It looks like the immensely popular 150cc motorcycle segment is moving a step further in terms of getting even better. Some of the great examples like the new Suzuki Gixxer, the updated Hero Xtreme, Yamaha FZ v2.0 and the upcoming Xtreme Sports and the Pulsar 150NS add to the growth of 150cc segment in Indian market. To compete with these power trains, Honda has recently launched a new motorcycle, the Honda CB Unicorn 160.
The Honda CB Unicorn 160, a new bike by two-wheeler king, is regarded as one of the most graceful models in the 150 cc engine bike segment. Available in two different variants, Standard and CBS, the new CB Unicorn comes with a more powerful engine and a sportier skin.
A premium 160cc motorcycle, the CB Unicorn 160 is targeted towards a young breed of buyers looking for a stylish commuter bike for regular use. The bike fills in the void that was created in Honda’s line-up when the automaker discontinued the CB Dazzler.
When speaking about the design of bike, it boasts the headlight, the front cowl, the sporty exhaust, the fully digital meter, the best Saree guard and most important, the LED tail light, which looks really good at night.
Let’s take a look at some technical and aesthetic features of this amazing Honda bike.
Engine
Under the chassis of the bike is a hassle-free, air-cooled, single cylinder, 4-stroke SI engine with displacement capacity of 163cc. Its engine is based on 149cc and the extra displacement on the new bike is due to longer stroke. Bore carburettor is bigger too which inturn supplies fuel to compression motor that is bigger with high lift valves. Lighter flywheel and introduction of needle bearing that reduces friction are another enhancements. These improvements resulted into smooth engine with refined engine that is capable of producing a peak power of 14.71PS @ 8000rpm and commanding torque of 14.6Nm @ 6000rpm. The bike produces higher power early and that makes it ideal commuter for city drives. There is no vibration at low as well as high end speeds due to its refined engine. The bike comes with an advanced mid-sized engine built on Honda Eco Technology which helps you notch up the top speed of 106 kmph. The powerful bike is able to deliver a superb mileage of 62 kmpl on different terrains, making it the most fuel efficient model in the segment.
Mileage
Honda CB Unicorn 160 is a bike with an amazing fuel economy and can save you money on fuel expenses when riding the bike for long distance trips. On city roads it could easily go upto 64.5kms on a litre of petrol and on highways it is going to give an average of nearly 60kmpl.
Design & Styling
Compared to other bikes in the segment, the Honda CB Unicorn 160 has styling and design package that will appeal to a wider audience. Cosmetically, the Honda CB Unicorn 160 carries influences from the Honda’s CX-01 as well as CB Trigger. Its 12-litre fuel tank has got a muscular design with a Honda badge while the headlamp comes with a sharply-styled bikini fairing.
Available in four body color options – Geny Gray Metallic, Pearl Amazing White, Pearl Igneous Black and Imperial Red Metallic, the Honda CB Unicorn 160 shares most of its electrical components with the CB Trigger and the CB Unicorn. The seat is sufficiently long which adds to the premium look of the motorcycle.
Ride and Performance
Just ride the bike for 10 minutes and you’ll know what a big step the two-wheeler has taken over its siblings. It has stiff with tight wheel control but with excellent balanced absorption and damping taking up roads of any type might not be an issue. The motorcycle offers a solid engine performance on any kind of terrain, no matter if you’re riding on the highways or on the city roads. The CB Unicorn 160 has got an upright riding position, specially designed for comfort in the city. Its steering system allows sharp as well as fast turns. Whether you want to get easily through corners or wish to make a sweeping curve, you can do it very easily with CB Unicorn 160.
Top Competitors
While facing tough competition with the likes of Yamaha FZ-S, Suzuki Gixxer, Xtreme Sports and TVS Apache RTR 160, Honda hopes to regain its lost glory in the premium 150cc segment with the CB Unicorn 160.
2016 Specifications and Prices
On Road Price (Rs.)
| City | Delhi | Mumbai | Kolkata | Chennai | Ahmedabad | Hyderabad | Bengaluru |
| 160 STD | 80067 | 84501 | 86187 | 83949 | 82252 | 83972 | 87543 |
| 160 CBS | 85805 | 90457 | 92191 | 89788 | 88111 | 89865 | 93668 |
Engine
Type: Air cooled, 4 stroke, SI engine
Displacement: 162.7 cc
Power: 14.71 PS at 8000 rpm
Torque: 14.61 NM at 6000 rpm
Compression ratio: 10:01
Mileage
City: 60.5kmpl
Highway: 65kmpl
Overall: 61.5kmpl
Performance
0-60kmph: 5.13s
60kmph-0: 2s
Top speed: 104kmph
Other Specifications
Suspension(F): Telescopic
Suspension(R): Mono Suspension
Brakes(F): 240mm Disc
Brakes(R): 130mm Drum
Tyre(F): 80/100-17 Tubeless
Tyre(R): 110/80-17 Tubeless
L x W x H: 2045 mm x 757 mm x 1060 mm
Wheelbase: 1324mm
Kerb Weight: 135kg
Ground Clearance: 150 mm