honda : In a segment packed with commuter motorcycles, the Honda X-Blade 160 stands out with its bold design, advanced features, and a smooth yet powerful engine. First launched as a sportier alternative to the Honda Unicorn and a budget-friendly rival to the Hornet 160R, the X-Blade quickly gained attention for its edgy styling, good mileage, and daily usability.
If you’re a rider who wants a bit of thrill without compromising on practicality, the Honda X-Blade fits right in. It’s not just a commuter—it’s a statement.
In this blog, we dive deep into the Honda X-Blade 160’s design, performance, features, mileage, comfort, and price, to help you decide if it’s the perfect ride for your lifestyle.
🔷 Design: Sharp, Bold, and Eye-Catching
The Honda X-Blade lives up to its name, with an appearance inspired by futuristic, blade-like styling. It’s one of the most aggressively designed motorcycles in the 160cc commuter segment.
🔹 Highlights of the Design:
- Robo-faced LED headlamp gives it a distinctive front profile
- Sleek fuel tank with bold shrouds adds muscular appeal
- Razor-edged LED tail lamp that enhances its sporty character
- Dual-outlet muffler with a chrome heat shield
- All-digital instrument cluster with gear position and service reminder indicators
With premium graphics, sculpted lines, and a fully blacked-out engine and exhaust, the X-Blade is designed for young riders who want more than a simple commuter.
🔷 Engine and Performance: Smooth Yet Sporty
Powering the Honda X-Blade is a 162.71cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine, which is both refined and responsive.
🔸 Engine Specs:
- Max Power: 13.67 bhp @ 8000 rpm
- Peak Torque: 14.7 Nm @ 5500 rpm
- Gearbox: 5-speed manual transmission
- Fuel System: Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-Fi)
Thanks to Honda’s advanced HET (Honda Eco Technology), the bike manages to offer great mileage while maintaining peppy performance.
🏁 On-Road Feel:
- Quick off the line and smooth throttle response
- Linear power delivery – ideal for both city traffic and short weekend rides
- Excellent engine refinement with minimal vibrations
- Easy to maneuver even in tight lanes and corners
🔷 Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
The X-Blade isn’t just about looks—it’s a practical bike when it comes to fuel economy.
💠 Mileage Performance:
- City: 45-50 kmpl
- Highway: 50-55 kmpl
- Average Mileage: ~50 kmpl
With a 12-litre fuel tank, the bike offers a range of over 600 km, making it ideal for daily commuting and occasional long rides.
🔷 Ride Comfort and Suspension
The X-Blade is built on a diamond-type frame, which ensures balanced weight distribution and stability. Honda has tuned the bike to offer a sporty yet comfortable ride.
💠 Suspension Setup:
- Front: Telescopic fork
- Rear: Monoshock suspension
This combination offers good shock absorption on rough patches and speed breakers. The bike’s long seat with adequate cushioning makes it pillion-friendly, even for longer commutes.
The riding posture is slightly sporty, with rear-set footpegs and a forward-leaning handlebar, giving you better control during sharp turns and fast rides without being uncomfortable for daily use.
🔷 Features and Technology
Honda has packed the X-Blade with several practical and stylish features that make it appealing to young riders.
🔸 Notable Features:
- Full-digital instrument cluster (gear position, clock, trip meter, fuel gauge, and more)
- Engine stop switch for quick halts
- Hazard light switch
- Low maintenance MF battery
- Strong headlight beam for night riding
- Tubeless tyres for safety
While it may not have high-end tech like Bluetooth or turn-by-turn navigation, it delivers everything that a sporty commuter should.
🔷 Braking and Safety
The braking setup on the Honda X-Blade is competent for its segment and offers decent stopping power.
💠 Braking Options:
- Front: 276 mm petal disc
- Rear: 130 mm drum or optional disc
- Single Channel ABS (Front wheel only)
The ABS ensures added safety, especially during sudden braking on slippery roads. The wide tyres offer good road grip and confidence while cornering.
🔷 Variants and Pricing
Honda offers the X-Blade in two variants:
- Single Disc (Front disc + Rear drum)
- Double Disc (Front + Rear disc)
🪙 Ex-Showroom Prices (Approx):
- Single Disc: ₹1.17 lakh
- Double Disc: ₹1.22 lakh
💡 On-road prices vary based on city and insurance.
🔷 Color Options
The Honda X-Blade is available in several eye-catching colors:
- Matte Marvel Blue Metallic
- Matte Axis Grey Metallic
- Pearl Spartan Red
- Pearl Igneous Black
Each color scheme enhances the aggressive appeal of the bike, appealing to younger audiences and college students.
🔷 Honda X-Blade vs Rivals
| Bike | Engine | Power | Mileage | Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda X-Blade | 162.71cc | 13.67 bhp | 50 kmpl | ₹1.17-1.22 lakh |
| TVS Apache RTR 160 2V | 159.7cc | 16.04 bhp | 45-50 kmpl | ₹1.25 lakh |
| Bajaj Pulsar NS160 | 160.3cc | 17.2 bhp | 45 kmpl | ₹1.25 lakh |
| Yamaha FZ-S FI | 149cc | 12.4 bhp | 50 kmpl | ₹1.21 lakh |
In terms of refinement and mileage, the Honda X-Blade holds a strong position. It may not be the most powerful, but it’s the most balanced.
🔷 Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Honda X-Blade?
The Honda X-Blade 160 is for those who want a reliable commuter with sporty looks and excellent fuel economy.
✅ Ideal For:
- College students & young professionals
- Commuters looking for style and performance
- Riders upgrading from a 100cc/125cc bike
- People who ride daily but want a head-turner bike
If you want a muscular, bold, and efficient motorcycle that gives you premium styling without the premium price, the Honda X-Blade checks all the right boxes.
