected to be carried over, although slight tuning for better fuel efficiency or compliance with stricter emission norms can’t be ruled out.
The current motor delivers 17 hp and 15.9 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. While the Hornet may not be the most powerful in its class, it has consistently delivered reliable performance for city commuting and occasional weekend rides.
Design Tweaks and New Colours in the Pipeline?
While the body panels were camouflaged during the test run, the bike’s silhouette remains mostly the same. However, Honda might introduce minor tweaks to the tank extensions or tail section to lend the Hornet a more refined and aggressive character. Additionally, new dual-tone or matte colour options could be part of the 2025 refresh, aimed at keeping the design fresh for younger buyers.
Expected Launch Timeline and Price Impact
Though Honda has not revealed an official launch date, industry insiders speculate that the 2025 Hornet 2.0 could debut by the end of this year or early next year. Given the minor cosmetic and feature updates, the price could see a marginal increase. Currently, the Hornet 2.0 is priced at around ₹1.40 lakh (ex-showroom), and the new version may land somewhere near ₹1.45–₹1.48 lakh.
Segment Competition Heats Up
The Hornet 2.0 will continue to rival other streetfighter-style 160cc to 200cc motorcycles, such as the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Bajaj Pulsar N160, Hero Xtreme 160R 4V, and even the Yamaha FZ-X. All of these models have recently seen updates in terms of tech, styling, or performance. Honda’s timely refresh might be crucial to maintaining its foothold in this dynamic and competitive segment.
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Final Thoughts
The sighting of the updated Honda Hornet 2.0 suggests Honda is not resting on its laurels. With an aggressive new headlamp design, likely tech upgrades, and refreshed styling, the 2025 Hornet aims to strike a balance between urban usability and sporty appeal. If priced smartly, it could once again find favour among college-goers, daily riders, and city commuters looking for a mix of style and substance.
Stay tuned for the official launch, which could reveal more surprises than the spy shots currently suggest. The 2025 battle for the best city bike just got more interesting.
