The new Honda Unicorn 160 shares several components with the CB Trigger and will compete against the Yamaha FZ 2.0, Suzuki Gixxer and the likes in the premium end of the 150cc segment.
Closing the year on a high, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has launched its all-new offering the CB Unicorn 160 priced from Rs. 69,350/- (ex-showroom, Delhi) in the country. Taking the Unicorn brand higher in the premium space, the CB Unicorn 160 (tagline – Looks Good, Is Good) boasts of a new 163cc engine, improved power output and fuel efficiency figures as well as a refurbished design language. The new street fighter will be replacing the CB Trigger in Honda’s lineup as a more competitively priced and powerful offering but not in the immediate future.
Design – Honda has stuck to its conservative design approach on the 2015 Honda CB Unicorn 160. The styling though gets inspired from the CX-01 concept showcased at the Auto Expo. The headlight cluster is similar to that on the CB Trigger, while the fuel tank gets muscular and is flanked by fenders at the sides providing an aggressive feel. The side profile is simplistic but gets a well designed saree guard and a very commuter-ish elongated single seat. The rear section on the other hand is longer than usual and comes with a new H-shaped LED tail light cluster. The all-digital instrument console and switch gear is carried over from the CB Trigger and misses out on the engine kill switch yet again. The bike gets finished with black plastic cladding at the sides and brushed silver inserts contrasting the metallic paint scheme.
Engine – Powering the 2015 Honda CB Unicorn 160 is a new 163cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produces 14.5 BHP of power at 8000 RPM and 14.61 Nm of torque at 6000 RPM, paired to a 5-speed transmission. This is the same 149cc engine which has been stroked out for added displacement. In terms of performance, Honda claims the bike has class leading acceleration. Top speed is 106 km/hr.
Mechanicals – Sharing several components with the CB Trigger, suspension duties on the Honda CB Unicorn 160 are performed by telescopic forks at the front, while the rear gets a monoshock set-up. Stopping power on the other hand comes from a single 240 mm disc brake at the front, while the rear has to make do with a drum brake set-up. The bike rides on the 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped around 80/100 (front) and 110/80 (rear) tyres. The CB Unicorn 160 weighs 135 kgs.
Fuel Efficiency – Honda claims an efficiency of 62 km/l (on Honda mode) on the new CB Unicorn 160. The bike comes with Honda Eco Technology (HET) that ensures improved fuel efficiency for the motorcycle.
Competition – Positioned in the premium end of the 150cc segment, the 2015 Honda CB Unicorn 160 will be competing against the Yamaha FZ FI 2.0, Suzuki Gixxer, TVS Apache RTR 160, Hero Xtreme Sports and the upcoming Bajaj Pulsar 150 NS and Mahindra 160cc bike in the segment.
Honda CB Unicorn 160 Price –
* Unicorn 160 Standard – Rs. 69,350/-
* Unicorn 160 CBS – Rs. 74,414/-
(ex-showroom, Delhi).
Honda India has started accepting bookings for the CB Unicorn 160 at dealerships across the country, while deliveries will commence in the following days. The Japanese manufacturer is offering the model in a total of 4 colours (white, black, grey and red), with two variants on offer – non CBS and CBS (a 240 mm front disc is standard and there is no option of a rear disc). Priced very competitively against competition, it is Honda’s powertrain that is expected to impress the most, while the rivals offer better looks and styling in comparison.
