Latest patent images of what seems to be a new neo-retro scrambler-styled motorcycle from Honda have emerged, and this could be an upcoming premium commuter motorcycle from Honda, possibly based on the Honda CB Hornet 160R. The patent images of the new bike, taking design inspiration from Honda's Neo-Sports Cafe concept, have been filed for the European market, and from a close look at the images, the yet to be named new model does have a lot of common with the Honda CB Hornet 160R sold in Nepal.

From the images, it's clear that the frame and engine, as well as the alloy wheels very closely resemble those of the Honda CB Hornet 160R sold in Nepal. Like the CB Hornet 160R, the engine is air-cooled, and the single downtube chassis is almost identical to that of the CB Hornet 160R. The bike also has the same wheel design and brake rotors. The only difference seems to be the front suspension, and the bike in the images employs an upside down front fork. Now, what is not clear is whether the bike in question is in fact, the next-generation Honda CB Hornet 160R, or a completely new model, possibly joining the Honda CB300R, and the Honda CB1000R family, with the Honda CB160R moniker.

The design is clearly Honda's Neo Sports Cafe, like the CB300R and the CB1000R, with the round LED headlamp, muscular and chiselled bodywork, with a sleek tail section. What is not certain at this stage is whether Honda Motorcycle and Scooter will also introduce something like this, possibly as a BS-6 replacement for the Honda CB Hornet 160R, or maybe as an altogether new model positioned as a slightly premium offering in the Honda CB series. Either way, it's certainly going to be a looker in the 160 cc segment, and if Honda does decide to launch it in Nepal, it will certainly shake up things in the premium commuter segment with those sharp looks.

What is more interesting is what’s beneath the bodywork. The powertrain is an air-cooled single cylinder motor. Externally, it looks similar to the one seen on the Honda Hornet 160R except for the revised exhaust. Even the frame appears to be a similar single downtube setup. However, the rear subframe could be different to accommodate the flat rear seat.  The bike also gets more premium suspension in the form of upside down forks and petal disc brakes.  Europe has a significant market for premium small capacity motorcycles. They are useful to commute in crowded city centres and given the smaller engine capacity, they are lighter on the pocket in terms of retail price and insurance. The closest we have to an affordable neo-retro motorcycle is the Jawa Forty-Two. A retro motorcycle based on the Hornet 160R could offer Honda an edge in the fiercely competitive 160cc segment.