In the wake of government approval for motorcycles with engines up to 375cc on local roads, Bangladesh Honda Private Ltd (BHL) has unveiled its new 185cc Hornet 2.0, priced at Tk2.89 lakh.
The Hornet 2.0 boasts a range of advanced features, including an assist and slipper clutch system, programmed fuel injection technology, a Showa-built upside-down front fork, and a Bosch-manufactured single-channel anti-lock braking system. The model is available nationwide in four distinct colors: Matte Sangria Red Metallic, Matte Marvel Blue Metallic, Matte Axis Grey Metallic, and Pearl Igneous Black.
“At BHL, we are dedicated to providing cutting-edge technology and high performance,” said Shigeru Matsuzaki, Managing Director and CEO of BHL, at the virtual launch event held on Friday. “This new Hornet 2.0 is a perfect combination of power and excitement, showcasing our commitment to enhancing the riding experience in Bangladesh.”
Chief Marketing Officer of BHL, Shah Muhammad Ashequr Rahman, described the Hornet 2.0 as “a fusion of energy and sportiness, with massive naked street sports styling and aggressive performance built into its DNA.”
First introduced globally in 1996, the Hornet series made its debut in Bangladesh with the 165cc model in February 2018. Industry insiders estimate that approximately 45,000 units of the 165cc Hornet are currently on local roads.
The Hornet 2.0 comes equipped with LED lighting, a 140mm wide rear tire, a 110mm wide front tire, and an advanced digital meter console. Its engine delivers 16.6 Ps of power at 8,500 RPM and 15.4 Nm of torque at 6,000 RPM, making it suitable for both daily commuting and weekend getaways.
In November 2023, Uttara Motors, the manufacturer and distributor of Bajaj motorcycles, introduced the Pulsar N 250 at around Tk3.4 lakh, marking the first higher-cc commuter bike in Bangladesh. In February 2024, Hero followed suit, launching the 210cc Karizma XMR for nearly Tk4 lakh.
As of June 30, over 1,400 units of these two models had been sold in Bangladesh.
The surge of high-cc motorcycles follows the government’s decision to relax restrictions on engines above 150-165cc, allowing motorcycles with engines up to 375cc on local roads, provided they are manufactured in local plants.
