Honda Unicorn 160

Detailed Review by Maxabout Team

Overview

The Honda CB Unicorn 160 is a luxury 160cc motorbike geared at a young demographic looking for a fashionable commuter motorcycle for daily usage. The CB Unicorn 160 fills the vacuum left in Honda's lineup when the CB Dazzler was withdrawn a few years ago.

The luxury 150cc sector is dominated by muscular motorcycles, and the CB Unicorn is no exception. The CB Unicorn 160 is inspired by the Honda CX-01 concept, which debuted at the 2014 Auto Expo, as well as the CB Trigger. The fuel tank is given a muscular appearance, while the headlamp is given a bikini fairing. The majority of the electrical components have been shared with the CB Unicorn and CB Trigger, which should help to reduce development and manufacturing costs.

Honda Unicorn 160 Design and Style

2023 Honda Unicorn 160 is a premium commuter bike, and it certainly looks the part, due to new chrome accents on the bodywork. The Unicorn 160 features an angular headlight with broad chrome highlights at the front. However, the motorcycle retains a halogen headlamp, and it would have been preferable if Honda had offered an LED unit. A blacked-out visor incorporated with the body panels is also included, as are blacked-out rear-view mirrors. Moving to the side view, it is clear that the Unicorn has a butch stance.

The new Honda Unicorn 160 features a muscular fuel tank with Honda's 3D symbol, as well as a long flat single-piece seat that provides excellent comfort. The lower half of the motorcycle is totally blacked out, giving it a more refined appearance, and there are also subtle chrome highlights. It gets a huge tail lamp at the back, but it is also a halogen unit. The motorcycle has no LEDs, and the turn indicators are likewise halogen.

Honda Unicorn 160 Engine and Gearbox

The latest model of Honda Unicorn 160 is powered by a brand-new 162.7cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected BS6 engine. The Unicorn 150 was the name given to the BS4 version of this commuter motorbike, which had a 149.2cc engine. The upgraded BS6 motor produces 12.7 HP at 7500 RPM and 14 Nm of peak torque at 5500 RPM. The engine is connected to a 5-speed manual transmission and has Honda's Eco Technology (HET) for improved performance and fuel efficiency. A new engine start/stop switch has also been added to the bike.

2023 Honda Unicorn 160 is a fantastic motorcycle in terms of performance. Because it is a 160cc luxury commuter, the bike performs far better than the standard 125cc bikes on the market. The motorcycle has a nice initial pickup and subsequently, the power delivery is quite linear, resulting in a more relaxed riding experience. The new Honda Unicorn 160 also has excellent fuel economy.

Honda Unicorn 160 Suspension, Brakes and Tyres

The better diamond frame underpins the new Honda Unicorn 160. The motorcycle's suspension is handled by telescopic forks in the front and a hydraulic mono-shock absorber in the rear. The Honda Unicorn 160 provides a smooth and comfortable ride. It effortlessly absorbs road imperfections and rough areas. Disc brakes at either end of the new Honda Unicorn 160 handle braking responsibilities. The motorcycle has a 240mm disc brake in the front and a 130mm drum brake in the rear.

As an added safety feature, the new model of Honda Unicorn 160 comes standard with a single-channel ABS or anti-lock braking system. It is one of the very few ABS-equipped commuter bikes in India. The tubeless tyres of the motorcycle are 18 inches in diameter. The motorcycle's front tyre is 80/100-18, while the rear is a 100/90 section 18-inch unit. The motorcycle is outfitted with HET tyres, which have low rolling resistance and are specially engineered to improve fuel efficiency.

Instrument Console of Honda Unicorn 160

This commuter bike is fully equipped with an Analogue instrument console with Distance to Empty Indicator, Engine Kill Switch, Analogue Fuel level gauge, Analogue Odometer, Long Seat Seat Style, Analogue Speedometer, Kick & Self Start Start Type, Tachometer etc.

Key Features of Honda Unicorn 160

A Single-Channel ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System), Retro All-Analogue Instrument Console, 3D Honda Logo, Engine Kill Switch, Long Seat, Programmed Fuel Injection. Comfort features like Electric Start, Pillion Footrest, Engine Kill Switch and Pillion Grabrail are also offered with new Honda Unicorn 160.

Top Speed and Mileage of Honda Unicorn 160

2023 Honda Unicorn 160’s mileage is 55 km/l (approximate) and in terms of performance, the naked commuter bike can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in around 16 seconds at the top speed of 106 km/h (real top speed figure).

Honda Unicorn 160 Colour Options

Honda offers the new Unicorn 160 in three colour options, namely Imperial Red Metallic, Pearl Igneous Black and Matte Axis Grey Metallic.

Honda Unicorn 160 Competitors

Bajaj Pulsar 150, TVS Apache RTR 160, Suzuki Gixxer 150, Hero Xtreme 160R, and Yamaha FZS V3 are some of the similar bikes that can rival the new Honda Unicorn 160.

Conclusion

Unicorn has been a key motorcycle for Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India, ranking in solid sales numbers in the all-important 150cc sector and holding Honda's flag high in the premium commuter segment. However, after so many years, this venerable motorcycle is starting to feel a little old in terms of styling, as well as several other key factors when compared to newer, superior rivals, given that such capable rivals sell in the same space, such as the Bajaj Pulsar 150 DTS-i, Yamaha FZ-S, and recently introduced segment leader, the Suzuki Gixxer, to name a few. The new CB Unicorn 160 is not a completely updated motorcycle, Honda has definitely adhered to the 'if it ain't broke, don't repair its approach. The old Unicorn wasn't a horrible-looking bike either but a little boring. However, new components combine to make the 160 a more appealing product.