Taking the Unicorn brand forward, the new Honda CB Unicorn 160 gets an all-new engine, while the styling takes inspiration from the CX-01 concept showcased at the Auto Expo.
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has announced that the new 2015 CB Unicorn 160 motorcycle will be launched in the country on 18th December, 2014 and comes with the tagline ‘Looks good, Is good’. Caught undisguised on a couple of occasions over the past weeks, the aesthetics of the new Unicorn 160 have been revealed while the 160cc powertrain remains a mystery. The new CB Unicorn will be locking horns against the Suzuki Gixxer, Yamaha FZ 2.0 as well as the upcoming Hero Xtreme Sports, Bajaj Pulsar 160 NS and the likes in the segment.
The new Honda CB Unicorn 160 takes inspiration from the CX-01 concept and also shares several design traits with the outgoing CB Trigger including the all-digital instrument console. The headlamp is similar to the Trigger, while the fuel tank gets more muscular. You also get new side fenders and tank shrouds that offer an aggressive feel. The single elongated seat though feels too commuter-ish for a sporty bike. The switch gear is also a direct lift from the CB Trigger and continues to miss the engine kill switch like the other Honda offerings (except CBR250R).
In terms of powertrain, the Honda CB Unicorn 160 is expected to draw power from a re-bored 150cc engine seen on the CB Trigger or could use a completely new mill that is tuned to produce a decent 14.5 BHP of power. Suspension duties on the other hand are performed by telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock set-up. The new Honda is also expected to be more fuel efficient than its predecessor with prices set to start around Rs. 73,000/- (ex-showroom) which is on par with the competition.
