Honda CB Unicorn 160 

The Honda CB Unicorn 160 carries forward the legacy of impressive Honda motorcycles over the years. It has raked in high sales figures over several years and was the first offering from the brand in the Indian market. 

How is the design? 

The latest iteration of the Honda CB Unicorn 160 is a brand new product and the design template remains similar to the earlier version. There are some new parts added for jazzing up the look of this motorcycle now. The headlight looks and feels premium with its clear lens turn indicators for company. The Honda CB Unicorn 160 also gets a pilot lamp for accompanying its headlight along with an attractive mudguard in front that gets dual-tone hues. There are slimmer forks in front with mounted reflectors for each side. The handlebars are upright and have similar switchgear as before. The instrument cluster is fully digital and brand new with good functionality.

How is the performance? 

The Honda CB Unicorn 160 comes with a powerful 162.7 cc engine that dishes out 12.91 PS and 14 Nm of maximum torque at 7,500 RPM and 5,500 RPM respectively. The engine has been revamped extensively and is completely new with a longer stroke and also a counter-balancer for better performance at higher rev bands. The engine has higher displacement and the new design for the cylinder also enhances overall combustion-linked efficiency and management of heat. The compression ratio has also increased to 10:1 while the crankcase also comes with a brand new design with smaller fins positioned near the oil filter zone. The transmission is still the same trusted five-speed gearbox. The engine powers up swiftly while settling down smoothly at decent speeds. However, the engine has a better intake and does not sound down-charged at all. There is good throttle-based feedback while the bike now feels quick and agile. The redline is 9,000 RPM although the flatter feeling persists over 8,000 RPM. There is a torque-laced feeling at lower rev bands and it responds swiftly in second gear at lower speeds without any fuss. However, revving out the engine makes it eager and responsive as compared to several other models. The top speed could be around 106-110 kmph. The gearing is ideal for usage in the city with a fifth gear that is taller and enables the achievement of 100 kmph a little over 7,000 RPM. The bike functions smoothly and calmly at these speeds as well. 

How does the Honda CB Unicorn 160 ride? 

The Honda CB Unicorn 160 comes with a riding position that is more upright and ensures higher comfort while at city speeds. The chassis is agile and you can change directions quickly amidst congested traffic conditions. It is light and mostly high-performing, although you do not get that stable feeling as some other models in the category. The tyres are also in need of improvement while there is a softer suspension setup this time around. There is suitable damping for better ride quality without thuds and uncomfortable bumps around potholes. The combined braking setup functions decently in this case although you will have to push it for better feedback. The overall riding experience is still fun for enthusiasts. 

How comfortable is the Honda CB Unicorn 160? 

The Honda CB Unicorn 160 offers adequate comfort and quality. It remains silent and undisturbed while offering a smooth pickup. The overall seat comfort levels are better this time. The seat is also longer and brand new as compared to the previous Unicorn model. This is balanced between a feeling of firmness and softness although the lighter weight of the motorcycle contributes to its improved riding experience. 

How’s the tech? 

The key features include a fully-digital instrument cluster along with vital readouts including an odometer, speedometer, dual-trip meters, tachometer, clock, and fuel-level indicator among others. 

How’s the mileage of the Honda CB Unicorn 160? 

The Honda CB Unicorn 160 offers fuel economy of 60 kmpl on average. 

Is the Honda CB Unicorn 160 good value for money? 

The Honda CB Unicorn 160 offers good value for buyers, especially for those seeking a decently powerful, refined and stylish motorcycle. It does a good job with its new instrument cluster and brand new engine. It is one of the best-riding models in the Unicorn line-up till date as well. 

How is the after sales service? 

The service intervals are 1,000 kilometres, 4,000 kilometres, and 8,000 kilometres, and these are completely free of cost for motorcycle owners. 

Which motorbikes compete in this segment? 

There are several rivals competing with the Honda CB Unicorn 160 including the Hero Xtreme 160R and the Suzuki Gixxer along with the Bajaj Pulsar 150. The Honda CB Unicorn 160 manages to hold its own with its decent features and performance. 

Verdict (Is it value for money)

The Honda CB Unicorn 160 offers a value proposition for buyers and is quite attractive. It offers a refined and high-performing engine along with a sporty and fun riding experience and decent features. It also gets a revamped design that contributes towards its enhanced road presence. These factors contribute towards making it a compelling option for buyers even today.