Honda X-Blade: What is the bike all about?
Available in two different variants, the Honda X-Blade bike offers a good combination of styling and performance. It is based on the 160cc platform of Honda and shares its underpinning with the likes of CB Hornet 160R and Unicorn. The bike comes powered by a 162.71cc, single-cylinder engine that uses the fuel-injection technology to put out 13.8PS and 14.7Nm of max power and max torque respectively. The engine is BS6 compliant and works on a high compression ratio of 10:1. Bore and stroke measurements are rated at 57.300mm and 63.096mm respectively while both self and kick modes are available on the bike as starting methods. The power to the rear wheel of the bike is channelized through the 5-speed gearbox and the feature of the multi-plate wet clutch makes the shifting experience quite enjoyable on X-Blade.
Honda X-Blade is built on the Diamond frame and uses a telescopic suspension system upfront. At the back, the suspension duties are handled by a hydraulic monoshock absorber. Both front and rear have got 17-inch alloys which are shod with an 80/100-17 tire in front and a 130/70-17 tire at the back. The braking is via a combination of 276 mm disc and 130mm drum at the front and rear respectively though you also get an option to choose a 220mm disc at the rear as well. To make things more effective, X-Blade comes with a single-channel ABS system that adds extra prowess to the stopping capability of the bike. Just so you know, the new safety regulations implemented by the Government of India has mandated all bikes with engine capacity more than 125cc to come equipped with an ABS system. Two-wheelers with 125cc or lower capacity, on the other hand, need to compulsorily sport a combi-braking system.
In terms of styling and design, Honda X-Blade manages to create a very solid first impression. It looks rugged, has got plenty of appeal, and its shaper design tone lends it a very racy character. The LED headlamp feels razor-sharp and in addition to adding to aesthetics, the beam is bright enough to make night journeys comfortable for riders. The 12-liter fuel tank equips the rider with a decent range and the large, comfy seat makes sure that both rider and pillion will not feel restless even on long journeys.
In terms of dimensions, Honda X-Blade measures 2013mm from head to toe while it stands 1115mm tall on the ground. The bike is 786mm wide and comes with a ground clearance of 160mm. Importantly, the wheelbase is a decent 1347mm and coupled with a seat length and height of 582mm and 795mm respectively, the X-Blade can be easily used for long tours with any space and comfort issue. The bike tips the scale at 143 kg though the double-disc option is heavier by a kg with a curb weight of 144 kg. Honda X-Blade mileage is close to 50 kmpl although Honda hasn’t disclosed the fuel-efficiency numbers on its official website.