Oct 29, 2005 05:23 PM
4010 Views
(Updated Oct 29, 2005 05:23 PM)
Hi there to everyone,
This is my first ever review on Mouthshut and I am glad to write on something thats my first LOVE and my love from the deepest of my heart. Yes, it's the HONDA UNICORN 149cc, 13.3Bhp, Self Start and Candy Tahitian Blue coloured. Hope u like it!
I was crying before my parents from the last two-three years for a bike. However first I wanted to buy the Ambition but after seeing the Unicorn it's obvious that I changed my mind. Finally when I got on to a job I decided to buy it and went for a test ride. Now, I am a hard core bike lover from the time when I used to pee in my pants. Sitting first time on the Unicorn I could feel the super comfortable riding position and the practically soundless engine of the Unicorn. It was superb and Unique. I tested the pick up of the bike and scared the hell out of the dealer's person sitting behind me. I am not sure about the time it took to reach from 0-60 Kmph but its definately the fastest in its class. I booked it right away with Rs. 1000/-
However I had to wait for frustating 3 months as I wanted a self start variant.
Now that I have nearly crossed 4500Kms and two services done, the bikes still same as it was when new. It has an excellent acceleration, fair looks, smooth engine and braking, awsome gears and delivers a great mileage of 50+ under all traffic conditions. Its a beautifully stable bike - thanks to its rear mono shox, they are at times better that the nitros in Pulsar. Its light body and handle make it extremely good to handle in traffic and cornering needs unlike Pulsar. The bike is so much comfortable that u can ride it 24hrs a day if u can control sleep, again, unlike Pulsar. The smoothness and silence of the engine makes u feel great even after a long high speed ride. Not like the one in Pulsar that keeps ur ears rattling for 10 minutes even after switching off the engine. However it depends on how u like it !! The best thing is that I did not have to visit my dealer except for regular servicing till today. This bike is definately WORTH THE WAIT. U still have about 2-3 weeks waiting for a self start Unicorn but if u need real quality WAIT FOR IT and u will be happy.
I would like to share one experience. On 26th July when rains flooded the hell out of Bombay, I was on my way back from office. My bike was new and its first service was due. I had to ride it through flooded roads and it kept firing even after its spark plug and silencer were completely under water. It took me more than on hour and more than 1 Litre of petrol to cross 5-7 Kms. Soon after this I sent my bike for first service and there was absolutely no damage except a fused electrical relay that was replaced under warranty. This proved to me the quality of parts and workmanship offered by HONDA.
Now, I would like to discuss some points that Pulsar lovers use as cons in Unicorn. this is what people say and my explaination for it.
Looks - If not as good as Pulsar, the looks of Unicorn are not bad. It looks good upto the level a real biker consider important.
Plastic feel switch gear - Though the feel is plastic they work well and are long lasting. Mine are still functioning perfectly even after taking three months of monsoon this year without a cover.
New Pulsar has 13.5Bhp - Yes, the new Pulsar DTSi with Mag Wheels is 13.5 Bhp but has the same torque and pick up ratings as that of Unicorn.
Pulsar has Exhaustek so good torque at low rpm - A Unicorn has equally good low rpm torque without exhaustek as 5th gear can be used at speeds as low as 30Kmpl without engine knocks.
Low engine noise feels like a bike for retired person - Totally disagree with this as it depends on what u like raw power as the one in Pulsar or smoothened & swift power as in Unicorn. Remember the term Power is common.
Lower sale of Unicorn than Pulsar - Lower production is the cause. A waiting of months together explain its popularity.
Poor Horn Quality - A horn can be changed for Rs. 100/- it cant be a reason to ignore such a beautiful bike.
Unstyled mirrors - Mirrors though not styled are greatly effective and that what u need from them.
No parking lights and trip meter - Parking lights are very rarely used in a Pulsar also as they are connected to engine dynamo and not directly to the battery. Yes, they do look good. Trip meter is also very rarely used. However the arrangement of Meters looks better than that of Pulsar when u sit on the bike and look at them.
No Mag Wheels - Mag Wheels are now available atleast in Mumbai as a dealer option at Om Sai Honda Malad & Mahim.
So, if u are a real smooth biking enthusiast JUST GO FOR IT !! forget all the above points and u will never repent for it.
If u have any Queries, do mail them to me.
Thanks,
Punit.
