Honda Unicorn BS6 With Bigger 160cc FI Engine Launched

The new Unicorn gets a price hike of Rs 12,852 over the BS4-compliant model 

Honda Unicorn BS6 comes with an engine kill switch and a 24mm longer seat. It also comes with 8mm extra ground clearance and a new low rolling resistance tyre at the rear. Design remains more or less the same.

The Honda Unicorn BS6 has been launched in India at Rs 93,593 (ex-showroom Delhi). This makes it dearer than the 150cc CB Unicorn BS4 by Rs 12,852. That’s a considerable premium but Honda has compensated for the price hike by plonking in a bigger 160cc single-cylinder air-cooled, fuel-injected motor. It is also counterbalanced so expect good refinement, befitting the brand’s reputation. 

The engine produces the same 12.9PS of power as the 150cc BS4 bike but it arrives at 7500rpm instead of 8000rpm. Also, the peak torque has gone up from 12.8Nm at 5500rpm to 14Nm at the same rpm. This coupled with the 6kg lighter kerb weight (140kg, kerb) should make the motorcycle a lot peppier than before. The transmission remains the same 5-speed unit.

It's worth noting that when the new safety norms kicked in from April 2018, Honda chose to not update the CB Unicorn 160 with ABS as it wasn't selling all that well. It seems like Honda is now trying to make the 160cc motor work the second time around albeit in a very familiar bodywork of the 150cc CB Unicorn. 

Apart from the bigger motor, the bike finally gets an engine kill switch. Honda has also tweaked the chassis to offer 8mm higher ground clearance and a 24mm longer seat. Honda has not equipped the bike with any fancy features like, say, the silent starter on the SP 125 or the stop-start system on the Activa 125 BS6. It is likely that the brand has missed out on these features due to cost constraints. Honda knows the Unicorn’s conservative design language has worked wonders in bringing in consistent sales numbers over the years, so it has kept the looks intact.

Like the rest of the BS6-compliant lineup from Honda, this motorcycle also comes with a 3+3 year warranty. Its primary rivals include the recently-launched Bajaj Pulsar 150 BS6 and the TVS Apache RTR 160 2V BS6. Here’s the brand’s press release:

‘BE A WING RIDER’

Honda launches Fresh & Powerful - Unicorn BSVI

New HET BSVI Engine: Advanced, efficient & smooth 160cc HET BSVI PGM-FI engine

Comfort & Convenience

NEW Engine Stop Switch for convenience during brief stops NEW Higher Ground Clearance (+8mm) and Long wheel base for stable improved ride NEW Longer Seat Length (+24mm) enhances comfort for rider and pillion NEW HET Tubeless tyre contributes to better fuel efficiency

Premium Style & Value

Decent style with premium appeal: NEW Front Cowl with chrome garnish, 3D Wing Mark, chrome stroke on side cover and signature tail lamp NEW Special 6-year warranty package Attractively priced starting at Rs. 93,593 (ex-showroom Delhi)

New Delhi, February 27, 2020 – Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. today introduced fresh and more powerful – new Unicorn BSVI starting at Rs. 93,593 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Minoru Kato, President, CEO & Managing Director, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Unicorn was the 1st motorcycle introduced by Honda in India. Since its launch, it has always been the bench mark when it comes to engine refinement and smooth performance. With a legacy of more than 16 years, brand Unicorn has been the first choice of more than 2.5 million families.”

Presenting new Unicorn BSVI, Mr. Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “With the new advanced PGM-FI HET 160cc engine delivering more power, Unicorn BSVI will raise the bar for seamless refined performance along with the trust of Honda reliability”.

Honda’s latest technology and a host of new features make Unicorn BSVI ready for the next era of transformation.

At the heart of Unicorn BSVI ticks Bharat Stage VI compliant Honda’s mid-size advanced 160cc PGM-FI HET (Honda Eco Technology) engine that provides greater performance and superior efficiency.

The advanced & efficient engine is specially designed to deliver good low end torque and higher fuel efficiency. The compression ratio of 10:1 leads to punchy performance. Smooth power delivery is ensured with a needle bearing rocker arm which helps in reduction of friction losses.

The new engine also comes equipped with counter weight balancer which reduces vibrations and helps in delivering smooth acceleration from low to high rpm.

Comfort & Convenience

New Honda Unicorn BSVI comes equipped with ABS (Anti-brake system) that gives an enhanced braking performance on the roads.

HET tubeless tyre (Low Rolling Resistance tyre) NEW: Unicorn BSVI comes fitted with rear HET tubeless tyre (Low Rolling Resistance tyre). Developed with a new tyre compound technology, it reduces energy loss while maintaining optimum grip.

The high performance Rear Mono Shock suspension is housed below the seat and mounted on the advanced tough and flexible diamond frame. It offers superior riding comfort and excellent stability.

Increased ground clearance (+8mm) and long wheelbase inspire rider confidence and comfort. A longer seat (+24mm) provides ample space for comfortable long distance travel. It comes with seal chain which needs less frequent adjustments and low maintenance. Unicorn BSVI now comes with Engine Stop Switch NEW for the convenience of turning-off the engine on brief stops with the flick of a button.

Premium Style & Value

Broad front cowl with smoked screen and voluminous tank create a macho bold character. Chrome stroke on side cover, chrome garnish on front cowl and 3D Honda Wing Mark on the fuel tank add an appeal of premiumness to the motorcycle. Signature tail lamp design and blue backlit meter console amplifies its distinctive personality.

As another industry first, Honda is also offering a special 6-year warranty package NEW (3 years standard + 3 years optional extended warranty) on Unicorn BSVI. Unicorn BSVI is available in 3 color options – Pearl Igneous Black, Imperial Red Metallic & Mat Axis Gray Metallic. The all new BSVI Unicorn is priced attractively starting from Rs. 93,593 (ex-showroom, Delhi).