In the highly competitive 150cc – 160cc motorcycle segment in India, where aggressive styling and feature lists often dominate the conversation, the Honda Unicorn stands as a magnificent outlier. Since its initial launch, the Unicorn has cultivated a loyal following not through flash and flair, but through an unwavering commitment to three core values: Reliability, Refinement, and Comfort.
The latest iteration—the 2025 Honda Unicorn 160—arrives with subtle yet significant updates, maintaining its classic, mature commuter stance while integrating modern necessities. It’s a motorcycle for the rider who prioritizes a fuss-free, buttery-smooth daily ride over the adrenaline rush of a street fighter. This comprehensive review dives into the latest price, dissects the legendary engine, confirms its real-world mileage performance, and assesses whether the Unicorn still holds the mantle as the definitive mature commuter in 2025.
Latest Price and Market Positioning
The Honda Unicorn 160 occupies a critical space, priced slightly higher than basic 150cc models but positioned aggressively against the more aggressively styled 160cc naked street bikes.
A. Price Breakdown (2025 Model)
The 2025 model, launched with compliance to the stringent OBD2B regulations and including key feature upgrades, saw a marginal price hike but remains highly competitive.
| Parameter | Value | Details |
| Ex-Showroom Price (Avg.) | ₹1,11,617 – ₹1,19,481 | Varies by city and the specific date of purchase. |
| On-Road Price (Estimated) | ₹1,31,000 – ₹1,45,000+ | Includes RTO registration, insurance, and taxes. |
| Variant | Single Variant (Disc Brake Front, Drum Rear, Single Channel ABS) | Honda offers a single, fully-equipped variant, simplifying the buying process. |
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B. Competitive Strategy
The Unicorn’s price point directly competes with entry-level variants of rivals like the TVS Apache RTR160 and the Bajaj Pulsar P150. However, while these rivals often focus on sharp, youth-centric aesthetics and peak power, the Unicorn sells the promise of Honda’s legendary build quality and low long-term maintenance costs, appealing to family-oriented riders and those seeking a decade-long companionship.
Engine Performance: The Hallmark of Honda Refinement
The engine is the heart and soul of the Honda Unicorn, often described as the smoothest and most vibration-free motor in the segment.
A. Engine Specifications
| Feature | Specification | Impact on Ride |
| Engine Type | 162.71 cc, Air-cooled, 4-Stroke, SI Engine | Balanced power and thermal management. |
| Max Power | 13.18 PS @ 7500 rpm | Moderate power output, favoring durability and mileage. |
| Max Torque | 14.8 Nm @ 5250 rpm | Excellent torque output low down in the rev range. |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual (Constant Mesh) | Standard commuting setup, reliable gear shifts. |
| Fuel System | PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) | Ensures crisp throttle response and compliance with BS6 Phase2 and OBD2B norms. |
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B. Performance Analysis
- Low-End Torque: The peak torque arrives early at 5250 rpm. This is crucial for city commuting, where quick roll-on acceleration is needed to maneuver through traffic. The Unicorn never feels sluggish off the line, making it a highly practical urban machine.
- Unmatched Smoothness: This is the Unicorn’s defining trait. The engine utilizes a counter-balancer to minimize vibrations. Even when pushing the bike up to 70 – 80 kmph, the engine note remains muted, and the vibrations are almost nonexistent in the handlebar and footpegs. This translates directly into a fatigue-free riding experience, even during hours of continuous riding.
- Highway Cruising: While the power output is lower than some sportier rivals, the Unicorn is perfectly capable of maintaining comfortable cruising speeds of 80 – 90 kmph. The refinement ensures that the engine doesn’t feel stressed, making it a surprisingly viable option for occasional long-distance touring.
- OBD2B Compliance: The latest update includes an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD2B) system which monitors the emission control systems in real-time. This is a crucial future-proofing feature that enhances engine health and ensures lower emissions.
Read more : TVS Apache RTR 160
Mileage Test: Practicality Meets Efficiency
For the target commuter audience, fuel efficiency is often the second most important factor after reliability. The Unicorn has historically performed well, and the BS6 FI system maintains this efficiency.
A. Official vs. Real-World Figures
| Scenario | Claimed/Reported Mileage | Test Condition |
| ARAI Certified | 50 kmpl – 60 kmpl (Varies by test cycle) | Idealized laboratory test conditions. |
| City Commuting (Owner Reported) | 45 kmpl – 50 kmpl | Stop-and-go traffic, frequent gear changes. |
| Highway Riding (Owner Reported) | 50 kmpl – 55 kmpl+ | Consistent speed, relaxed cruising. |
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B. Maximizing Fuel Efficiency
The 45 – 50 kmpl figure in the city is excellent for a 160cc bike with this level of refinement. Riders who maintain a disciplined right wrist (cruising below 5500 rpm) can easily hit the higher end of the range. The new Digital Instrument Cluster now includes an Eco Indicator, a visual aid that gently encourages the rider to maintain an efficient riding style, which is a neat psychological trick to improve mileage.
With a 13 Litre fuel tank, the Unicorn offers a superb riding range, often exceeding 550 km on a full tank, making fuel stops less frequent—a true blessing for daily commuters.
Comfort and Ergonomics: The Fatigue-Free Ride
Where the Unicorn truly separates itself from its sporty competitors is in its focus on rider and pillion comfort.
A. The Monoshock Advantage
The Unicorn was one of the first bikes in its class to offer a Monoshock Rear Suspension.
- Handling: The monoshock provides superior ride quality by better absorbing road undulations, especially mid-corner bumps, leading to more stable and predictable handling.
- Comfort: It delivers a much more pliant and controlled ride compared to traditional twin shocks. It handles small potholes and rough patches of Indian roads with remarkable ease, minimizing the jolts felt by the rider and pillion. The rear suspension is adjustable, allowing the rider to fine-tune the stiffness based on load.
B. Seating and Riding Posture
The Unicorn’s ergonomics are strictly designed for comfort:
- Long, Wide Seat: The generous dimensions of the single-piece seat are a major highlight, providing ample space and cushioning for both the rider and the pillion, eliminating the discomfort associated with split-seat setups on long journeys.
- Upright Posture: The slightly raised handlebar and forward-set footpegs result in an upright and relaxed riding triangle. This posture puts minimal stress on the wrists and back, making the Unicorn an ideal choice for riders with long daily commutes or those suffering from back issues.
Full Specifications and Features: The 2025 Updates
The latest Unicorn retains its classic styling cues but receives crucial functional updates.
A. Key Feature Updates (2025 Model)
- LED Headlamp: Replaces the older halogen unit. Provides better illumination for safer night riding and adds a modern touch to the otherwise conservative design.
- Fully-Digital Instrument Cluster: A major upgrade from the old analogue-digital mix. It now clearly displays the Gear Position Indicator, Eco Indicator, Service Due Indicator, Speedometer, and Tachometer.
- USB Type-C Charging Port: A highly practical addition for commuters and delivery professionals, allowing for on-the-go phone charging, essential for navigation apps.
- Side Stand Engine Cut-off: A vital safety feature that prevents the engine from starting if the side stand is down, or kills the engine if the stand is deployed while riding.
B. Safety and Handling
| Feature | Specification | Comment |
| Braking | Front:240 mm Disc / Rear:130 mm Drum | Standard setup for the segment. |
| ABS Type | Single Channel ABS (on the front wheel) | Essential safety net, especially in emergency braking scenarios. |
| Chassis | Diamond Type Frame | Provides good stability and handling characteristics. |
| Kerb Weight | 139 Kg | Light enough for nimble city maneuvers and easy parking. |
| Ground Clearance | 187 mm | Excellent ground clearance, easily tackling tall speed breakers and poor roads. |
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Ownership Experience and The Verdict
The Honda Unicorn is more than just a bike; it’s a dependable tool that blends into the background of daily life, only drawing attention with its consistent, fuss-free performance.
A. Long-Term Reliability and Maintenance
Honda’s legendary engineering shines brightest in long-term ownership. User reports consistently point to:
- Low Maintenance Cost: Simple design and robust parts mean less complex repairs and lower service bills compared to feature-heavy rivals.
- Engine Durability: Many older Unicorns remain on the road with high mileage, a testament to the engine’s longevity.
- Resale Value: Due to its reputation, the Unicorn commands one of the highest resale values in its class.
B. Who Should Buy the Honda Unicorn 160?
- The Mature Commuter: The primary audience is the rider who commutes daily and prioritizes comfort, low running costs, and reliability over aggressive top-end performance or flashy features.
- The Family Rider: The plush seat and stable ride make it ideal for carrying a pillion (spouse, child, or parent) comfortably.
- The Long-Distance Cruiser (Budget): For those who take occasional 200 – 300 km trips and value a smooth, non-fatiguing engine.
C. The Final Verdict
The 2025 Honda Unicorn 160 successfully navigates the challenge of modernizing a classic. While it deliberately skips aggressive styling and advanced connectivity (like Bluetooth GPS mapping), it adds the essential updates—LED lighting, a digital console, and a USB-C charger—that its core audience demands.
It sacrifices peak horsepower for unmatched engine smoothness and delivers excellent mileage while offering superior, fatigue-free comfort thanks to its long seat and monoshock. In a segment cluttered with options, the Unicorn stands tall as the definitive choice for the rider who understands that substance always triumphs over fleeting style.
Would you like a side-by-side comparison of the Honda Unicorn 160 against its closest rival, the TVS Apache RTR160?
