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 | Jun 17, 2026New-Gen Bajaj Pulsar Spotted Testing; N125 Or Pulsar 125?Two heavily camouflaged Bajaj Pulsar test mules have been spotted testing, revealing what seems to be a substantially reworked motorcycle.2 mins read
Jaiveer Mehra | Jun 17, 2026JLR Eyes US-Specific Defender Models In Partnership With StellantisThe carmaker also said it will reveal new details on the upcoming Electrified Modular Architecture-underpinned Range Rover later in the year.3 mins read
car&bike Team | Jun 17, 20262026 Kawasaki Ninja 500 Launched At Rs 5.76 lakhThe Ninja 500 is now E20-compliant and gets the signature Lime Green livery for 2026.2 mins read
car&bike Team | Jun 17, 20262026 Citroen e-C3X Launched At Rs 10.25 Lakh; Gets New Features, BaaS OptionCitroen India has updated the e-C3X with new styling elements, additional features and a Battery-as-a-Service ownership model. The BaaS option brings the entry price down to Rs 6.89 lakh plus battery subscription charges.3 mins read
Jaiveer Mehra | Jun 17, 2026New Mini Countryman C Launched In India At Rs 47.50 LakhThe Countryman C is the most affordable variant of the SUV and the first variant of the new-gen model to be locally assembled.2 mins read
car&bike Team | Jun 16, 2026Second-Gen Kia Sonet Spied Testing In India; Debut Likely In 2027The second-gen Sonet is expected to switch over to the K1 platform also featured in the Syros and the new Hyundai Venue.1 min read
Preetam Bora | Jun 15, 20262026 Yezdi Scrambler Review: The Update That Changes EverythingThe Yezdi Scrambler gets a comprehensive update with an updated engine, revised chassis, reduced weight and proper features list. Does it deliver? Here’s our take.1 min read
Preetam Bora | Jun 10, 20262026 BMW F 450 GS Review: A True GS - But Should You Buy It?The GS badge on a BMW means something and always has. Can the new made-in-India BMW F 450 GS truly live up to that legacy? We spent a few days getting familiar with the F 450 GS to see if it’s worth a buy.12 mins read
Jaiveer Mehra | Jun 10, 20262026 Tata Altroz Long-Term Review: Initial Impressions After 45 DaysTata’s premium hatchback brings a lot to the table, but some rough edges are still apparent.4 mins read
Seshan Vijayraghvan | Jun 9, 2026Renault Duster 1.0-Litre Turbo Review: Small Engine, More Than Enough PerformanceThe Renault Duster's TCe100 engine is the 1.0-litre turbo petrol that makes 99 bhp and 166 Nm of peak torque. And it only comes with a 6-speed manual.6 mins read
Seshan Vijayraghvan | Jun 8, 20262026 Tata Tiago EV Review: Small EV Gets Big ImprovementsThe 2026 Tata Tiago EV promises a sharper design, segment-first features at sub-Rs. 10 lakh price point, and better real-world range. But does it deliver?1 min read