Comparison of 150cc commuters: Yamaha SZ-RR V2.0, Hero MotoCorp Achiever, Honda CB Unicorn and Bajaj Discover 150

Yamaha recently updated its 150cc commuter- SZ-RR with its latest Blue Core technology. We have already tested the technology with the new FZ-S and find it more responsible and a better performer than the older generation. The technology costs Rs. 3,800 extra over the old gen bike and the Yamaha SZ-RR version 2.0 now comes with a price tag of Rs. 65,300 (ex-showroom,Delhi). However, it didn't get the fuel injection technology like the premium 150cc segment bikes of the company, which costs approx Rs. 2,000 more. The Yamaha SZ comes under entry level 150cc segment and competes with bikes like Hero MotoCorp Achiever, Honda CB Unicorn and Bajaj Discover 150. So, lets see that where the new version of the bike stands in the segment.

Design and Styling: In the 150cc commuter segment, performance is preferred rather than the styling, however, the bike should appear like a 150cc machine. 

Yamaha SZ-RR V2.0: The new Yamaha SZ-RR Version 2.0 looks almost similar to the older version, however gets some new styling features like redesigned instrument panel, handlebar holder with SZ logo and refreshed graphics. The bike comes with a sporty appearance, which reflects in its masculine fuel tank, flamboyant bikini fairing, dual tone bodywork with all black theme and split rear grab rail. Along with these style features, the bike gets a comfortable and long seat with handle positioned for a perfect upright seating position.

Hero MotoCorp Achiever: With an ergonomic approach, Hero Achiever has been designed to fulfill all the needs of a daily commuter. The bike gets a straight pattern seat and a very standard bodywork along with some sporty features like aerodynamic headlight with bikini fairing and more.

Honda CB Unicorn: The sporty commuter Honda CB Unicorn has a very elegant styling with sharp headlight, muscular fuel tank with 3D badge, countered seat, stylish triple-pod instrument cluster and a sharp tail. Riding posture of the bike has been designed ergonomically and the seat is well cushioned to provide a comfortable ride during your daily commuting.

Bajaj Discover 150: The new Bajaj Discover 150 series is based on the latest discover platform and comes with 3 variant options- 150 Drum, 150 Disc and a semi-faired model- 150F. The bike gets a sporty yet ergonomic design with an edgy headlight, twin pilot lamps, analog digital console, sculpted tank, spider web alloys and Nitrox monoshock. The 150F version also gets a flamboyant half-fairing, which makes it the most sporty bike in the segment.

Engine, Transmission and Performance: As we mentioned above, performance is the most important  factor in the 150cc commuter segment, and that is the reason to upgrade from regular 100-125cc segment.

Yamaha SZ-RR V2.0:  The new SZ-RR Version 2.0 sports an upgraded 149cc engine, developed using the latest Blue Core technology. The new power mill gets improved combustion chamber design, lighter moving parts, roller rocker arm, optimized crank inertia, advanced electric charging system and improved intake port. The company claims that it will result in upto 11% improved fuel economy along with better performance response. There are not significant changes in the power figures and the new engine develops 12bhp of maximum8Nm.

Honda CB Unicorn: The reliable Honda CB Unicorn is already a proven motorcycle with its powerful and efficient 149.1cc OHC engine, which comes mated to a smooth 5-speed gearbox. The most vibration free mill of the segment makes 13.14bhp of peak power and the torque delivery goes upto 12.84Nm. The bike claims to take only  5 seconds to achieve 0-60kmph and return a healthy mileage upto 60kmph. 

Hero MotoCorp Achiever: Sharing the same 149.1cc motor with the CB Unicorn, Hero Achiever delivers almost similar performance and fuel economy.

Bajaj Discover 150:  Using the most advanced 144.8cc, 4-valve, DTS-i engine, the new Discover 150 delivers best-in-class maximum power of 14.3bhp and a peak torque of 12.7Nm. Power delivery of the engine is quite well and it claims to return a mileage upto 72kmpl in optimum conditions.

Chassis: All the bikes have almost similar engineering with a diamond type frame varying in design, Telescopic front forks, front 240mm disc brake and a 130mm drum brake on the rear wheel. However, the Hero Achiever and Honda CB Unicorn gets bigger 18-inch alloys instead of 17-inch ones. Also the CB Unicorn and Discover 150 comes with monoshock suspension at the rear while the Yamaha SZ-RR V2.0 and Hero Achiever gets dual hydraulic dampers at the rear with spring aid.

Pricing and Verdict:

When it comes to the styling, any common man can say that Bajaj Discover 150F is the best with a price tag of Rs. 59,034 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Performance and engineering of the bike is also better compared to the other models in the respective segment with best-in-class power delivery, mileage and advance Nitrox monoshock rear suspension. So, we found that the Discover 150 is the best value for money product as a 150cc commuter. However, the Honda CB Unicorn is also giving a tough competition, which is priced slightly higher than the Discover and Hero Achiever. Hero Achiever is a good 150cc budget bike for a common man, who needs a simple and comfortable bike for daily commuting. Yamaha SZ-RR V2.0 is also a good bike but not a good deal as well, and the reason is performance and highest pricing.