I am back after very long break. I am automobile enthusiast and keep my eyes on each and every detail of each bike available in india.
A month back I decided to go for a new bike after using my old horse Bajaj Caliber for 9 long years. I decided to go for Bajaj Discover 135 with Disc but looking at Discover’s future and dated looks I then changed my mind to go for higher capacity bike. I shortlisted two very different bikes, TVS RTR160 and New Honda Unicorn. Although I am a great fan of Bajaj bikes but looking at population of Pulsars on the road I dropped that bike from my list.
Between RTR160 and Unicorn, RTR is more like street racing bike where as Unicorn is from touring culture of Honda CBF series bikes. Considering comfort zone & fuel consumption I decided to put my money on Unicorn.
Now about Unicorn, it looks typically Honda from every angle. You can feel that Japanese design theme in each and every part you look at. sometimes feels and sounds like Karizma (after all Karizma is rebored version of CBF150 which is infact our very own Unicorn). When you sit on it, the only thing comes in your mind is that its BIG.. a very big motorcycle. Riding position is not very sporty but extremely comfortable. Even for pillion comfort level is superior. That makes it a big mile muncher on long highway trips. Returning 50-55 kmpl without even its first service. Hope to go litle further after first service.
About its power, while riding single seat (with 65kg rider) its acceleration is very good taking in account its 146 kg of kerb weight. Infact you can’t even feel the weight of bike while riding it. In second, third and forth gear it gives instant acceleration. Haven’t crossed 60 kmph yet but taking it from 0-60 is breeze, not mindblowing but decent enough. Feels like it is not made for out n out acceleration but made for long highway rides. While 0-60 is breez, taking 40-80 is scintillating. When riding double seat, accelertion shows very little nervousness but it doesn’t let you feel pillion weight. Again a very good sign of comfortable highway cruiser. Bike’s handling is very good. Runs like a tank but handles like a bird. Its handle is very light while riding even with pillion which makes it very comfortable in city. At high speed it inspires great confidence while tacklling corners. You always feel that you could have tacklled that corner with even more speed. All n all a great handler.
About its engine, I must say its an engineering marvel. It is ultra smooth and very free reving. Infact in trafic you will not be able hear engine sound which sometimes put you in trouble whether it needs a gear change or is it struglling for power. Credit goes to its extra large sized exhaust pipe.
About quality, I must say Honda is giving each n every part from reputed suppliers. Biggest surprise is that the mag wheels are from Enkei Wheels, the world’s second larget alloy wheel maker. Supplies wheels to brands like Ferrari n Porsche racing. Disk brake is also from India’s best maker KBX (which uses Brembo technology). Paint quality is superb as well as plastic quality too superb.
But I have little complain about mirros and wheel. In just 15 days of purchase the right rear view mirror started losing its mirror coating from inside. And about wheel, it is losing its black coating on front wheel bearing. Not a big issue but I feel in Honda this should not happen.
Now surprise, ex showroom price does not contain number plates and leg guard. Means Honda is not providing even number plates and leg guard. But providing mirrors and sari guard as standard fitment. Little surprising, isnt it?
I got it at Rs.56990 ex showroom Vapi(S.Gujarat). I think its a good buy at this price. I just love the looks, very muscular. Bike is very powerful and real head turner. I recommend this bike to those who are looking for performance n mileage together. And yes, the feel of rinding international class bike from HONDA.
UPDATED 17/11/07:
Who says Honda service is not good? I have mentioned about little quality problems in my above review, I wasn’t considering these little issues in parts really needs any replacement. But forced by my brother I wrote to HMSI website and belive me very next day I got call from Honda customer care to inquire about my query. Next day my dealer (Imperial Honda, Vapi) called me saying bring in bike to get replacement. Soon I approached dealer and they changed not only the front alloy rim (which had little coating issue) but the tyre and disc also. Also replaced both mirrors (they also had coating issue), and all these in just 30 minutes flat. All these in just 2 days, I just can’t imagine such service in India where manufacturers are only interested in sell and forget.
Long live Honda.
Regards,
Bimal Modi