Mar 01, 2015 12:49 PM
116900 Views
Hi guys I was using an Yamaha RX 100 these days. She was a 1990 model vehicle i.e. A 25 year old vehicle. She always had some nagging issues but was always reliable. Me being a family man and dad of three kids who some time had to travel around 70 Kms one side in an emergency needed a powerful four stroke. I had the Pulsar 200 NS, the Suzuki Gixxer, the Yamaha FZ V2, The Honda CB Trigger and Unicorn 160 on Cards.
Firstly contacted Bajaj but the support of the sales team was very poor. So I made up I won't go for it because if the response we get when we plan to take a bike with cash in hand is this bad what would be the case after I purchase the bike. Sorry Bajaj.
Second visit to Suzuki dealer. Showroom and service centre is under renovation and they have a very small network. Saw the test ride bike and it's already showing signs of age. This leaves doubts about the quality of the paint work in a bike I should use for at least five years. Sorry Suzuki.
I had used three Yamaha bikes and is a fan of that brand. Yamaha promises good engineering and excellent build quality. But although good the introduction of fuel injection brings the necessity of a good technician and authorised service centre if some fault occurs. My colleague who owns the bike has the experience that he has to book many days in advance to get an appointment for free service.
And nowadays the quality of the service has depreciated a lot.
Visited Honda dealership test drove the Unicorn 160cc quality levels are very good a responsive and super smooth engine. A promise of 55 to 60 Kmpl and bucketful of torque. The service network is also excellent as they have their outlets near my workplace and in my home town, both very close. The support of the sales team was also very excellent. What more can I ask for in a commuter. Immediately booked a black unicorn 160 std. Promised to deliver the vehicle on 28-02-2015. The vehicle was delivered on time. Will post my detailed experience with the bike later.
If I have to point out some pros and cons here they are
Pros:
1) Butter smooth engine with good torque and mileage.
2) Vehicle is more compact and lighter than earlier unicorn.
3) A vehicle with decent performance which can serve as a family vehicle.
4) Honda service network.
Cons:
1) Styling may not be to the liking of younger generation.
2) No full DC electrics.
3) No engine kill switch.
4) The switch gear provided does not match a bike of this price.
There is a chance of depressing the indicator cancel instead high beam low beam switch at night till you are familiar with the layout.
Altogether an excellent commuter. Don't be fooled by crap reviews by auto magazines. You have to take all points as 80% of the Indian bikers use it as a mode of economically viable commuting and performance figures are only a part of it. Bon voyage.
