Honda NX 200 Review: Is it Adventure-Ready?

This is a detailed review of the Honda NX 200.

When Honda Nepal introduced the Honda Hornet 2.0, it did not live up to expectations. Learning from past mistakes, the company is trying to set things right.

Honda NX 200 made its surprising debut in the Nepali market, after cleverly renaming it from the CB200X to NX 200.

Despite being a brand-new adventure tourer, NX 200 is based on the Hornet 2.0 platform. Except for the stylistic differences, it shares the majority of the engine, performance, and specs.

However, the adventure platform gives an interesting boost in practicality.

The introductory price of Rs. 4.79 Lakhs (now at Rs. 4.84 Lakhs) made the NX 200 a more enticing choice compared to the time when the Hornet 2.0 was launched with its eyebrow-raising price.

There is now renewed hope for the Honda NX 200.

Is the Honda NX 200 a good offering? Does the new Honda offering justify its NX badging?

That is what we are here to find out! Let’s begin.

This is the full review of the Honda NX 200.

Honda NX 200 Review

Adventure Styling

Honda NX 200 daunts on the mantel of an Urban Explorer.

Built on the Hornet 2.0 platform, it gets an adventure-inspired design with its ADV-inspired Fairings, Tall Wind Visor, and Cladded Body Panels.

The stickering is on the minimal side, but it provides a brighter glow to the motorcycle.

Moreover, the front LED Headlamp and Knuckle Guards with integrated LED Indicators further boost its overall look.

The blacked-out Visor does help improve the aerodynamics.

Except for these new elements, there are a few familiar elements. Coming from the front section, the rest of the Honda NX 200 has a familiar stylistic setting as seen in the Hornet 2.0.

It features the same X-shaped LED Tail Lamps, a Hazard Light Switch, an Engine Kill Switch, a Sporty Exhaust, and a Digital Instrument Meter.

Despite the expected part sharing, the Honda NX 200 has maintained a different aura to its naked sibling.

Furthermore, the bulkier front section not only gives it an updated overall look and feel, but also helps it lean more towards the adventure tourer aesthetics.

Under Cowl has gotten a minor revision, but it is made out of plastic. So, it looks like adventure-ready without being adventure-ready.

Alloy Wheels are also the same.

However, the tyres have been upgraded to Block-Pattern Tyres.

Interestingly enough, these changes are enough to create a separate appeal in terms of style ad practicality over the nature of the motorcycle.

Honda NX 200 comes in four color options: Red, Black, Blue, and Silver.

Performance

Honda NX 200 is powered by an 184.40cc, 4-stroke, Air-cooled, PGM-FI Engine. It generates a max power of 17.26PS at 8500rpm and a max torque of 15.9Nm at 6000rpm.

Moreover, it is mated to a 5-speed gearbox with a 12-liter fuel tank capacity.

We have seen this same engine in the Hornet 2.0.

While it daunts the “200” stickering, the equipped engine is just 184cc.

The overall engine configuration and specs remain the same. However, Honda has included Side Stand Engine Cut-Off as a feature update.

It remains one of the more refined Honda bikes currently on offer.

While the spec sheet may feel lacking, the performance holds a very interesting characteristic.

We will discuss some of these characteristics in the Experience Section.

Additional Details

The dimensions are 2035mm in length, 843mm in width, and 1248mm in height. Moreover, the wheelbase is 1355mm.

Honda NX 200 gets a 167mm ground clearance. And, the kerb weight has increased by 5 kilos, coming in at 147kg.

Here is another interesting contrast.

While the Honda NX 200 daunts on the adventure-ready aesthetics, the ground clearance indicates otherwise.

Features

Honda NX 200 gets a load of practical and aesthetic features.

It is one of the more comprehensive packages, easily justifying its asking price for its value. Here is the detailed list of features.

Braking Performance

Honda NX 200 features Dual-Disc Brakes with Single-Channel ABS.

Both the 276mm Front Disc and 220mm Rear Disc brakes are equipped with NISSIN Brake calipers. And, the Single-Channel ABS setup is justifiable for the level of adventure it promises.

The braking configuration is very confidence-inspiring.

Both front and rear brakes do more than a satisfying job of bringing NX 200 from high speed to a complete halt. Riders are always in total control.

The braking setup provides enough inspiration to push the bike to its limit.

Tyres

The Honda NX 200 gets 17-inch tyres, 110/70-section at the front and 140/70-section at the rear.

It is the same setup as the one in the Hornet 2.0. However, it gets an upgrade to Dual-Purpose Block tyres.

These tyres give a noticeable upgrade in the overall road grip and cornering capabilities.

Combining these new tyres with the dynamic flexibility of the NX 200, riders gain the confidence to do more, be more, and ride more.

Both the tyres and the wheel setup work together in harmony, creating a magical and fun city riding experience.

Suspension

Honda NX 200 gets a Showa Upside-Down Fork at the front and Mono Shock at the rear.

Any adventure tourer should have a flexible suspension feel for better accommodation in both off-roads and on-roads.

Unfortunately, the Honda NX 200 has a good-looking setup tuned specifically for city rides.

The suspension feel is on the stiffer side.

It performs marvelously on the city roads. It is reactive towards minor bumps but continues to hold a stable riding experience.

What makes it great in the city, unfortunately, holds it back in the off-road conditions.

The suspension experience is just too stiff on bad roads… almost tolerable, but not enjoyable.

Honda should have tuned the setup befitting its new adventure-tourer look. Instead, it was a simple copy and paste from the Hornet 2.0, which feels a bit disappointing.

Seat Comfort and Pillion

Honda NX 200 sports a Split Seat setup.

While it may seem like the same setup as the Hornet, the seat cushioning is on the softer side.

Interestingly enough, the riding posture has completely changed thanks to its raised and swaged handlebar.

It provides an upright riding posture, maintaining a stress-free riding posture on both streets and highways.

Additionally, the bulkier front profile in combination with the upright riding posture gives riders a “can-do-everything” attitude.

The specs on paper may limit the NX 200, but the confidence it provides is unmatched by any other motorcycle I have ever tested!

Fuel Tank Capacity and Mileage

Honda NX 200 has a 12-liter fuel tank capacity.

During real-world testing, we achieved a mileage of 38-40 kmpl. Riders may attain over 40 kmpl with more economical riding, resulting in a range of 456-489 km on a full tank.

Digital Meter

Honda NX 200 sports a Fully Digital Instrument Meter.

It provides informative information like Gear Position Indicator, Odometer, Twin Trip Meters, Battery Voltmeter, Side Stand Indicator, and more.

There are 5-levels of screen brightness customization.

Unfortunately, it still misses out on Bluetooth Connectivity and App Connectivity.

Considering its adventure-tourer appeal, Honda should have updated the meter with Onboard Navigation and any other rider telemetries like Average Fuel Mileage, Real-Time Fuel Mileage, and Expected Range.

The digital meter looks good but could have been greater.

Honda NX 200 Feature Highlights

• 180cc BS6-compliant FI Engine
• Urban Explorer Styling
• LED Headlamps with X-shaped LED Taillight
• Knuckle Guards with Integrated LED Indicators
• Muscular Fuel Tank
• Sporty Engine Cowl
• Digital LCD Meter with 5-level Illumination Control
• Split-Seat with Stress-Free Riding Posture
• HET Engine with Best-in-Class Mid-range Torque
• Key on Tank
• Engine Stop Switch
• Hazard Light Switch
• USD Front Forks and Monoshock Suspension
• Dual Disc Braking
• Single-Channel ABS

My Experience with the Honda NX 200

Refined Performance

Honda NX 200 has a charismatic characteristic, which is noticeable from the very first instance.

Despite being limited to an 184cc engine, the punchiness and refinement are in a class of their own. The engine does not feel limited in the city, because of its quick throttle response and entertaining mid-range.

Interestingly, the engine is matched well with the rider-friendly posture thanks to its lighter weight and flexible dynamics.

You can easily push the bike to its limit while staying in full control.

The level of confidence it provides to simply pull on the throttle and accelerate is unmatched. Moreover, the engine is super refined with all the vibrations on check.

That being said, the vibrations do start to creep up past 7000 rpm.

Going past the rev range, the vibrations can be felt in the handlebar and tank panels. However, these vibrations provide a

Despite being heavier than its naked sibling, the NX 200 feels lighter, agile, and responsive.

It is an adventure tourer tuned for city rides, making tedious commutes super fun! It glides through the city traffic, setting a good example of collaboration between practicality and functionality.

As a bonus, this center of gravity is on the superior side.

These elements are only applicable to city rides. However, the overall experience is very different on highways and off-road.

The same responsive engine feels underwhelming on the highways.

The 184cc engine is not tuned well enough for higher performance, because of this, both the power and torque are lacking on there.

Similarly, the off-road capabilities are also hindered due to its stiffer suspension setup.

Shortcomings

In summary, the Honda NX 200 has all the hallmarks of a great adventure tourer.

It looks great, offering a refined engine and ergonomic riding posture.

However, the “adventure tourer” claim is only backed up by its style, and not by its comprehensive feature set. Meaning, it sets up expectations to be an adventure tourer but fails to live up to them.

There are plenty of ways Honda could have gone to meet that expectation.

Instead, the company chose a convenient route to simply offer its naked sports offering in an adventure tourer avatar.

This is a good motorcycle, but it easily could have been greater!

Battle with Competition

Honda NX 200 rivals the Hero XPulse 200.

Both bikes offer dual sport characteristics perfect for Kathmandu’s urban jungle.

Hero XPulse does more justice to the dual sports character, offering well-tuned suspension, larger ground clearance, and better performance. Whereas, the Honda NX 200 excels in city performance and agility which is similar to the Hornet.

Putting price into the mix, the Honda NX 200 fails to justify its asking price.

Hero XPulse 200 costs less than the Honda NX 200, while offering more power, more capabilities, and more features.

While the refinement of both engines is debatable, the Hero XPulse is more in line with its dual sports character!

Unfortunately, the Honda NX 200 looks like dual sports but has characteristics better suited for urban commuting.

Conclusion

Honda NX 200 is a mass-market product.

I think that is why Honda decided to translate a naked sport into an adventure tourer. It is a perfect alternative for those looking to ride something different than another sports commuter.

In that regard, the Honda NX 200 is different.

NX 200 opens up the possibilities to make commuting fun! While it may not have the adventure tourer dynamics, it is more than capable enough to handle adventures during the weekend.

It offers flexibility and confidence which is incomparable to a normal street bike. This can do more, and do it exactly how you wanted it to do, but not the the extent to justify its NX badging.

Nevertheless, the Honda NX 200 continues to be an enticing offering for those looking to explore something different.

This is the Honda NX 200.