Honda NX200: Is It Just A Rebranded CB200X With New Features?

If you’ve ever dreamed of conquering India’s diverse landscapes, you need a motorcycle that blends capability, comfort and technology. Whether it’s the smooth expressways around Lucknow, the dramatically Lunar surface-inspired roads of Gurgaon, magical highways or the winding mountain roads of Rishikesh, a good motorcycle is the ideal tool. A decent cubic capacity engine for effortless cruising, upside-down forks for smooth handling and a modern TFT display for that premium touch sounds ideal, right?

Honda has taken another step to give a tough fight to the Hero Xpulse 210, Suzuki V-Strom and KTM 250 Adventure and has finally decided to change the name of the already existing Honda CB200X.

The new product is called the NX200, an adventure-styled motorcycle that comes at an attractive price of INR 1.68 lakh (ex-showroom). But before you get too excited, this is not a new model. Honda has borrowed the ‘NX’ tag from its legendary Honda NX500 and according to the brand, the new name will give it a stronger ADV identity.

While the styling hints at adventure, the NX200 remains a road-biased machine, much like its predecessor. The new motorcycle comes with the old 184cc single-cylinder engine that delivers a refined and commuter-friendly performance, making it a practical choice for urban riders who want a rugged-looking machine (plastic is not rugged, though).

But does this facelift bring anything genuinely new to the table or is it just a marketing move?

In a market where true entry-level ADVs like the Hero Xpulse 210 exist, does the Honda NX200 stand out as a compelling option? Let’s dive deeper into what this motorcycle offers and whether it truly deserves the adventure tag.

What’s the main update?

The Honda NX200 now gets dual-channel ABS and a TFT instrument cluster with Bluetooth integration. The NX200 retains the same 184cc single-cylinder engine but the new engine is now OBD2B compliant, which will help riders monitor the motorcycle’s engine health. However, Honda has not yet unveiled the fuel efficiency figures.

With the NX tag, the new machine will be sold through Honda’s premium showrooms. The motorcycle will also be available in three colour options. The same motorcycle is available in our neighbouring country Nepal in four colour options. Bookings for the NX200 are already open and with deliveries set to commence in March, eager riders won’t have to wait too long to get their hands on this refreshed machine.

Honda NX200 specifications

The Honda NX200 is powered by an 184.4cc engine, producing a maximum power output of 12.7kW and a peak torque of 16.1Nm. The motorcycle is lightweight, with a kerb weight of 147kg and Honda has installed a 12-litre fuel tank.

The ground clearance of the Honda NX200 is 167mm, which is decent enough for city riding and long highway journeys.

Verdict

There is a huge difference between an adventure-looking machine and a purpose-built adventure machine. Some budget motorcycles may look like ADVs but they are more suited to highway touring. The Honda NX200 falls into the same category. However, the main advantage of the Honda NX200 over the updated Xpulse 210 is the price point. The Honda NX200 is slightly more affordable than the Hero Xpulse 210.

The Honda NX200 comes at a price of INR 1.68 lakh, whereas the Hero Xpulse 210 is priced at INR 1,75,800. Honda NX200 can be a decent alternative for riders who target highways more than upset tracks.