Honda Unicorn Pros And Cons Explained: Deserves A Better Spot?

The Honda Unicorn bike has been around for quite some time now and sits in a segment that has some very fierce rivals that are in a continuous tug of war to take the reigns. However, Unicorn never really came to the forefront and couldn't manage to really make a name for itself. But has it been denied the spot it deserved or there's something that holds it back? Check out its Pros and Cons here to know more, but before that, make sure to join our 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel, specifically curated for all the avid petrolheads with extensive coverage of the latest news and insights from the automotive space.

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PROS

1. Extremely Refined Engine

The Honda Unicorn features a 162.7cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine that meets BS6 standards, an upgrade from the BS4 Unicorn 150's 149.2cc engine. The BS6 engine delivers 12.7 bhp of power at 7500 RPM and 14 Nm of torque at 5500 RPM. Equipped with Honda's Eco Technology (HET) and a 5-speed manual transmission, the Unicorn 160 offers a very refined and smooth engine performance that feels unlike anything in its class. This is something that Honda bikes are known for and the Unicorn isn't any different.

2. Pretty Good Mileage For Its Class

As a 160cc premium commuter, the Honda Unicorn 160 outperforms most 125cc bikes with its strong initial acceleration and smooth, linear power delivery, ensuring a comfortable ride. On top of this, it also excels in fuel efficiency, offering a real-world mileage of 45 to 55 km per liter, making it an outstanding choice in its class. This combination of performance and mileage makes it one of the top contenders in its class but hasn't managed to really get the recognition it deserves.

3. Solid Build Quality And Low Maintenance

Another big plus the Honda Unicorn scores is its superior build quality than most of its rivals. The fit and finish feel detailed and the paint job stands the test of time. On top of this, the bike requires no additional maintenance owing to its quality and the service costs are also within reasonable limits.

CONS

1. Steep Pricing

The Honda Unicorn is priced at Rs. 1.11 lakhs ex-showroom which is a steep ask when considering all it has to offer. While the rivals are also priced similarly around this price bracket, but the basic package that you get with the Unicorn, somewhat snatches the justification for this rich ask.

2. No Rear Disc Brakes

Another hiccup in its near-perfect bike experience is the lack of any rear disc brake. While the Unicorn does not get any variant selection like other rivals and comes with a single trim, it misses out on a rear disc. However, you do get a front disc brake and ABS for the effective stopping power, but that's about it.

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3. Lacks Features

Continuing the same discussion from above, the Honda Unicron, in 2024, lacks the overall features on board. It does not get any Bluetooth connectivity, digital instrument cluster, or USB charging. While it does offer a side stand engine cut-off, engine start/stop switch, and a single channel ABS, that's about it. With a price exceeding Rs. 1 lakh mark, these should have been included.