Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler Review
Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler is here
Saturday, December 15, 2012Overview of Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler
Many people including us often complained about the boring looks of Unicorn. To get rid of this issue and to make this brand more prominent in its segment, Honda has launched the new variant of Unicorn named Unicorn Dazzler. Does this bike justify its name? Let’s find out.
Update: Honda Launches CB Unicorn Dazzler Deluxe
Honda India has launched new variant of Unicorn which has been christened 'CB Unicorn Dazzler Deluxe'. The new deluxe variant of CB Unicorn Dazzler comes in two new dual tone colour options – Pearl Sunbeam White with combination of Red and Black with combination of Grey. The Deluxe variant features new graphics on both sides of the tank and side cowl.
Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler Exterior
Honda has certainly made big changes in this department but most of them are not new. The bike resembles a lot to its much cheaper sibling, Twister. May be the warm reception of Twister has prompted Honda to opt for its design for the new Dazzler. The front cowl and headlight of this bike has high level of resemblance with Twister. The only possible difference that you can figure out is the more edgy character added to this bike. The same raised mud guard has already featured in Hero Hunk and the clear lens indicators and black coloured rear view mirrors also look familiar. The V shaped side cowl features 3D Honda logo and sporty graphics on it in the Deluxe variant. One can also notice its black painted alloy wheels, engine and muffler with a heat shield on it. The side panels are relatively big in size. The bike features a fatty upraised fuel tank which adds macho character to this bike. At the back you can notice a wider rear tyre with a new disc brake and a new tail light and rear fender. The bike looks more appealing now when seen from the back.
Main Styling Elements and features of Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler
- New front cowl, Attractive tank shrouds
- Front & rear disc brake, Tubeless Tyres
- Split grab rail, Stunning rear tail lamp
- Digital Speedometer, Analogue Tachometer
- Digital Fuel Gauge and Trip Meter
- 149cc engine, 14 Bhp power, 13 Nm torque
- Matte finish alloy wheels, Matte finish exhaust
Instrument Console of Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler
After seven years, finally Unicorn gets a digital speedometer. There is a combined analogue digital instrument console in Dazzler. The blue coloured LCD features digital speedometer, fuel gauge, trip meter and odometer. Other than these, it has an analogue tachometer and other indicators in this instrument console.
Engine and Gearbox
The same 150cc engine of Unicorn is equipped in the new Dazzler with slight alterations. This air-cooled, 4-stroke engine now generates a power output of 14 bhp at 8500 rpm. Its 12.7 Nm of maximum torque can be achieved at 6500 rpm. The five speed manual gearbox with one gear down and four gears up-shift pattern of Unicorn is also doing duty in the Dazzler.
Acceleration and Performance
Things just get better in this department with improved power output. Dazzler has lost some weight in comparison to regular Unicorn and that helps it to achieve an impressive power to weight ratio. This engine is now tuned to be rev harder than before as the power and torque delivery are delayed by 500rpm-1000rpm. You can also notice the change in its gear ratios which feel a bit taller than before. This bike too does0-60km/hr in less than 5 seconds. However the delayed arrival of torque is evident in city traffic but that gets covered by its linear power delivery. The refinement level is best enjoyed at high rpms especially after 6000 rpm. The enhanced power output contributes to its high end performance and now this bike feels less strained at high speeds and can easily cross the speed of 110km/hr. You will miss the responsiveness of Unicorn in bigger gears at slow speeds but once pass 2000 rpm, its throttle response adds sporty feel to this bike. It’s a very good engine with creamy gear transitions but it would have been more enjoyable with additional torque amount.
Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler Mileage
Regular Unicorn and new Dazzler both has almost similar fuel efficiency. The new bike may return you a mileage of around 50km/ltr in city conditions while its taller gear ratios help it to deliver a fuel efficiency of around 52-55km/ltr on highways.
Comfort while Driving Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler
CB Unicorn Dazzler is a bit shorter than Unicorn in length but that doesn't make much difference as their width is almost the same. Its stepped seat offers you proper comfort with its new compact handlebar which can be gripped firmly. There is hardly any difference in its foot-pegs and these are still not as sporty as you expect but you get a more convenient grip of this bike with your knees due to its upraised tank.
Storage Space and Safety Features
There is almost no storage space in this bike. Safety features like front leg guard and rear saree guard are not standard parts of this bike. However it features a rear disc brake which ensures you safety while driving.
Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler Suspension and Braking
Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler sports three step adjustable rear mono shock absorber and hydraulic telescopic front forks in its suspension system. Honda offers this bike with disc brakes on its both wheels. The standard braking system of Dazzler sports disc brake of 220mm at its back while it has a bigger disc brake of 240mm at its front.
Ride and Handling
Unfortunately, CB Unicorn Dazzler is not as impressive as Unicorn in this department. There are certain factors which have contributed to its less comfortable ride and handling. The bike surely feels lighter in city traffic in terms of handling but lacks the unmatchable stability offered by regular Unicorn. Honda has cut down its wheelbase and ground clearance to 1328mm and 162mm respectively which has adversely affected this bike. Moreover the wheel size has also been reduced to 17 inches which feels unable to hold the bike properly around sharp turns. The suspension quality is acceptable but the bike lacks the confidence at high speeds and finds it hard to stay grounded.
Shades
Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler is available in four eye grabbing shades:
- Armour Gold Metallic
- Pearl Siena Red
- Pearl Night Star Black
- Sword Silver Metallic
Verdict
Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler is priced at 66.7K (ex-showroom, Delhi (approx., may vary)) while its deluxe variant will cost you an extra thousand rupees. Its high resemblance to its cheaper sibling and inferior ride quality doesn't justify its pricing and hence we feel Honda has overpriced this bike. Yes, it’s a powerful bike which has standard features like rear disc brake but at the same price there are many grown up rivals which offer even better performance than this bike. It would have been a complete value for money bike only if it had an economical price tag.