Bike For A Gentleman: Honda Unicorn Anybody?

Honda Unicorn All Black

Here is a reader of IndianCarsBikes who is having a hard time choosing the most gentlemanly 150cc motorcycle around.

Here is what he wrote in.

Hi

I want to have a 150 cc bike, and my dilemma is:-

I don’t like pulsars because they are like street dogs every where. and i think it does not have much life ( both body + engine).

I’m a fan of CBZ but CBZ extreme doesn’t not have that gentleman looks.

TVS is not in my list.

And running will be mainly in hilly & rusty roads. kindly help me out.

And is there any plans of Hero Honda to re-launch CBZ Model or new 150 CC Bike.

Praveen Thakur
Sundernagar (Himachal Pradesh)

And, here’s what we think Praveen Thakur should consider riding.

Dear Mr Thakur,

You have two options. The Honda Unicorn and the Suzuki GS150R. Both these motorcycles are brilliant 150cc commuters but the Honda scores over the Suzuki when it comes to sales and service. Not that Suzuki’s after sales is bad, but they simply don’t have the market penetration and hence the number of service outlets when compared to those of Honda.

Hence, I suggest the Honda Unicorn for you as you happen to live in a small town and also as you ride on predominantly rural and twisty roads. The Unicorn has bomb proof reliability and a proven service record in India. While you might find it a little staid compared to the competition, do consider the all black version of the Honda Unicorn that looks particularly classy or as you might choose to call it, gentlemanly.

All said, Yamaha will launch a 150cc commuter motorcycle called the SZ150 shortly but at this moment, we have no clue as to how good the motorcycle is, especially in comparison to the tried and tested Honda Unicorn.

Do let us know what you end up riding. Also, we aren’t suggesting the Yamaha FZ16, as that is more of a premium offering and hence much more expensive than the current crop of 150cc motorcycles in India.

Cheers,

Team ICB

Share and Enjoy:

May 3, 2010 | By Jay Prashanth · Tags: Best 150cc Bike in India, Suzuki GS150R

Comments

42 Responses to “Bike For A Gentleman: Honda Unicorn Anybody?”

Bharath on May 4th, 2010 11:05 am

The Unicorns are butter smooth and as said by ICB it is a gentlemanly bike. But one thing which I dont like with Unicorn and GS150R is that, these 2 bikes have the worst rear break lever which sometime hits the speedbreaker when we press the break. This lever cud hav been something like that is available in pulsar, hunk or CBZ.
biker on May 5th, 2010 2:49 pm

“I don’t like pulsars because they are like street dogs every where.” :) GOOD You deserve a reliable horse like Unicorn not a street dog that Pulsar, I’ve been riding Unicorn like hell since last 4 years did not replaced a single blot, It never let me down… The only wish I have from Honda is a bigger capacity bike that is as reliable as unicorn, now that I see even my “doodhwala” comes on a unicorn with milk cans.

As rightly suggested by ICB GS 150R comes close to unicorn, I can’t say much about it as I had ridden it only once, engine is smooth and soft as unicorn and its large fuel tank gives a hayabusa feeling !These two bikes are “killers in disguise” and are exceptional tourers!
Praveen Thakur on May 7th, 2010 9:22 pm

DEAR SIR,

MY PLACE DOES NOT HAVE MUCH SERVICE CENTER OF HONDA.

WAT ABOUT HUNK .

AND DOES HERO HONDA IS COMING WITH ANY NEW BIKE IN 2010 (150CC).

THANKING U
PRAVEEN
B Ranade on May 30th, 2010 1:47 pm

hi
We ve service center in goa for suzuki and honda

i liked both the bike
I ‘m a rough rider , and do not ve the time for maintenance except for oil change which i do my self

what i want to know is …
1) which one is more comfortable

and

2) which one is technological more advance

Awaiting your response

B Ranade
shiva kumar on June 22nd, 2010 3:43 pm

hi………shall i purchase unicorn?
i am just a guy with 5.5 height and weight of around 55
Jay Prashanth on June 22nd, 2010 7:12 pm

Shiva Kumar,

Don’t worry about your height. You can easily manage on a Honda Unicorn.

Cheers,

Jay
sandeep on June 30th, 2010 2:32 pm

Which bike is long lasting bike in terms of performance & body from Unicorn & pulsar?as i have these two choices.
Jay Prashanth on June 30th, 2010 6:02 pm

Sandeep,

Honda Unicorn is the motorcycle for you. If you like a more sportier version of the Unicorn, then you could look at the Honda CB Dazzler.

Cheers,

Jay
sandeep on July 1st, 2010 11:30 am

Thanks Jay,

I asked this question,as i have seen that most of the bikes looks good for first 1-2 years only..and after that it starts making noice and low average issues.As this will be my first bike,i will expect for the return of investment :)
Jay Prashanth on July 5th, 2010 10:50 am

Sandeep,

Honda made cars as well as motorcycles and scooters last longer than most marques. So, rest assured and go for a Honda if you are looking for a great long term ownership experience. I have personally experienced excellent Honda quality for a long time. All said, this very appliance like reliability of Hondas make certain groups of people brand hondas as boring as they prefer a few gremlins which they can then portray as character.

Cheers,

Jay
balajikumar on July 23rd, 2010 11:38 am

which bike is best in 150cc which has best performance in engine life, i will be using for long life for 10 to 15 years,
Antony on August 1st, 2010 10:24 pm

Once while traveling with my friend on a honda shine, we stopped at a highway hotel in a small town, a villager from that town enquired about our shine. He then said we should have bought a herohonda splendour as herohonda gives better quality and it is a older company than honda and also has showrooms in all small towns.

Well, we didnt want to argue with this guy. It would be a waste of time. But the people recommending Honda here just because of brand name are not different than that villager. Look and see for yourself, honda unicorn offers lesser features. Agreed, the honda unicorn is a good commuter bike, but the suzuki gs150r is also a good commuter bike. Unicorn and gs150r engines are equally smooth. Suzuki is also a big motor company like honda. Even maruti suzuki is a suzuki company. With engine balancer, 6th gear for overdrive, led tailamp and digital speedo, gs150r offers more value for money. Clearly, old unicorn is overpriced.
logesh on August 3rd, 2010 6:47 pm

friends iam in big confussion i like both unicorn and GS150r iam so confused with configuration and milage some body said tht suzuki not good ther parts are not possible here iam so confused can pls help me which bike is better ………………………………
rajesh on August 5th, 2010 9:32 am

hi…… i’m a guy with 5.5 height and weight of around 59kgs…. shall i purchase cbz xtreme????????……………………..
roki on August 15th, 2010 9:25 pm

ya guy u just can buy the one u love to man, its a life for once u dont b in dilemma just buy coz its ur money n ur choice what i think is we shud not ask for our belongings to someone else then us
S K E Anbu - Chennai on August 21st, 2010 6:12 am

All are ok, but taking delivery time to customer is too much for Unicorn. Necessary action should be taken from Honda, otherwise customer may be change their option to other vechicles. Now average delivery time is 3 to 4 months. Its head ache for buyers.
argha on August 26th, 2010 9:57 pm

fazer is da best…go 4 it/////////
Shiva on September 11th, 2010 2:52 am

Another Japanese manufacturer that is taking the Honda down. Is it really taking it down or there are features and engine handling which are up to the mark of a perfect bike. The GS150R is in the league since a long time and it has the capacity to deliver top notch performance. Whether it is mileage or speed it has shown the results in last comparisons.

Since it has a 6speed gearbox, everything is changed. From performance to economy, all the numbers are hampered in good or bad directions. The Unicorn on the other hand remains stable and subtle in given conditions. Its performance is simple and easy. It has delivered all the time. Unicorn has managed to pass all the tests with top notch results.
Honda Unicorn Suzuki GS150R
Engine
Engine Type Air Cooled, 4 Stroke Single Cylinder OHC Air Cooled, 4 Stroke SOHC
Displacement 149.10 CC 149.50 CC
Maximum Power 9.9 KW (13.3 BHP) @ 8000 rpm 13.8 BHP @ 8500 rpm
Maximum Torque 12.8 NM @ 5500 rpm 13.4 NM @ 6000 rpm
Bore and Stroke 57.3 x 57.8 57.0 x 58.6
Start Type Electric Start Electric Start / Kick Start
Max Speed 101Kmph NA
Carburetor CV Type BS26 with TPS
Compression Ratio NA 9.35: 1
Idle Speed 1000rpm
Fuel Tank
Fuel Tank Capacity 13.0 liters 15.5 liters
Reserve Capacity 1.3 liters 2-5liters
Dimension
Height 1100 mm 1120 mm
Width 750 mm 775 mm
Length 2095 mm 2095 mm
Kerb Weight 146 kg 149 kg
Wheelbase 1340 mm 1340 mm
Suspension
Suspension Front Telescopic Telescopic, Coil Spring, Oil Damped
Suspension Rear Advanced Technology Mono Suspension Swing-Arm type, Coil Spring, Oil damped
Tires & Wheels
Tires Front 2.75 x 18” 2.75 x 18” – 42 P
Tires Rear 100 / 90 – 18 100 / 90 x 18 M/C 56P
Wheels NA Alloy wheels
Brakes
Brakes Front 240mm Disc Hydraulic Single Disc
Brakes Rear 130 Drum Drum
Others
Ignition Digital CDI (Multi Mapping) CDI
Transmission 5 Speed Constant Mesh 6 Speed Constant Mesh
Chassis Type Advanced Design Diamond Frame NA
Head Lamp 12 V, 35 W Halogen NA
Battery 12 V, 7 AH NA
Speed, speed and more speed
Both of them share the same engine capacity but have different top speeds. The Unicorn delivers a top whack of 115kmph. If you change the gear in red line format it ensures you get maximum output. The GS150R is in different breed altogether. The 6speed gearbox ensures you get a top whack of 120kmph. Well the results conducted on the GS150R are up to the mark. They have shown that it can do well on straights and turns. The engine and the gearbox setting are far more different that those seen on Indian bikes. You will get a hint of speed and average if driven according to the economy section.
Balancing act
Unicorn has a mono shock and the GS150R has dual shock absorbers. They are gas filled which makes them comfortable for the pillion and rider. Both the bikes have decent handling that makes it one of the best long-range bikes. For long rides, the performance delivered is equal. They have huge petrol tanks in front of them that ensure the rider to be in safe condition while riding. For cornering these bikes, usage of the wide tanks can be done as support.
Mileage
The need of the mileage is there in every bike that is being created. The GS150R is much better in handling and delivering average. If ridden in green section the bike wonderfully delivers, outstandingly, yummy, gummy 65kmpl. Well this is not a confectionery shop that has all those flashy words. The Unicorn on the other hand delivers an output of 55kmpl. The need to increase the average is necessary in that Japanese performer.
Time to go to the ATM
The best performer is the GS150R. The reason being it has one of the best features available and it is cheap too. Cost is not the only factor that is diverting your attention. The features and the 6pseed gearbox are truly worth the value. To regain the position of the best 150cc bike it looks better than the other bikes too. It has a wide tank and has muscular looks. Unicorn on the other hand is decent and subtle. The GS150R has a better combination of speed and mileage. From top speed to maximum mileage everything is set according to the performance of the engine.
hari haran on September 25th, 2010 3:17 pm

good
Prasanna on October 19th, 2010 9:04 pm

Hey Guys,
Im in to a field of marketing and so i would need a bike that lives with me all the time..Since im 6’3 tall and almost 100kgs i wanted to have abike that would suit my physique.I have seen the CB Unicorn and GS 150R..But lil confused as both the bikes have good features for a commuter.Pls help me choose between these both..
Sandy on October 27th, 2010 8:59 pm

I like both unicorn and GS 150
I lived in Nagpur(maharashtra), but little confused between two for after sales and service.I have heard that we dont get spare parts for GS 150 so easily.plz guide
Sandy on October 27th, 2010 9:03 pm

what about New SZX 153 from Yamaharegarding mileage and valuve for moneny
Rajendra on November 24th, 2010 12:27 pm

hi,i’m also planning to buy a bike in the 150cc segment.As told in the replies it seems as if GS150R’s after sales service is not up to the mark.Is it right that suzuki parts are not easily availabble?could anyone share his experience of GS150R espesially after 1st and 2nd Servicing in terms of the engine sound and performance?
It’d be of great help for me if any1 of you respond early on this as i’ve made my mind to buy GS.
anil on December 3rd, 2010 6:26 pm

Can any one tell me about HH Achiever 2010,
i am planning to go for it?
asit mohapatra on December 5th, 2010 4:58 am

hey guys..i m planning to buy a bike in the 150 cc range and i have to travel 22-25 kms 6 days a week.I m from cuttack and u know the roads here r very narrow,bumpy with traffic problem.so which bike should i purchase?
Santhosh on December 8th, 2010 10:04 pm

I am a medical rep riding 100 km every day. Planning to buy gs 150 but I am afraid of my height 153 cm. Can I manage it traffic and rushes
uday on December 13th, 2010 11:12 am

Hi, can any one tell me about the new CBZ extreme?? I am puzzled between GS 150 and CBZ extreme. I dont like the red patch colors of the CBZ but its quick acceleration. i will appreciate if any one have a good comparison of these two and help me to chose the right one for the daily commuting in city roads.
thanks
Nitheesh on December 15th, 2010 2:33 pm

Hi Everybody,
Are you in need of a 150CC Bike?
Then no doubt.
Go for HONDA CB UNICORN.
The BEST bike in the 150CC section.
Very smooth bike and, also delivers the best Mileage in it’s class.
Only problem of getting UNICORN is about it’s delay in delivery after booking.
But, after you get it, you will be proud to be an UNICORN owner.
Because, riding UNICORN will be the best experience of riding any bike AS I HAVE!!!

By,
Nitheesh
Ramesh on January 6th, 2011 8:29 am

Hi Everyone,

I want to buy a Bike…
Which one is Best one to Buy…
Splendor Plus or Pulsar 150 DTSi or Unicorn or Apache 160…
Send me ur valuable comments…
Waiting for ur Reply

Thanks,
Ramesh
Ramesh on January 7th, 2011 6:52 am

Hi Guys,

Waiting for ur Reply…

Thanks,
Ramesh
Karthikeya on January 8th, 2011 12:40 am

Hi guys….

I m Karthikeya n plannin 2 take a bike 150cc segment…plz help me in choosin a ryt bike wic s gud both in terms of performance, reliability n mileage….i hv a confusion b/w des bikes
1. pulsar
2. unicorn
3. rtr 160
4. szr
5. suzuki gs150r

plz plz help me as all bikes look gud….let me kno if der s any bike in herohonda gud…

thank u…
Jay Prashanth on January 8th, 2011 1:31 pm

Karthikeya,

We suggest the Honda Dazzler for you as it offers the best combination of performance, reliability, handling, mileage and after sales service.

Cheers,

Jay
Ramesh on January 17th, 2011 8:35 pm

Hi Guys,

Wat ya No comments from anybody…
Shall I buy Honda Unicorn…

Thanks,
Ramesh
Md Maswood Akhtar Siddiqi on January 20th, 2011 12:28 pm

I want to buy a 150cc bike.I have zeroed in on Pulsar 150,HondaUnicorn and Apache. Will someone advise me which one will be suitable for me as I ride 120 Kms daily.Better handling and fuel efficiency is my prime concern
ashutosh pandey on February 6th, 2011 11:17 am

sir,
i wanna get a good bike to drive in the city bhopal,as iam a mechnical engineering student so kindly suggest any bike which is good in looks,service,especially average,must be having disk controlling,colour should be black,and it’s range must be lying in between 60 to 70 thousands…..i will wait for your reply…thanx
Nirmal on February 15th, 2011 9:33 pm

Your advice is good:) but still hero honda cbz or the hunk is the best of all:-) they give a lot of value for money…they are the most powerful bikes in this segment. Don’t go for the street dog pulsar. Its very bad. Go for the cbz you’ll enjoy
Aman Rana on March 3rd, 2011 1:34 pm

I’d suggest Honda Unicorn because of the smoothness and comfortable riding it delivers…If U are luking for power then go for Dazzler as it delivers a power of 14bhp…and provides much more acceleration than Pulsar or FZ…it also provides the rear disc brake for better braking…U would experience the comfort of Unicorn when U’ll ride it….Go for a test drive….
BEst of Luck…
prashant on April 28th, 2011 12:33 am

hi, everyone,
I had own pulser b4 i buy suzuki gs. Pulser is good for pick up & mileage, but it’s servicing is very panthatic. That’s why i take disesion 2 change my bike & i brought gs150r. This bike is much better than other 150cc bikes except honda unicorn. Gs & unicorn both bikes are equaly smooth, but unicorn have lot much waiting period & it’s cost around 72k. Gs have more technology than unicorn like 6 speed, digital console, gear indicator, engine balancer, more torque than unicorn & cost is around 70k. i complete my 1st servicing & i m realy happy 2 own gs150r. So my opinion is gs150r. It is value for money than unicorn.
pavan on May 31st, 2011 2:38 pm

hi all,

I am pavan having 5’11′ height and medium built with 70KG weight.

Pre-selection:
I am in very much confusion to buy a 150cc for myself. my top priority are comfort,mileage and technology.
I shortlisted following bikes (July 2010 -Oct 2010).
1. unicorn (-ve: delivery time, poor VFM, old features)
2. RTR (-ve: mileage issue, vibrations at topend)
3. yamaha Sz-x: (-ve: underpowered bike, lack of disk break and RPM meter)
4. Suzuki Gs150R: (-ve : less showrooms, 149kg weight, less pickup at 0-40KMPH)
5. FZ : (-ve : mileage issue)

I taken test ride of GS from suzuki showroom in july2010 and i am impresses with its smooth ness and features like 6th gear
and digital console. RTR,FZ and sz-x are out of list. Comes to unicorn i dont need test drive for this because i have
already road it many times.

Finally unicorn is eleminated due to its poor value for money and delivery time. the fight is between Sz-x and GS. after much
comparison i brought GS150 in october 2010.

After purchase :
I never disappointed witht this bike till now. currently it at 6900 Km on odo.
Done following trips :
1. Mumbai – mahabhaleshwar (600 KM)
2. Mumbai – Hyderabad (740 KM)
3. Hyderabad -My home town (500 KM)

I got consistently 55km mileage in both cities (Hyd and mumbai). my bike due for
5th service this month. The comfort it offers is very good. It is vibration free even at 100+ kmph speed.
Personally i attained 110KMPH on pune-mahabhaleshwar road. Every fried of mine who road
this bike is amaged and congratulated.

+ve :
mileage (best in 150cc segment except Discover150)
Comfort
Digital meters
6th gear
TPS and engine balancer technology
Gear indidcator(First in Indian bikes under 250cc)
Clock on digital meter, 2 trip meters
Huge fuel tanl (If you fill brim level then it takes 21 Liters )
Value for money

-ve :
Less known to public
less Service centers
Weight (149Kg). short riders(below 5’5”) feel little difficult to handle
Less intial pickup (0-40KMPH)

Conclusion : Dont be fool by others advices.
Test ride all the bikes and then decide which is comfort and good for you.
all the best
VISHAL SURESH PATIL on September 19th, 2011 4:22 pm

HI HONDA MOTORS

I HAVE PARCHES A NEW CB UNICORN BYK AND I LIKE IT VERY MUCH PLZ TELL ME WHAT I TAKE CARE MY BYK

I WAIT UR REPLY THANKING U

VISHAL PATIL
atul jain on January 18th, 2012 11:31 am

Always make regular service and change oil in front of your eyes .Probable service center may befool u.
Dhanjeet on March 3rd, 2012 1:03 pm

All Middle class peson who were understand therir responsibility and capacity then they should prefer HONDA DAZZLER DULEXE and who know only their GIRLFRIENDS and demands go for other bikzzzzzzzzzzz…………..