The Honda CB200X is the newest adventure-themed motorcycle to go on sale in India and it competes in the entry-level ADV segment. Now, there aren’t too many options for customers when it comes to proper ADVs in this space. And to be fair, the Honda CB200X isn’t a proper adventure motorcycle either. In fact, the CB200X can be best described as the Hornet 2.0 on steroids. It’s supposed to be a more versatile derivative of the Hornet 2.0 offering more flexibility than the urban commuter. So what models does the CB200X compete against? There’s the Hero XPulse 200 and the more comparable XPulse 200T that are available at a similar price point. So, let’s take a look at how these models stack up against each other.
Dimensions
The Honda Honda CB200X measures 2035mm in length, 843mm in width and 1248mm in height. The wheelbase stands at 1355mm. The CB200X looks larger with the half-fairing, tall fly screen and long tail section. It’s also larger than the Hero XPulse 200 by a considerable margin, and is 187mm longe, 7mm wider and 10mm taller. But the XPulse’s wheelbase measures at 1410mm, which is 55 mm longer than the CB200X. For the XPulse 200T, the wheelbase is slightly smaller at 1393mm, but is still larger than the CB200X by 38mm.
The Hero XPulse 200 also gets a higher ground clearance by 53mm, which is at 167mm on the CB200X. The Hero XPulse 200T is only marginally higher at 178mm. In terms of weight, the Honda CB200X has a kerb weight of 147kg, which is 10kg less than the XPulse 200, and 7kg lighter than the XPulse 200T.
The CB200X is also more accessible with a seat height of 810mm, which is higher at 832mm on the XPulse 200. The seat height though is the lowest on the XPulse 200T at 800 mm. So swinging your leg on the XPulse 200T will be the easiest between these three bikes. Lastly, the XPulse 200 and the 200T get a 13 litre fuel tank, while the CB200X uses a 12 litre unit.
Chassis and Suspension
While the Honda CB200X is pitched as an adventure-based motorcycle, it does not really get a long travel suspension. The bike uses the same USD front forks as the Hornet 2.0, while a monoshock does duty at the rear. The Hero XPulse 200 gets a long travel suspension set-up. This includes telescopic forks at the front with 190mm travel and a 10-step pre-load adjustable monoshock at rear. The unit is the same on the XPulse 200T but with a 130mm travel at the front and 7-step adjustability at the rear.
The Honda CB200X and the XPulse 200 range are underpinned by a Diamond tubular frame.
Cycle Parts
When it comes to other parts, that’s where you see why the CB200X is all show. The bike rides on 17-inch alloy wheels on both sides but with dual-sport tyres. These will be best for the tarmac and tackling mild off-roading terrain. The front uses a 100/70 section tyre, while the rear uses a fatter 140/70 section rubber. Both are tubeless tyres.
On the other hand, the Hero XPulse 200 gets a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch wheel at the rear. The front gets a 90/90 section tyre with a 120/80 section rubber at the rear. The Hero XPulse 200T also uses 17-inch alloy wheels but uses 100/80 section rubber at the front, and a 130/70 tyre at the rear. Both are tubeless tyres.
All three bikes use disc brakes at either end. The CB200X is equipped with a 276mm disc at the front and a 220mm disc at the rear. The Xpulse 200 and the 200T make do with a 276mm petal disc at the front and 220mm disc at the rear. All three bikes get single-channel ABS as standard.
Engine
Coming to the heart of the matter, the Honda CB200X borrows its power mill from the Hornet 2.0 and there’s no change in output. The 184.4cc, single-cylinder engine produces 17PS at 8,500RPM and 16.1Nm of peak torque at 6,000RPM. The motor is paired with a 5-speed gearbox.
The Hero Xpulse 200 and the 200T get the larger displacement with the 199.6cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine churning out 18.08PS 8,500RPM and 16.45Nm at 6,500RPM. The engine is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. All three engines are fuel injected to comply with the latest emission regulations.
Prices
We believe the Hero XPulse 200 is the best budget off-roader on sale in India right now and is attractively priced at Rs. 1.21 lakh. The Hero XPulse 200T becomes the more commute-friendly alternative priced at Rs. 1.18 lakh. Meanwhile, the CB200X is priced at quite the premium at Rs. 1.44 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom Delhi.
On paper, the CB200X does feel steeply priced but can it justify the premium? We will have to wait till we get our hands on the motorcycle to give you the right answer.
