Sep 04, 2008 03:21 PM
7034 Views
I bought Honda Unicorn from Kothari Honda on Wakdewadi Road in Pune in Mar'08. Looks-wise while this bike was ok (compared to Pulsar/ Apache), it was definitely expensive. However, on my friend's suggestions (this was to be my first bike ever) I bought this bike after taking test rides.
However, the problems seemed to start from day 1 itself. The bike couldn't run beyond 35-40kms even at 4th gear and started to vibrate severely. It felt like the bike was pulling back and at the same time may fall apart. It was unbearable to keep seated. Moreover, the speedometer assembly was faulty. I had to take it 4 times to Kothari to get it replaced.
It won't be out of place to suggest that Honda Unicorn suffers from unavailability of spare parts. The mechanics at Kothari are also to be blamed as they cannot identify and fix any problem in the first instance. When they were finally able to replace the speedometer assembly, they left the fuel gauge and wiring open which led to the fuel meter always showing at reserve even though the bike had around 8 liters of fuel in it (tank capacity approx 13 lts). I've to take it to the service center again.
A new problem has emerged. While accelerating the bike seems to drag behind and starts jerking and gradually comes to a stop. The self/kick-start stops responding at this point of time. If it keep it switched off for some time, then suddenly it comes back to life before switching off after another 2-3 kms. The mechanics haven't been able to identify the problem either. Moreover, Unicorn's mileage is quite poor. I'd have been happy to get even 40kmpl but it offer around 25kmpl. When I asked the mechanics, they said you have to ride around 2500kms before it will give you around 40 but don't expect any more. This is absolutely BS.
Till date I've rode the bike for about 1700kms as my daily travel is very limited. Within this short distance of travel, the bike has given me a lot of trouble. I have to take it to the service center every week as new problems keep cropping up which the mechanics are unable to resolve in the first instance. I should also mention that I ride my bike within 40-50kmph limit as I am not really a speed enthusiast. It is still in mint condition. So there is no question of rough handling.
I am thoroughly fed up with this expensive, worthless and unreliable bike and am looking forward to get rid of it.
If you guys know of any possible solution to the above problems, please respond. I also suggest you not to go for this bike. It seems Honda has no interest in this bike (they are happy selling scooters/scooterettes).
