BS6 Honda Unicorn Gets A Bigger 160cc Heart

Honda has launched the new Unicorn BS6 in India at Rs 93,593 (ex-showroom), which is around Rs 13,000 more than the older BS4 model. Why is it so expensive? You see, the new Unicorn is now a 160cc motorcycle instead of a 150cc with a few additional tweaks.

Unlike most BS6-compliant two-wheelers that Honda has launched in the past couple of months like the new SP125, Activa 6G or the Activa 125, the new Unicorn doesn’t come equipped with an ACG starter. The only new feature it gets is an engine kill switch. Apart from that, it’s the same as the BS4 Unicorn 150. At 187mm, the ground clearance has gone up by 8mm and the seat is now 24mm longer, which should offer a bit more room than before.

The old Unicorn 160 was discontinued once the safety norms kicked in. So this is the second time that Honda is reviving its 160cc lineup. The new 160cc engine makes 13PS at 7500rpm and 14Nm at 5500rpm, which is 1.2PS less and 0.1Nm more than the previous Unicorn 160. Honda claims the new BS6-compliant 160cc engine offers more mileage and performance than before. The small changes that Honda has done to make it BS6-compliant has made the new Unicorn 4kg heavier than the older 160cc model. It now tips the scales at 140kg. While the suspension and braking hardware is similar to before, the BS6 Unicorn now gets a low rolling resistance tyre at the rear, which should improve the overall mileage.

We would have loved it if Honda had made at least some cosmetic changes, because the BS6 and the BS4 versions look exactly the same and the premium that the brand is asking is quite high. 

In terms of competition, it goes up against the Bajaj Pulsar 150 BS6 and the TVS Apache RTR 160 2V BS6, both of which are BS6 compliant.

Here’s the official press release from the company for more details: 

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.

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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).