An engineering fluke. Review on Honda Unicorn 150 cc

I have done 7750 kms on my Unicorn. I have been on many long rides in the highway. I have raced many times and have fallen down a few times. I usually carry a 84 kilo pillion rider with me. Therefore, I think I am in a position to make some judgements about this bike. It’s my verdict that this bike is a masterpiece of engineering. I would call it an engineering fluke – ‘cause I’m not so impressed with the other bike HMSI brought out.

Let me explain:

Because of the low centre of gravity owing to the mono-suspension, I found this bike to be remarkably stable (the argument regarding the low centre of gravity has been argued by a commentator, therefore, I do not bank on the scientific explanation to hold as true as my personal experiences which can't be refuted). I have ridden splendour, Pulsar and CBZ (my previous bike), but in stability, none of these compare to the Unicorn. The worst is Splendor (although splendor doesn't belong to this class at all, therefore has been unjustly dragged into this - just stating my experiences); I didn’t like Pulsar either as, while I found it to be very stable at low and medium speeds, it wasn’t so stable at high speeds. What I mean is that while it would ride perfectly straight on, I couldn’t be confident during curves. The unicorn handles beautifully on the curves, way better than even CBZ. Once, while I was racing in Kathmandu, I needed to brake to avoid an accident, unfortunately, there was sand all over the tarmac (my worst enemy as most of the accidents I have had has happened because of sand on the road) therefore, the wheels slipped and the bike started wobbling and skidding forward as if a pebble would skim over the water surface. The sand from my bike was hitting on the face of the other rider trailing way behind me. However, the bike came under control beautifully; actually I was surprised at the way it responded. That was the moment I was really very impressed with my Unicorn; the other friends were just as impressed. It will be a long piece of literature if I describe every other near death experiences I have had on the road (I have had 4 quite memorable ones) and all the time Unicorn has proven its finesse in stability and manoeuvrability. This is the most important aspect of it I would like to tell you. All the racing bikes use monosuspension - probably for this reason.

The next thing is its power and ultra-clinically smooth and seemingly effortless pick-up. I have raced with my friends Pulsar 180 (not DTSI) on the hilly highway and have won (although riding ability and the condition of the bike is left out of the equation, but the bottom line is this bike stood up to the challenge); that too when we both were carrying pillion riders and mine was the same 84 kilo pal and the one on the other was just around 60 kilos. Not only me but my regular pillion rider too is so impressed with this bike that he has made up his mind to buy none other than a Unicorn. On any road, I would laugh (sorry, if this seems offensive) at Pulsar 150 and any other 150 cc (have not raced with an Apache though) bike and if it is a street, or a hilly highway (sloping and curvy) I’m not intimidated by Pulsar 180 (no experience with DTSI) or Kinetic 170 (have raced and have won more often than not, but again, much depends upon individual riders, bike condition and road familliarity), or in the city street I will gladly accept a Karizma’s challenge (not on an open stretch of road though - the idea is to play in Unicorn's manouverability). However, I would suggest that people don't make racing an issue while purchasing a bike. Unicorn is also way more comfortable than CBZ or pulsar, especially on long rides. Now, there's no way I would ride a CBZ or pulsar on long rides. Graptor and Fiero F2 are comfortable too, but I still like Unicorn.

What I love about Unicorn is that the more you increase the throttle, the smoother it gets and greater is the sense of control and the bike responds beautifully to body movements. Lots of people like bikes that make thundering sounds, and frankly I was one such junkie, but after riding a Unicorn for more than a year I’ve completely changed my mind: you will realise how soothing it is to have such a silent and whizzing engine noise especially on very long journeys – its almost therapeutic. Now, I wouldn’t be able to stand an engine constantly thundering on my ear-drums. I hope HMSI builds higher end bikes, say 250, 300, 360, or even 500 CC bikes just like the unicorn, I hope they don’t end up changing the salient features of this bike, cause it’s a winner. The other thing I like is the progressive nature of braking it delivers through the front discs, unlike the sharp braking most discs give (like in Pulsar - this makes the bike slip if you apply brakes while turning, although on a straight path it can stop a bike faster).

The next best thing is its comfort. The mono-suspensions are really comfortable and many a pillion riders have complimented its comfort (I have not tried the new DTSI, though, they the suspensions are very good, but, again, its the seating argonomics that makes all the difference). The riding posture in Unicorn is very comfortable, you can ride all day, but my experience with CBZ was painful and with Pulsar was similar. Based on many calculations, I can say that Unicorn gives 45 to 55 Kmpl (excluding the extreme case readings of 37.7 and 57 Kmpl).

What I don’t like about it is that it comes with very thin rear tyres, HMSI should have catered to those people who value stability more than milleage. With tyres as thick as a pulsar of CBZ's, Unicorn would have been unbeatable in manoueverability and stability. Sometimes, maybe because of the monoshocks, the base touches the ground especially during bumps – buts its nothing serious! The horn is totally inappropriate (it squeaks). The fuel tank cover is an eye-sore - pulsar has a good one. There is no side stand indicator (I liked the ones Graptor has very much – they are the best). I would have liked an engine kill switch – it’s very important –especially in case of accidents. But the worst thing about it is that its rear cowls tend to fall apart even during normal rides through rough and bumpy roads, if done on a daily basis. But, still, all things considered, I would heartily recommend Unicorn. Despite the above mentioned shortcommings, I have given the Unicorn 5 stars rating - that's because of the feeling of satisfaction I got from the the performance of the bike. Those who ride it know why.

Therefore, the bottom line is: even if you find a bike that gives you a better pick-up, a better mileage, looks way better, gives all the other snazzy props, the mono-shocks and the excellent braking still tilt the balance in favour of the Unicorn, because safety comes first. This is my honest opinion. Some may find this "indigestible", I suggest they take good care of their feeble tummy as this peice is based on experience and not fiction. I have precisely highlighted where the Unicorn proves a cut above the rest.