The new X-Blade is priced at Rs 78,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The bike was first showcased at Auto Expo 2018, and bookings had opened shortly after. The bike features a very aggressive design language to appeal to a younger audience. While the basic design looks inspired by the Honda CB Hornet 160R, the bike features sharper panels to increase its visual appeal.
What Honda calls ‘Robo-face’, is an edgy headlight with an all-LED unit that’s also a segment-first. The X-Blade is also fitted with a taller fly screen, an underbelly cowl, chunky grab rails and a redesigned LED tail-lamp. You also get a full-digital console with a gear-position indicator, service indicator, hazard lights and a white backlight. The bike is powered by a 162.7cc air-cooled motor from the CB Hornet 160R but here it makes 13.9hp and 13.9Nm.
Power is channelled via a five-speed gearbox. You don’t get CBS or ABS on this bike though, you get a disc brake at the front and a drum at the back. There are five colours on offer - Matte Marvel Blue Metallic, Pearl Igneous Black, Matte Frozen Silver, Pearl Spartan Red and Matte Marshal Green Metallic.