KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The sole variant of the Honda Unicorn is on sale in India for Rs 1,10,600.
- One of the few 150-160cc commuter motorcycle with a dated all-analogue instrument console.
- Unicorn's 162.71cc air-cooled engine produces more torque than the Pulsar 150 and FZ-S FI V3, making city riding a breeze.
Honda has consistently launched new models across various price ranges and categories to gain supremacy as India's largest two-wheeler industry. However, there is one model with which Honda has played the safest with almost negligible changes since its arrival in the early years of the 20th century. And no, we are not talking about the Activa, but the old-school workhorse, the Unicorn.
One of the oldest 150-160cc premium commuters, the Honda Unicorn is compared here with its direct rivals, the Bajaj Pulsar 150 and Yamaha FZ-S FI V3, which have recently been updated with new features. Let's start, and in the meantime do join 91Wheels WhatsApp Channel to never miss out on automotive update.
Also Read: Honda Unicorn Old VS New - What Are The Updates?
Honda Unicorn vs Rivals: Price
At Rs 1,10,600, the Honda's bike is as affordable as the base-spec Bajaj Pulsar 150. However, the Pulsar 150's range-topping variant and the Yamaha FZ-S FI V3 carry a significant premium over the Honda Unicorn.
| Model | Honda Unicorn | Bajaj Pulsar 150 | Yamaha FZ-S FI V3 |
| Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) | Rs 1,10,600 | Rs 1,10,419 Rs 1,17,888 | Rs 1,21,900 Rs 1,22,900 |
Honda Unicorn vs Rivals: Engine
The 162.71cc engine of Honda is the largest compared to the sub-150cc engines of the Bajaj Pulsar 150 and Yamaha FZ-S FI V3. While its power output is marginally lower than the Pulsar 150, the Unicorn has the highest torque output in this comparison. Meanwhile, with the smallest engine compared to Unicorn and Pulsar 150, the Yamaha FZ-S FI V3 also claims the lowest power and torque outputs among them. All these three motorcycles have a 5-speed transmission for their powertrains.
| Model | Honda Unicorn | Bajaj Pulsar 150 | Yamaha FZ-S FI V3 |
| Engine | Single-cylinder, air-cooled, 162.71cc | Single-cylinder, air-cooled, 149.5cc | Single-cylinder, air-cooled, 149cc |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Maximum power | 13.5 PS @ 7,500 rpm | 14 PS @ 8,500 rpm | 12.4 PS @ 7,250 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 14.6 Nm @ 5,500 rpm | 13.3 Nm @ 6,500 rpm | 13.3 Nm @ 5,500 rpm |
Honda Unicorn vs Rivals: Hardware
When the mechanical hardware of these three motorcycles is compared, the Honda Unicorn feels the simplest with the skinniest tyres and conventional suspension and brakes. It is the only motorcycle here which doesn't get a rear disc brake, even as an option. The Bajaj Pulsar 150 is available in two variants single disc and twin disc, and it is the latter which has relatively wider tyres and better brakes.
Meanwhile, the premium hardware of the Yamaha FZ-S FI V3, which includes the most modern suspension and widest tyres, makes its premium positioning over the other two motorcycles feel justifiable.
| Dimensions | Honda Unicorn | Bajaj Pulsar 150 | Yamaha FZ-S FI V3 |
| Frame | Diamond type | Steel tubular | Steel tubular |
| Front suspension | Telescopic | Telescopic | Telescopic |
| Rear suspension | Mono-shock | Gas-charged twin coil springs | Mono-shock with 7-step adjustable preload |
| Front brake | 240mm disc | 260mm disc (single disc) / 280mm disc (twin disc) | 282mm disc |
| Rear brake | 130mm drum | 130mm drum (single disc) / 260mm disc (twin disc) | 220mm disc |
| Front tyre | 80/100-18 | 80/100-17 (single disc) / 90/90-17 (twin disc) | 100/80-17 |
| Rear tyre | 100/90-18 | 100/90-17 (single disc) / 120/80-17 (twin disc) | 140/60 R17 |
Honda Unicorn vs Rivals: Features
The Honda Unicorn also feels like a dated motorcycle with a very basic equipment list, which does not match that of the Bajaj Pulsar 150 and Yamaha FZ-S FI V3. While it also gets a single-channel ABS like the other two motorcycles, it misses out on a full LCD instrument console, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB charger.
The Yamaha FZ-S FI V3 takes its premium appeal further with an LED headlamp, while the Pulsar 150 is the only motorcycle here to get backlit switches and split seats (offered in its twin disc variant).
| Dimensions | Honda Unicorn | Bajaj Pulsar 150 | Yamaha FZ-S FI V3 |
| LED headlamp | No | No | Yes |
| Full-LCD instrument console | No | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth connectivity | No | Yes (optional) | Yes |
| USB charger | No | Yes | Yes |
| Single-channel ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Backlit switchgear | No | Yes | No |
| Split seats | No | Yes (optional) | No |
Also Read: Yamaha R15 V4 VS Rivals: Detailed Comparison With Karizma And Pulsar
Verdict
While the competition has moved ahead with new-generation features, the Honda Unicorn has kept things simple and old-school with minor changes all these years. The most significant change for the Honda Unicorn since its launch must be replacing the old engine with a new, bigger 162.71cc engine, which retains the titles of best-in-class refinement and reliability. The Honda Unicorn is strictly for those who prefer a slow-paced life and love keeping things simple.
