Honda CB Unicorn 160 Detailed Review

Honda CB Unicorn series of two wheeler bikes have been a great success from its launch in India. The first of this kind appeared in 2005 which scored the highest rate of sales for the company. Honda Unicorn's subsequent variants such as the CB 150 and the Dazzler marked this point of sales later. Exactly since a decade of excellence in sales and customer reviews Honda has finally launched the brotherly version of this series in the country, the CB Unicorn 160. Honda assures the same quality in maintenance, service, a new futuristic design and styling elements and comfort for the riders. The CB Unicorn 160 is targeted to almost all group of people without any age barriers. The bike is positioned among the 150cc to 180cc segment and hence its main rivals can be listed as the Bajaj Pulsar 150, TVS Apache 160, Suzuki Gixxer 155, Hero Hunk 150 and the Yamaha FZ V2.0 Fi. The performance of the bike would be higher than that of its older versions and is expected to be the best in class. Honda CB Unicorn 160 will be available in two variants, standard and CBS.

DESIGN and LOOKS

Basic Styling and Design
Honda have made slight variations in the design and styling of the CB Unicorn 160 from that of its earlier variants. The bike resembles the styling and design components which was included in another of its kind, the Honda CB trigger. Although, it has maintained an Aerodynamic look and feel to its overall design. Apart from its older versions, Honda has made the bike look according to the present design trend of the bikes in the country. The design of the new Unicorn had been accepted since the day it appeared in Honda's official site. A mixture of design elements from the first unicorn with a blend of alloy and plastic is been used.



Head
From the front, the head light of the bike has undergone a big change unlike the CB150. Headlights is accompanied by a black tint visor on its top, both of which is similar in shape but Honda has managed to keep the size of the visor smaller. The absence of a chrome plate can be marked from that of its first version. Turn indicators are placed down the neck of the headlights and resembles the same design as earlier.

Fuel Tank
Fuel tank has been restyled by adding more edgy elements providing an aerodynamic look to the bike. The tank leads to a single stretch seat with a slightly higher rear portion. Design of the seats do replicate that of the Honda CB Trigger.

Rear and Side Panels
A new look has also been provided to the tail lights. The typical “H” shaped tail lights comes with LED lighting technology. Honda claims that the H shaped tail lights is a brand signature which can be notices quickly. A flowing design element can also be seen in the side cowl. Side panels include a blend of hard plastic and alloy. A rectangular shaped, twin tone design element flows from the bottom of the fuel tank till its tail with an “HET” technology emblem and an imprinted “mono suspension” typography.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine
The bike runs on a 4-stroke, air cooled SI engine with a cylinder capacity of 162.71cc. The bike delivers a net power of 14.5bhp at the rate of 8000rpm and 14.61Nm of net torque at 6000rpm. With a 63mm stroke the Honda CB Unicorn 160's compression ratio goes up to 10:01.

Transmission
Honda uses the typical five-speed transmission for the CB 160 which raves quickly as the engine power is higher than that of the other versions. A maximum speed of 106kmph is claimed by the company.

Tyres and Brakes
The CB Unicorn 160 uses tubeless tyres, front and rear, with a tyre size of 80/100-17 and 110/80-17 in its front and rear respectively. Honda has included a 240mm disc brake for the front tyre and a 130mm disc for the rear (CBS model).



Frame and Suspension
A diamond frame type with a telescopic front suspension and a spring loaded hydraulic (monoshock) rear suspension is included which helps in smooth riding experience.

Battery
A high powered 12V 4Ah battery is placed which takes 12V 35/35W power for its head lights.

FEATURES

Instrument Cluster
The CB Unicorn 160 surprises us with a number of added on features that are absent in many bikes in this segment. A full digital instrument cluster is one such element which is the most advanced looking design in its class. The instrument cluster is an 'information centre' equipped with elements like trip meter, odometer, tachometer, speedometer, digital clock and a fuel meter. The digital instrument cluster looks more elegant with an orange LED light which is automatically lit up with the head lights also provides clear visibility at night.

Combined Braking System (CBS)
Honda uses the CBS braking technology which increases stability. The CBS braking system reduces the
braking distance as compared to the conventional system.

Engine
Honda introduces a new mid sized advanced engine in the CB Unicorn 160. the newly fitted engine includes a mix of new and advanced technology apart from other bikes in the same segment.

Mono Suspension
With the help of a Spring Loaded Hydraulic type rear suspension, the bike maintains stability and balance

Signature H Tail lights
Honda brings in a distinguish styling in the tail light of the CB 160. The “H” shaped all LED tail light claims to be the signature of the brand which leaves and everlasting impression.

Mileage
Honda promises a maximum of 62 kmpl mileage for the 163cc powered engine.

COLOURS

Honda CB Unicorn 160 is available to the customers in 4 different colours.

* Pearl Igneous Black
* Imperial Red Metallic
* Geny Grey Metallic
* Pearl Amazing White

Thus the new flagship of the Unicorn series from Honda is expected to gain the same rate in sales. With a 163cc power and an assured 63 kilometre per litre of mileage, the bike's success scale is expected to reach at its peak. The design and styling of the bike and its new features from that of other of its rivals makes it unique.