Ride Like the Wind. Review on Honda Unicorn 150 cc

The Honda Unicorn. Never expected to buy one cause im used to more heavy and powerful motorbikes such as the Yezdi Roadking but then I went ahead and picked up a used Unicorn that was in immaculate conditon and had clocked around 27000 kms. Its interesting to note that this bike is also known as the CBF 150. The bike sells with this name in other markets. Styling is not the bikes positive. Its bland and there is no show off factor in any part of the bike. Its amazing how Bajaj have done such sharp styling for the entire Pulsar range and now TVS with the new RTR(Simply stunning). The overall design of the Unicorn is smooth from front to end but nothing catches your attention.

Mechanicals are what set this bike apart from anything there is in the Indian market. The engine is stress free at the limit and you can go on for hours when it comes to long distance riding. The Unicorn that I picked up was from the very first lot made by Honda India so there is no electric start, even as an option. The gearbox is probably the best there is. I love Bajaj gearboxes, especially the 200 but I find the overall quality of Bajaj mechanicals poor. This is where the expereince of Honda comes into its own. Its just superb. You just nudge the shifter and the gear falls into place.

Dont bother trying to drag a Unicorn with any other 150 cc in the market. It will be very embarrassing. The bike's engine and tuning when "stock" is not meant for such purposes. Its in a different league though when on the highway. The engine provides adequate power for city and highway riding. Staying at 100 kmph all day is no issue for the Honda engine, however it reaches its limit at around 108 kmph.

Brakes provided are discs up front and drums at the rear, very effective at bringing down speed with the least amount of drama.

Fuel efficiency is varied. I get 42 kmpl which is considered low for a Unicorn but then this is after the occassional blast off from traffic lights. I guess its safe to say that the Unicorn will return 50 kmpl with better use of the thottle.

The Unicorn comes equipped with a mono rear suspension unit. Its still the only bike to feature such a unit and it sure has its advantages when it comes to handling and ride quality. Handling is another very good aspect on the Unicorn. The bike can be thrown into corners and its fun to scrape the foot pegs. I had a bad fall once but this was probably due to some other factor involved with getting the bike to lose grip at the rear end, my mistake in all probability. If you love taking corners this bike gives you excellent feedback. The length of the bikes further enhances the overall balance when it comes to tackling twisty sections of road.

Gauges included are tachometer, speedometer and a fuel gauge. The fuel gauge has always been a problem on my bike. It has not failed but there is about 5 litres of gas left in the tank with the needle resting at "E". I have asked Honda to get it re calibrated several times but they just cant seem to get it right. It has stayed the same from the time I bought the bike.

Electricals are another positive. My bike came equipped with an german made Philips bulb for the headlamp and the beam spread is fantastic. There is good range too.

If you looking at relaxed and fast riding the Unicorn is it. Forget about a racy exhaust note. No such thing on the Unicorn, Bajaj rules this department.

Rider and pillion comfort is the best in the 150 cc segment. The seat is broad, well padded and the pillion is not perched too high up.

An excellent motorbike for those looking for riding comfort & refined performance. Nothing comes close.