When it comes to 160cc motorbikes, the market is flooded with options but very few strike a balance between performance, reliability and value. Enter the Honda SP 160. It’s designed to fill the void between commuter practicality and stylish performance, and help it carve out its own niche. But does it have what it needs to outshine rivals such as the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V? Let’s find out.
First Impressions: Understated and Premium
No, the Honda SP 160 does not scream for attention with neon treatment. It doesn’t do so and instead, woos you with its neat, minimal and premium design language. The chiseled fuel tank, aerodynamic LED headlight and sharp tail section add a mature and premium look. The build is it feels trademark Honda—strong and durable. It’s a bike that appears more expensive than it is, and is aimed at riders who like elegance more than flash.
Engine Performance: Refined and Efficient
Powering the SP 160 is a 163cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine, which comes with Honda’s PGM-FI technology. This engine is built for a purpose – to be silky smooth, relaxed, and refined – very refined. Power Delivery: It makes a strong power and torque, but the emphasis is on low-end and mid-range lugability. Which are liquefied for an absolute treat in city traffic, where fast overtakes and easy-breezy pull-offs are de rigueur.
- Refinement: Here is where the SP 160 shines. The engine is very smooth with almost no vibrations and making every ride a soothing experience.
- Mileage: With accurate fuel injection, the bike renders great mileage. What would be the real world mileage of 50-55 kmpl, which will not dig a hole in your pocket.
Ride and Handling
Comfort First, Torque Second As you might have guessed by now, the Ram 1500 rides like the gentleman of the group.
Comfort has taken precedence in the case of the Honda without sacrificing stability. The diamond frame gives it weight and ensures it is stable through corners and on long stretches of highway.
The suspension is set a bit on the softer side, but manages to soak up bumps and potholes with ease providing a cushy ride for both rider and pillion. A rider sits in an upright, neutral riding position that is ideal for longer excursions without suffering fatigue. The SP 160 is a really stable and easygoing companion, whether you’re grinding through gnarly city traffic or riding highways.
Features: Practical Over Flashy
The feature list of the SP 160 is kept practical and functional. Standout is full-LED headlamp that give an excellent illumination and helps in the premium feel. You also get a full digital instrument panel that effortlessly shows all the important information you need. It’s not as flashy as Bluetooth connectivity and doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, but the simplicity of this radio is likely to be what matters to a commuter most: it’s easy to connect and it works reliably.
The Verdict: Who Should Buy the Honda SP 160?
The Honda SP 160 is not a committed performance bike but rather a class act in refined, efficient commuting with just enough sense of style and power.
