Honda to Re-Launch Unicorn 150; Showcased at Auto Expo 2016
Sameer Contractor
1 min read
Feb 08, 2016, 07:47 PM
While the NAVi may have got all the attention at the Honda India Pavilion, the Japanese auto giant ensured to also reward the Unicorn lovers at the Auto Expo with something special. The two-wheeler manufacturer showcased the Unicorn 150 and also announced its intention to re-launch commuter motorcycle later in the year. The move comes based on the customer demand for the older model after having discontinued it in 2014, subsequently replaced by the CB Unicorn 160.
Launched in 2005, the Honda CB Unicorn 150 spelled out to be a popular contender in the then growing 150cc commuter motorcycle space. With its refined motor, neutral styling and comfortable ride quality, Honda sold over 13 lakh units of the Unicorn 150 over the years. In fact, the automaker's attempt to go premium in the segment with the CB Dazzler and then the Trigger fell face first, whereas the 150cc Unicorn managed to clock consistent numbers during the same period.
Bringing back the Honda Unicorn 150 certainly seems to be a positive move from the manufacturer and the model will co-exist with the new CB Unicorn 160 and CB Hornet 160R. The bike retains the same mechanicals and styling as the discontinued model with power coming from a 149.1cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine tuned to produce 13.14bhp at 8500rpm and 12.84Nm of torque at 5500rpm. The rear wheel is propelled with the help of a 5-speed gearbox.
Also Read: Top 10 Bikes At Auto Expo 2016
The motor is likely to get upgraded with Honda Eco Technology (HET)which is now standard across most two-wheelers from the company while the styling gets no changes retaining the analog instrument cluster, single-piece headlight, elongate seat, 3D Honda logo and 5-spoke black alloy wheels. Other mechanical bits remain the same inclusive of telescopic forks up front and spring-loaded monoshock suspension at the rear. Braking performance comes from a 240mm front disc and a 130mm rear drum brake setup.
You will also see a lot of parts sharing on the re-launched Honda Unicorn 150 in a bid to keep costs in check; which effectively translates to no engine kill switch this time as well. The automaker has not committed a launch date yet not has given away the pricing. That said, expect the model to be priced marginally lower than the Unicorn 160 under the Rs. 70,000/- (all prices, ex-showroom) mark. With the Hornet already eating into the Unicorn 160's sales, it will be interesting to see how Honda positions each of the models. Nevertheless, the company will be hoping to do better in the tier II and III market and will help build volumes in the segment to take on the offerings from Bajaj Auto and TVS.
Launched in 2005, the Honda CB Unicorn 150 spelled out to be a popular contender in the then growing 150cc commuter motorcycle space. With its refined motor, neutral styling and comfortable ride quality, Honda sold over 13 lakh units of the Unicorn 150 over the years. In fact, the automaker's attempt to go premium in the segment with the CB Dazzler and then the Trigger fell face first, whereas the 150cc Unicorn managed to clock consistent numbers during the same period.
Bringing back the Honda Unicorn 150 certainly seems to be a positive move from the manufacturer and the model will co-exist with the new CB Unicorn 160 and CB Hornet 160R. The bike retains the same mechanicals and styling as the discontinued model with power coming from a 149.1cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine tuned to produce 13.14bhp at 8500rpm and 12.84Nm of torque at 5500rpm. The rear wheel is propelled with the help of a 5-speed gearbox.
Also Read: Top 10 Bikes At Auto Expo 2016
The motor is likely to get upgraded with Honda Eco Technology (HET)which is now standard across most two-wheelers from the company while the styling gets no changes retaining the analog instrument cluster, single-piece headlight, elongate seat, 3D Honda logo and 5-spoke black alloy wheels. Other mechanical bits remain the same inclusive of telescopic forks up front and spring-loaded monoshock suspension at the rear. Braking performance comes from a 240mm front disc and a 130mm rear drum brake setup.
You will also see a lot of parts sharing on the re-launched Honda Unicorn 150 in a bid to keep costs in check; which effectively translates to no engine kill switch this time as well. The automaker has not committed a launch date yet not has given away the pricing. That said, expect the model to be priced marginally lower than the Unicorn 160 under the Rs. 70,000/- (all prices, ex-showroom) mark. With the Hornet already eating into the Unicorn 160's sales, it will be interesting to see how Honda positions each of the models. Nevertheless, the company will be hoping to do better in the tier II and III market and will help build volumes in the segment to take on the offerings from Bajaj Auto and TVS.
Related News
8 mins read
Auto Expo 2016: Top 10 Cars
6 mins read
Auto Expo 2016: Rise of the Subcompact SUV
Latest Cars
Upcoming Cars
Latest News
car&bike Team | Apr 18, 2026MG M9, Cyberster Prices Hiked By Up To Rs 5 LakhThe M9 electric MPV is now priced at Rs 75.90 lakh while the Cyberster witnesses a Rs 2.50 lakh hike.2 mins read
car&bike Team | Apr 18, 2026Kia Sorento Hybrid Spied Testing In India AgainThe Sorento is a three-row hybrid SUV which has been spied testing in India for the second time.2 mins read
Seshan Vijayraghvan | Apr 17, 2026Mercedes-Benz C-Class Electric Interior & Cabin Details RevealedThe highlights include - 39.1-inch edge-to-edge MBUX Hyperscreen, a panoramic glass roof with 162 illuminated stars and just a handful of physical buttons.1 min read
Bilal Firfiray | Apr 17, 2026Tata Sierra Claimed Fuel Mileage RevealedTata Sierra comes with three engine options and three transmission choices as well. It’s launched at Rs 11.49 lakh (ex-showroom).1 min read
Shams Raza Naqvi | Apr 17, 2026Renault Bridger SUV To Be Offered With 1.2-Litre Turbo-Petrol, Hybrid and Electric PowertrainsThe French carmaker has confirmed that its new sub-four metre SUV will come will multiple powertrain technologies to appeal to a wider section of buyers.1 min read
car&bike Team | Apr 17, 2026Simple Energy Ultra Electric Scooter Launched in India; Claims 400 Km RangeWith a claimed 400 km range on a single charge, the new Simple Ultra priced at ₹2.35 lakh (ex-showroom) enters the Indian market as one of the highest-range electric scooters yet.1 min read
Amaan Ahmed | Apr 15, 2026Kinetic DX+ Review: Pure Nostalgia Can Only Take You So FarNo smoke, no two-stroke – the reborn Kinetic relies heavily on the charm of the original’s design to sway buyers, but can it offer genuine substance to go with the style?12 mins read
Janak Sorap | Apr 10, 2026Triumph 350 Range First Ride Review: More Affordable, More Refined, Still Fun?Triumph’s shift to 350cc aims to cut costs, but does it affect the ride experience?5 mins read
car&bike Team | Apr 7, 2026Flying Flea C6 Review: Royal Enfield’s Electric Gamble?The C6 is the beginning of Royal Enfield's EV journey under the Flying Flea brand. Does it make a strong impression? Read on.8 mins read
Janak Sorap | Mar 31, 20262026 Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 Apex – First Ride Review: The Update That Changes EverythingAfter riding the updated 2026 Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 for a round trip of over 140 km from Guwahati to Shillong, the new Apex variant feels like the version of the Guerrilla 450 that should have existed from day one.6 mins read
Amaan Ahmed | Apr 6, 2026Yamaha EC-06 First Ride Review: Building Is Hard, Repackaging Is ECTo develop a capable maiden electric two-wheeler for India, Yamaha Motor didn't have to dig deep -- it just needed to strike up a clever partnership with a promising Indian startup.8 mins read