Honda SP160: Fast Commuter with a side of Sport By John Burns The Honda SP 160 whooshes into the U.S.A. marketplace, and if the engine’s half as good as that of the similarly OHV-based Grom 125, ye olde Burnsie wants very much to ride it.
The Indian motorcycle space has changed so much over the years, particularly in the 150-160cc segment, where usable performance is key and such has been common demand. One of the new products that we have in this segment is the Honda SP 160, a motorcycle that combines the practicality of a daily commuter with the sporty looks. Conceived as an extension of Honda sensibly priced SP series – well known for stylish ease of use when commuting, the motorcycle holds unique promise to commuters that are in pursuit for something more than just a simple B class commuter, when it comes to the time to get creative they take the SP 160 apart and assemble it the way they like it.”
Design and Style
The design of the Honda SP 160 is a bit similar to its sibling, the SP 125, but here, the overall look is more striking and more aggressive too. The Motorcycle its muscular tank shroud, sharp graphics, and a sculpted fuel tank — all of which make it appear “ready to race”. No, it doesn’t scream performance the way a street naked sportbike does, but it certainly stands out from the commuter crowd. There’s LED headlamp and LED tail lamp, which adds a dash of modernity and lets you see at night better, while blacked out bits such as the exhaust muffler, and alloy wheels give it a dash of youth.
The bike feels solid, it has a nice paint finish and minimal panel gaps. The digital instrument panel is small but informative displaying readouts like real-time fuel efficiency, gear position indicator, service due reminder, and clock along with the speed, fuel gauge and trip meter. It doesn’t feel like it’s out of the stratosphere for the rider.
Engine and Performance
In the heart of the SP 160 sits 162.71cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. This engine is tuned for both economy and performance. It generates 13.5 PS of power and 14.6 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The engine is silky and sophisticated — a Honda trademark — and performs admirably in city driving and during infrequent highway cruises.
What’s interesting about this bike is the tractability of the engine. You can ride it gently in higher gears more slowly without needing to be constantly shifting gears. And it’s particularly handy in traffic, where stop-and-go becomes second nature. The bike is planted at 60-80km/h and although it’s not designed for spirited highway riding, 10 minutes on the highway shouldn’t leave you scrunched up.
Ride Quality and Handling
Honda has tried keeping a close eye on how the SP 160 rides and handles. The motorcycle employs a diamond-type frame with telescopic front fork and a monoshock at the back. It makes for a very well judged ride, without potholes and undulations unsettling the rider. The seat is long and nicely padded, with enough space to accommodate an average build pillion rider.
The SP 160’s riding position is upright, feet forward/arms out, with a tad rear-set footpegs and a flat handlebar, lending itself to weaving through traffic, but is also comfortable for longer jaunts. The 177 kgs kerb weight is well controlled and the bike feels nimble-footed. It’s sufficiently agile for urban rides and the tyres provide a good grip whether the road is dry or wet.
For braking, at both ends is disc brakes (top-end trim) along with an optional rear drum on the lower variant, which is accompanied by single-channel ABS. Stopping power is sharp and feedback comes easy on urban roads where you need to stop in a whim.
Features and Practicality
The SP 160 might not arrive with such smartphone connectivity or navigation as some rivals, but it concentrates on practical items. The all-digital meter, Led position lamp, hazard switch and engine stop switch are the kind of details that make you feel like there is a lot more than meets the eye about this motorcycle.
That said, with a claimed fuel efficiency figure of 45 – 50 km/l in city riding, 12 litres is indeed a respectable range. The 177mm of ground clearance lets the bike float over speed breakers and bad patches of roads untroubled. With a 796mm seat height, it is within reach of most average-height riders.
Another great feature of the SP 160 is its very low maintenance. Honda has an extensive service network and parts availability is seldom a concern. Add in Hondas reputation for reliability, and the CTX1300 is everything you want in a bike, and more.
Market Positioning and Target Audience
Targeted at young professionals, college students and daily commuters who want something slightly more punchy than a basic 125cc bike but don’t necessarily need an all-out 160cc sport machine, the Honda SP 160 gets some flair to its design as well. It’s a beautiful crossing of commuter pragmatism and premium ambition. Sporty looks, comfortable ergonomics, and accessible performance make it ideal for an all-rounder; a motorcycle that’s easy to live with but is stylish enough to get looks and envy from the other riders.
The SP 160 currently rivals the likes of the TVS Apache RTR 160, Bajaj Pulsar P150 and the Hero Xtreme 160R, and despite all of them having their own set of strengths, the SP 160 stands out for its refinement, comfort-oriented dynamics, and Honda’s strong brand name.
Honda SP 160: Conclusion
The Honda SP 160 is a practical evolution in Honda’s commuter range. It’s not attempting to be an outright performer, and nor is it a stripper-piece. Instead, it enhances burgeoning practicality, efficiency and durability with an infusion of sporty style and upgraded features. It’s a motorcycle for real-world conditions and real-world riders — ones who desire something dependable, current, and competent without sacrificing comfort or utility.
Whether you are a college-goer, daily commuter or you’re upgrading from a 125cc machine, the SP 160 certainly ticks most of the right boxes. It’s not exciting, but it’s reliable — and that kind of strength deserves respect in today’s market.