Why the Honda HRN 216 VYA is a big upgrade over the Honda HRR216 Lawn Mower

Whats guys, today we are going to compare the legendary outgoing Honda HRR 216 K11 lawn mower to the brand new from the ground up 2020 Honda HRN-216 VYA. This new mower from Honda ups the ante from the competition but lets see how it compares to the old trusted Honda HRR 216 that sold like hotcakes. Thanks for watching :) Stay tuned for the HRN Vs HRX video coming soon!
HRN-VKA Base with smart drive $409
HRN-VYA $509 Smart drive and Roto-Stop $509

[@henryt9254]

I've been using the HRR for the last 8 years and never ever have a problem. It is simple, easy to use, and starts every time on the first pull. Aside from maintenance such as oil change, air filter change, spark plug change and blade sharpening.....and yes changed a set of wheels, it has been perfect. People always go for the latest and greatest and just assume that the newer ones are better. I disagree because the world is changing and they just don't build them like they used to. People also have to realize that the more features of course the better, but it also increases the odds of having things go wrong. To me, a lawnmower has to work when you need it. It surely doesn't have to be sexy.

[@robertragland6084]

Yesssir been using my HRR for the last 8 summers, 20 dollar tuneup kit and 30 dollar blade change...and I'm doing my yard plus my two elderly neighbors...works like a charm!

[@arsjth]

I have an hrr216 that i just bought recently second hand. On the low cut settings the mower will often get stuck on small mounds of dirt. The front guard seems too low to allow things to pass under. Any thoughts?

[@hunterharison]

​@@arsjthyes, fix it!

[@georgehutcheson9679]

Oh, how I agree with this comment . Keeping up with the Joneses is what I call it. I have the HRR 216, and it's all I'll ever need.

[@shamanstarrpeacefully4536]

Great video. I am using the 216 for residential and commercial cuts. The information you gave was clear. I felt that you were being as honest as possible. Great comparison.

[@digicandy70]

Great Video and thanks for addressing the ease of pulling the mower back. After owning an HRR216VKA I thought I'd never buy a Honda mower again, but this video has helped change my mind.

[@cwilks5592]

Got an HRN few months ago after 17 years on my Toro. Haven’t been able to use it yet. I’ll get to when I get home from deployment. Until then all I can do is watch people enjoy the mow on KZbin.

[@Dsaubt]

Thanks for the review. I bought another house and I have a mower at each one so I can drive up and take care of the yards. I've have two Toros and they are more expensive models but they always seemed sort of... flimsy or something? Not sure. Just some of the fit and finishing on them doesn't impress me, the handles usually come loose and the metal where they connect to the deck is always thin steel. Not to say they don't cut or run well. I just remember an old Honda mower my dad taught me to cut grass with 20 years ago and the thing was a tank. It seemed like he had it forever until he moved on to the Toro Timemaster. I was looking at the more expensive HRX model because I always buy mowers with a blade override system and didn't see this mower at first. But $700+ was kind of steep. Once I saw this for $500 I was sold. I just picked this up tonight from Lowe's and can't wait to try it out.

[@foreverandaday8185]

Awesome comparison amongst all 3. Great points. Thanks for sharing... But yeah, can you share a vid comparing your HRN vs HRX cutting tall, thick grass, mulching leaves, rear discharge, wet grass, bagging, etc...? I know I'd like to see that

[@chriskempf7671]

Honda needs to pay you! I’m literally looking between these two and your thorough review definitely helped decide. Thanks again!

[@Eternal2007]

Happy to help!

[@chynne33]

Just bought one today. Haven't used it yet, but researched ratings and reviews before buying. Can't wait to try it tomorrow

[@ravstafarian5186]

Awesome comparison, thanks! Looks like I’ll be getting one soon. My hrr rear wheels seized up, I’m really glad you talked about how easy the hrn pulls backwards. It’s the only issue with the hrr.

[@cookiemonster3979]

Turn the hrr on each side and put oil or pentratng spray on the axles and turn the wheels backwards are u do it. Several times.. will make ot abit more easy to pull backwards. Needs to be done every now and then

[@muxxor9492]

Great review! I wish Honda would make a 30” to compete with the Toro Time Master, I think it would sell very well.

[@BigBeardedBubba]

for real!

[@SeanBaker]

Bought me an HRR, from a pawn shop, a few days ago. It's much better than my old Murray push mower. How I lived without self-propulsion, I'll never know!

[@johncyr181]

picked up an hrr216 in great shape used for 150.00 today, good companion to my free 15 year old honda 21" push mower.... The HRR is spotless. Previous owner going electric and good for him. Best deal ever.

[@warrenwillcox3309]

Very good review on these two Hondas, Andrew! I had the HRX with 190 cc select drive and i did not like the plastic deck bouncing with a full bag of grass. I also did not care for the drag of the drive system when pulling back in reverse. I ended up selling it and ended up getting the Honda 216 HRS push with no bagging. It pushes smooth.

[@Nick91768]

I have the previous Honda 216 model that you show in your video for 3 years. Love it. BTW, the gas cap also clicks on the previous model, just turn it more.

[@janp6006]

Thanks for the video! I had an even older HRX model…still loved it and use it at another house. But, really loving my new HRN!

[@bigrome83]

Can’t wait to try mine out.

[@andrewwhittaker7500]

great review, love the car comparisons lol

[@tufftrucker40]

I have a hard and I love it and will probably use it till it completely dies but it nice to see honda improving and moving forward with technology in the yard work game.

[@FattyMateo]

This guy definitely bangs his lawn mower when no one is looking 😂😂😂

[@Ed-gq8hk]

LOL !!!!

[@raylegend808]

🤣🤣🤣

[@BA-pz3lo]

😂

[@prestachuck2867]

Thanks for the excellent comparison video! My old mower is the predecessor to the HRR216. It's well over 10 years old! But alas, it's finally time to replace it. Just ordered the HRN 216 VYA! Happy mowing!

[@Eternal2007]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching. You’re going to love the HRN 216 VYA. Have a good day. 😀

[@prestachuck2867]

@@Eternal2007 I was thinking about going with the HRX, but I began to wonder if I really needed it’s additional features after watching another comparison video. I prefer the drive control on the HRN to that of the HRX. Then I saw your video which is the only one that mentions how easily the HRN rolls when you release the drive and pull backwards. I must do that a hundred times whenever I mow! Definitely the decision maker! Thanks again.

[@williamchang9870]

Thank you for this video! This was a really good comparison. I am also having the reverse wheel problem with my current HRR model and wanted to upgraded to their newest model. I'm glad I saw this review and I will be going with the model that rolls smoothly back and forth. Which drive system do you prefer? Do you like to control the throttle with your thumb or the other system on the HRX?

[@George-bz1fi]

We're going into our third season with the HRR216, great mower, no problems.

[@donaldficker4835]

Nice review. Thank you. Significant improvements in new mower.

[@swaha55]

Great comparison. Did you say the HRN cuts faster?? Also which one weighs more? Can the handle easily fold down on the HRN?

[@coobay978]

Used my son-in-law's HRR and loved it so I just bought me a HRN. Didn't realize I was buying one that's much better.

[@Eternal2007]

Oh yeah. HRN is very good.

[@l337pwnage]

That self propel on the HRN is one of the many features that I like about it. There are several reasons I do not like self propel. 1) extra weight 2) more maintenance and 3) most have heavy resistance when moving them around or using them without the self propel. I was seriously considering ordering the push HRN, but the price, weight, and rolling resistance between the push HRN and the self propel HRN are all very small. I think I'll get the self propel and probably only use it when I feel tired. One disappointment is if they had made a big-wheeled push, I would have got that instead, but the push is literally exactly the same as the self propel minus the transmission and a couple other pieces, so there is very little reason to not get the self propel. Since it's 20# heavier than my old mower, I'm sure I'll make use of the self propel sometimes. ;) I think a lot of that weight is just how solid that deck is. It is quite thick.

[@tonym6920]

I do find that the HRN is a lot easier to handle than the HRR, especially pulling it backwards - no effort at all with the HRN. I haven’t seen any videos on how to remove the shield under the HRN. I purchased the Shop Manual for the HRN but it’s always better to see someone actually doing it. I didn’t get the Roto-Stop on the HRN ( I have an HRR216 with Roto-Stop) as the drive belt change without it is a lot less complicated. Besides, the HRN is super easy to start. Good luck with yours, thanks for the vid. 👍

[@robertschreck3586]

My sister has the HRR. It had the problem with the rear wheels locking. Sanding the driveshaft is a temporary fix. The problem is with the plastic bushings on the driveshaft. On hers, one of the bushings got hot and I guess, sort of expanded causing the driveshaft to not spin in reverse. I had to replace the left and right side adjusting arms. I think Honda finally addressed the problem and had to redesign the adjusting arms. The new bushings were noticeably thicker. I replaced the blades, drive belt and air filter. It runs like it’s brand new. I’m using it on my yard because my Snapper bit the dust. The cut quality is better than my Snapper. My yard is small and I’m looking to go to a battery powered mower. If not, I will definitely go with a Honda.

[@madcowusa4277]

HRN is sold out all over western WA. Not sure if it's increased demand or plandemic supply chain disruption. Back ordered one as my 10 year HRR blew its transmission along with worn smooth wheels, stretched control cables and chipped up blades. I could fix everything for $200 but decided to try the newer one with bigger engine. Good review. You convinced me.

[@Eternal2007]

Wow. Have you checked Lowe’s and Home Depot ?

[@bluidog2]

I went from a Toro recycler to this HRN. What a difference in handling. Cuts great 👍

[@Johnny-dw6un]

Are you still enjoying the hrn?

[@bluidog2]

Johnny 5 yes.

[@toddknott135]

OMG this guy just used the work 'sexy' to describe a lawn mower.. Now I really enjoyed that laugh. Thanks

[@billjordan1173]

Nice review. I have the HRR model (but it has the roto stop feature on it, so starts like the HRN does), and the rear-wheel issue is driving me nuts. I've only had the thing for a season or two, so can't really justify upgrading at this point, but if I had to try to mow my parents lawn with this thing, where a lot of backward pulling is required, I'd be dumping it. For the time being, I'm going to buy stock in the company that owns WD40. Like one of the other commenters below, I'm not sure I trust another Honda, even though your brief demo shows it pulls backward easily, given this seems to be a long-existing issue they didn't address previously, and still sounds like it's an issue on their higher-end model. I'll put up with it as long as I can, then will probably look at Toro. My favorite mower thus far was a Toro personal-pace mower I bought at an independent shop years ago, but I stupidly let the oil run down and destroyed the engine.

[@appleztooranges]

Awesome. Just grabbed my Honda HRX217HYA. Gave my parents my hrr216vka

[@jamesorsby7553]

The fact that the HRN is slightly quieter than the HRX model is impressive... gotta get one soon.

[@madcowusa4277]

different sized engines. 170 vs 200cc.

[@cooperhickman3547]

I have the older hrr (7 years old I think ) and if the engine isn’t running the back wheels don’t move at all. And if you are on grass the wheels get traction and tear up the yard. I have used an hrn and it is also a lot lighter. The hrr is I think like 90 to 100 pounds and the hrn is about 75. It makes a huge difference.

[@fredlwal]

how well does it clip the grass and does it store away in easily in the garage?

[@edf2953]

Very good comparison of the two mowers. Just stumbled across your Channel. I will subscribe and take a look see at some of the other videos you’ve made. If you haven’t done so, i would enjoy a comparison of the HRN to the HRX. Thanks...Ed

[@geepeezee5030]

Were all 3 mowers provided to you for review/comparison?

[@RideCamVids]

After all these years, NOTHING beats the original HR21-5 from 1980.

[@BrettBreeden]

Seriously. We had one of those as a kid. I remember my dad told us it was the Rolls Royce of lawn mowers, and he was not wrong.

[@jimeckenrode1271]

I have a 1988 model that still starts in one pull and in all those years I only replaced one spark plug which it probably didn't need.

[@mauri11]

Sweet I just bought one. How much did it cost you? It was $509 at Lowes this morning.

[@juggernaut321hero2]

I have the hrr216 with electronic key start. If I got the hrn 216, do you think I could move the electronic starter over to the hrn 216?

[@kansasgardener5844]

I just purchased an HRN and must say I love it so far. Just in case I did purchase an extended warranty.

[@dakotahayden6937]

I'm in the market for a new mower and debating between the HRN216VKA(smart drive) and HRN216PKA (push). I like a push mower for tight spots and mowing at an angle, back and forth, under hedge rows. Does anyone know if the smart drive can be disabled, or just not engaged, on the VKA so that it can be used like a push style mower?

[@arsjth]

I have an hrr216 that i just bought recently second hand. On the low cut settings the mower will often get stuck on small mounds of dirt. The front guard seems too low to allow things to pass under. Any thoughts?

[@jimmydickson8854]

Thanks for the review mate jimmy Australia

[@loiilaii808]

Hope Honda would build a ride-on mower.

[@andybub45]

If they do, I hope it uses their old 2 cylinder liquid cooled with a shaft drive.

[@d_dizzie_druck5753]

They will deystroy the competition if they do

[@elfiero50]

They got out of that market a few years back. The built ride-on mowers for about 10 years or more. The problem was everyone else was willing to earn less profit than Honda, and they didn’t care how long they lasted. And the majority of the buyers did not want to pay for high quality, all those buyers wanted was low cost. If you wanted a high quality rider, they were a wonderful machine, but could you really afford a rear engine mower that cost more than a John Deere? In 1997?

[@TryRickPayton]

I got the HRN its a beast

[@Eternal2007]

Oh yeah. She’s purrs like a kitten.

[@MidWesti]

this video had me feeling bad for the HRR when you were talking down to it lol "HRN looks like a sports car compared to the HRR looking like a regular honda civic" ... Like damn bro give the ol girl some love she might not be as flashy but I promise shes just as reliable or more! haha

[@Eternal2007]

😂 The old girl is still good too. 😂

[@Edward-Norton]

It's weird. It's like all the stores skip this model. You can get a lower end honda that doesn't have a blade clutch and then they skip this mower and go straight to a Honda with a Nexite deck. I can't seem to find this mower anywhere.

[@BigBeardedBubba]

Do you know if the hrn and hrx bags are interchangeable?

[@kevincris2589]

Great machines for not such a great lawn. Awesome

[@seelye1221]

its the best on the market i have one and love it .

[@Eternal2007]

Oh yeah. You better believe it. 😀

[@thefpvlife7785]

How would you know the year your HRR was built?

[@TheGregWallace]

Question....Do you know if I can put the 9" wheels that are on the HRX on to the HRN 216 mower?

[@andyloveschrist]

I was wondering the same thing

[@KC_Woodworks_LLC]

What are you filming with? Great quality

[@Eternal2007]

Thank you. I filmed it with the iPhone 11 Pro Max.

[@dominoespizza1756]

I just picked up a hrr216, only problem is the deck has rotted under the muffler

[@joelderby4380]

Anyone have experience with the HRN and the Toro Recycler?

[@rezanorouzian8198]

The rear wheel height adjustment is a pain, especially when you want to raise the deck up. The front is easy, though.

[@Eternal2007]

Yes. It can be a pain. Which model do you have?

[@rezanorouzian8198]

@@Eternal2007 I have a HRN216VKA.

[@Galaxylynx12]

I want the one with a composite deck!!

[@ttravreefsaquatics8354]

Great video.... great points...can wait to use mine tomorrow.....just purchased the HRN216VKA 😎🔥💯

[@Eternal2007]

Thanks. You’re going to love this new mower.

[@SeanBaker]

I fixed the handle height issue on my HRR by drilling two new holes. I'm only 5'9", and I was bending over slightly. No more of that nonsense.

[@snoopysrc]

isnt the gvc160 a 5 horse power ???

[@pnojazz]

Looks like a Honda Civic! I love it!

[@Edward-Norton]

New mowing season coming up. Checked home depot and the HRN 216 VYA is not available. Did Honda stop making it?

[@Eternal2007]

Hey. How’s it going. Home Depot doesn’t carry the VYA model for some reason. However, Lowe’s carries it. Home Depot carries the VKA model in stores. I love the VYA model. Thanks

[@d_dizzie_druck5753]

I love my old non self propelled HRR. my Craftsman died, & i replaced it with a all out Honda mower. Next upgrade i think i will go bigger & purchase the comercial HRX😊

[@curbappeal2013]

The HRC is the commercial model not the HRX

[@rackemmm1947]

love my hrn 216

[@Eternal2007]

Oh yeah. 👍

[@shangrilaladeda]

You’re can grease the rear wheels and axle to make it smooth again

[@jones3561]

I’ve got an HRR and the thing I HATE about it most is the extremely hard back up . So much that Honda had a hidden recall on this. I took it in for an axle change and it made absolutely NO DIFFERENCE. I have to lube the rear axle at all areas of contact with sleeves, etc. about one a month or the rear wheels lock when pulling backwards.

[@PAHighlander24]

I have the same problem with mine. I’ve seen YT videos that solve the problem by taking the drive assembly off the mower and using emery cloth on the shaft and sleeve surfaces and reassembling it, claiming to permanently solve the problem. I’m preparing to do it to mine. The pity is I used to have a Honda Harmony model that was problem free for many years, and I would still own it if it wasn’t destroyed by flooding from tropical storm Irene 11 years ago. Their HRR self propelled mechanism was a giant step backwards. Hopefully the new model is an improvement.

[@frankgeorge9387]

Quick question because I have not heard it answered anywhere: Has the new HRN been redesigned from the ground up?

[@Eternal2007]

Yes. The HRN has been revamped compared to the HRR line.

[@BoltRM]

Because Honda cares. ;)

[@frankgeorge9387]

@@Eternal2007 Didnt catch the sarcasm I see.

[@nichoalaslange6002]

Thanks for the video. Went ahead today and purchased this model and will be selling my toro.

[@Eternal2007]

Thanks for watching. Which model of the HRN did you go with ?

[@andybub45]

Im doing the opposite with my HRR. Too many issues with it, besides the engine which is awesome. Will be getting a Toro with a Honda engine soon.

[@GarageGear]

Does the hrn have rubber tread on the wheels? Or is the tread plastic?

[@leosalas41ify]

Plastic, but I'm going to upgrade with 9 inch rubber for the plastic deck model...

[@GarageGear]

@@leosalas41ify thanks for sharing Leo!

[@ivanhmunguia5576]

I have the hrn216, HRR2167VKA & the Toro recycler. All of then are good to me. Just spray WD40 on the deck to avoid rust.

[@riceburner4747]

Are u speaking UNDER the deck? I use Fluid Film, & grass doesnt stick!.

[@Johnny-dw6un]

Do you still think the hrn is better?

[@Moshenokoji]

I bought the HRR in September 2019 and I wish I would have waited. The transmission went bad on my HRR......

[@Eternal2007]

Oh wow. It should be under warranty. Where did you buy it from ?

[@johnnoipswich7239]

I've just done this. My HRR rusted out in less than 5 yrs and the drive crapped out. The HRN is lightyears better. Just so more intuitive to use. The HRR never was. Never had a deck rust out before, My new HRN was slightly cheaper than my HRR was originally.

[@Eternal2007]

Awesome. I love my HRN. You made a great choice. 👍

[@BWolf00]

My 10yr old steel decked Honda is holding up just fine as did the my much more cheaply made MTD did. Where the hell are you? I'm in VA around the Richmond James River area. You must have the wettest grass (moderate), live in an high moisture salt environment (no salt), store it outside in the rain (I don't), and never clean the grass out from under the deck (I rarely do).

[@riceburner4747]

Bought a used old Honda HRR. & deck rusted badly, sheet metaled/pop riveted w/duct tape. Got a NEW HRR, 3yrs old now, runs like a top. I wash, change oil, pour 1 tablespoon down cylinder, AND coat bottom of deck w/Fluid Film undercoating PLUS, it keeps grass from sticking for winter. 👍

[@jones3561]

What Toro needs is a double blade system like the Honda, mulching would improve

[@michaelhorn4540]

I absolutely love my Honda hrn216vkaa mower

[@25hztolife86]

Where does the hard drive go?

[@Eternal2007]

🤣🤣

[@jmljml5065]

Can this mower be pushed manually, or must the drive system be engaged?

[@montecristo1812]

Both.

[@user-tr8fq8lc7w]

I prefer the hrr216 and its 4 wheel height adjuster at least I know my lawn is getting mowed evenly on all sides

[@TheGregWallace]

You said the HRX handle was lower than the HRN......was that even with the HRX adjusted all the way up?

[@Eternal2007]

Yes. The handle on the HRX was set to the max.

[@TheGregWallace]

Thank you

[@robnation2475]

Even better an HRX217HYA. The HYA has the best control/handlebar set-up.

[@chevysilver-ray-dough6328]

I have a HRR. It's ok but I don't like the smart drive system and the front spindles are very weak. You don't have to hit something hard at all for them to get bent out of place. If you want a mower that's going last for a long time get a John Deere JX75. Mine is 21 years old and it's the one I use the most. I've had Honda, Craftsman, Husqvarna, and Toro and none of them compare to the Deere. I mow 25 lawns a week and I use the green one 90% of the time.

[@dixonbidenzmouth4115]

The newer the model the more features to fail. The more they make you dependent on the repair shop. However yes the HRN is more astheticlly pleasing.

[@roymg]

Only diff I see is when pulling the HRN backwards and has a throttle control. No upgrade untill the HRR dies and that prob wont be soon.

[@Vtsrl]

Honda her sound when it starts subtitles: music

[@justindoel]

The only problem is the HRR seems to be better build no plastic front and back also the gas cap does click random but you’re not doing it right

[@Dragon_Camp_Cooking_]

I bought the hrn to mow around my fruit trees that’s a pain to do on my rider don’t really need it just wanted a quality push mower

[@AbouTto_]

The new Honda mower HRN216VKA is very disappointing. Anyone have it? Deck too light. The lift isn’t there like with the old heavy steel deck on the previous model. Having to mow same spots 2 - 3 times. Motor feels weaker now. I don’t think it can be used as a commercial mower like the previous version. Looks like Honda lighten everything to deal with the transmission / wheel gear issues from the past.

[@joelderby4380]

Good to hear some critical comparison of the actual mowing. I haven't heard good feedback from former HRR owners, and it sounds like the HRN, while a good mower for the price, suffers from similar shortcomings to its predecessors and may be disappointing for those looking for the highest quality mow and mowing experience.

[@stevepompei3694]

VYA? Or VKA?

[@Eternal2007]

I like the VYA. You can keep the engine running while stopping the blade. No need to crank it back up each time you stop.

[@maryamaz4645]

I just brought the gcv170 and it stop 30second into cutting my grass 😤 I was told to take it back, call Honda, and watch videos.

[@snoopysrc]

the gvc160 is very strong i have put my honda 216 through some very thick crap

[@curbappeal2013]

That Commercial HRC engine has tons of torque

[@marcbrown6131]

The older commercial models are better than both of those two Chinese models

[@kirkdog4788]

Nice try, both are and made and assembled in the US.

[@dioncurtiscurtis3188]

Lol not sure I’m at the point where I think lawn mowers are sexy… but I’ll get there lol

[@Eternal2007]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@timtaylor8557]

Jeez, get a room! 😉 'Redesigned' often means 'made cheaper' so don't put too much value in that.

[@gmartinezfuster]

Intro to an intro... go right to it mate...good video though.

[@amirnazhan]

Those are weird looking laptops.

[@Eternal2007]

😂😂😂😂. Don’t worry laptops will be coming soon.

[@mjg263]

It’s about damn time they redesigned that terrible drivetrain! They’ve been screwing people over with that horrible design for years and refusing to do a recall on it. Personally I couldn’t care less what it looks like, it’s a friggin’ lawnmower. I just don’t want to spend a fortune on it then have it take a dump due to a bad drive design and not be covered by Honda like the HRR.

[@rubenp8750]

Who buys a new lawn mower every year?

[@julioorrala8353]

🎉😂 I have a Honda HRN 216 GCV 170

[@mannycarrasquillo6910]

No more Troy Bilt trash for me...

[@Eternal2007]

I love my Honda lawn mower.