First, this review which I am writing is under the wrong brand. This should be under Honda and not under Hero Honda. As that option is not available, I am writing it here. Hope they bring one new brand soon. I am sure Honda will need one new page itself, as Unicorn is making its mark. Its just not another bike in the market. Unicorn’s release made the stock prices crash for Bajaj and Hero Honda.
The only competence for me to write this review is that I am used to driving a Pulsar 180, Hero Honda CBZ and a TVS Victor. I have also test driven this one horned beauty.But, this is not going to be a perfect comparison between the bikes, but will be a set of opinions of mine.
Honda Unicorn, selling at Rs.54, 990 (On Road price) in Chennai , is supposed to be slightly cheaper than the Pulsar 150 DTSi and the CBZ, but in no where a comparison to the TVS.
I went to the dealer enquired about the price, had a look at all the colors available (Candy Tahitian Blue, Candy Blazing Red and Black are only available right now. Two more colors, Geny Grey Mettalic and Force Silver mettalic are expected to be launched). My first view about this bike when I saw the photo on the ad was this:
Front doom: Pulsar
Fuel Tank : CBZ
Flaring : Karizma
Exhaust: Ambition
But when I saw the bike for the first time, it didn’t surpass my expectation, atleast it didn’t look the way it was shown in the ads. My basic point is that the length is small.
The length of the bike is so small that it doesn’t suit the doom and fuel tank size. Technically speaking, a bike of this length will have better maneuverability.
The ride
The engine was switched on and I knew it only when I turned the accelarator. Absolutely no sound. Engine is so smooth that you don’t even feel the beats. I think that is the advantage and disadvantage of this bike. If you look at the comfort angle, its the best suited, but if you compare the sound with its sporty look, NO SOUND, is no compromise. I think we pay so much (for Pulsar & CBZ) only for the sound. Even a Shogun sold for its sound. No sound, what to do...thats what Honda thinks is technology.
Ride was cool, beautiful pick up, nice ride, good torque development, but gear shift was not so smooth. I ride a Suzuki Samurai everyday. So I am comparing this gear shift with that. Gear shift was like a Hero Honda.
Mono shock is something to mention. There were so many bumps on the road which I never felt when I was test driving the Unicorn, but only felt it when I was going back in my good old Samurai. The monoshock will be great when you go for long drives on bad roads. Bike is well designed, and will surely avoid back pains on long drives.
They promise a good mileage and a Tuffup tube which can resist punctures.Clutch is very smooth and will be great on congested roads and traffic jams. Good Bike if you think of comfort. But not a consideration for style and sport.