[TusharK]

Honda has launched the 2025 edition of the Unicorn in India. The bike is priced at Rs 1,19,481 (ex-showroom, Delhi).



The 2025 Honda Unicorn comes with several upgrades. The bike is equipped with a new LED headlamp and a fully digital instrument console, which has a gear position indicator, a service due indicator, and an Eco indicator. The bike also gets a USB Type-C charging port.



The new Unicorn is powered by a 162.71cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine that is now OBD2B compliant. The engine produces 13 BHP @ 7,500 rpm and 14.58 Nm @ 5,250 rpm and is paired with a 5-speed gearbox.

The 2025 Unicorn is available in three colour options: Pearl Igneous Black, Matte Axis Gray Metallic, and Radiant Red Metallic.

Link to Team-BHP News

[Latheesh]

That looks like the one they launched initially in the year 2004. That was 2 decades ago!

[Proxima]

Originally Posted by Latheesh

That looks like the one they launched initially in the year 2004. That was 2 decades ago!

Agreed. But the smoothness, reliability and comfort (suspension) of the Unicorn is legendary. Even after all these years, no other bike comes close on those 3 key aspects.

If I was in the market for a 150+ cc commuter, this will be my choice.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

[achats]

Add a rear disc brake and dual channel ABS and you have the perfect commuter bike for India.

[b16h22]

Originally Posted by Proxima

Agreed. But the smoothness, reliability and comfort (suspension) of the Unicorn is legendary. Even after all these years, no other bike comes close on those 3 key aspects.

If I was in the market for a 150+ cc commuter, this will be my choice.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Except it's not quite the original Unicorn 150. This is based on the 160 mill that came out later in Unicorn 160 and Hornet 160. They don't quite have the same track record as the original bulletproof 150.

[Vagabond27]

Originally Posted by Proxima

Agreed. But the smoothness, reliability and comfort (suspension) of the Unicorn is legendary. Even after all these years, no other bike comes close on those 3 key aspects "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

They completely broke it in the BS6 OBD2 2023-24 version. I am one among the victims.

What's new in 2025 model:

• LED headlight
• LCD meter from old SP160
• USB Type-C charging port
• Redesigned silencer
• Pearl Siren Blue color discontinued

[BullettuPaandi]

Originally Posted by Vagabond27

They completely broke it in the BS6 OBD2 2023-24 version. I am one among the victims.

They broke it since the initial BS6 launch itself. I was so close to buying one in 2022. The sales consultant in a showroom, thankfully, made me aware of an 'auto choking issue' in their BS6 variant. Apparently, the initial idling right after starting the bike- to act as a substitute for choke- rose to an obnoxiously high rpm, and didn't really do 'the choking' either. As a result, most dealerships dealt with recalls and updated a different tune from Honda to the ECU, which also didn't seem to have solved the issue (as heard from said consultant). Most showrooms around where I live, weren't even buying BS6 Unicorns, by when I wanted one.

Not sure if this is the same issue in the OBD2, though.

[Vagabond27]

Originally Posted by BullettuPaandi

I was so close to buying one in 2022. The sales consultant in a showroom, thankfully, made me aware of an 'auto choking issue' in their BS6 variant. Apparently, the initial idling right after starting the bike- to act as a substitute for choke- rose to an obnoxiously high rpm, and didn't really do 'the choking' either. Not sure if this is the same issue in the OBD2, though.

Auto choke is not an issue, that's how Honda has made it to work. It takes a bit longer time to end in Honda bikes compared to other brands. All FI bikes have auto choke. The issue with 2023-24 model is poor throttle response, lethargic acceleration and lag between 3-4k rpm compared to BS6 2020-22. You can read my review of BS6 OBD2 Unicorn 2023 to know more.

[BullettuPaandi]

Originally Posted by Vagabond27

All FI bikes have auto choke.

Of course. The issue was that it:

Originally Posted by BullettuPaandi

rose to an obnoxiously high rpm, and didn't really do 'the choking' either.

At least, that's what the consultant told me. Regardless, they weren't selling Unicorns by then. And I didn't want to deal with a bike, that even Honda showrooms didn't wanted to.

[locusjag]

Originally Posted by BullettuPaandi

I was so close to buying one in 2022. The sales consultant in a showroom, thankfully, made me aware of an 'auto choking issue' in their BS6 variant. Apparently, the initial idling right after starting the bike- to act as a substitute for choke- rose to an obnoxiously high rpm, and didn't really do 'the choking' either. As a result, most dealerships dealt with recalls and updated a different tune from Honda to the ECU, which also didn't seem to have solved the issue (as heard from said consultant). Most showrooms around where I live, weren't even buying BS6 Unicorns, by when I wanted one.

The auto-choke exists even in Honda's Highness/CB 350 RS, as it probably does in all fuel-injected motorcycles. Now that I come to think of it, all fuel injected cars have a higher RPM upon starting them up for a minute or so...

But I haven't heard of Honda dealerships avoiding the Highness or CB 350 on account of the auto-choke. Perhaps they never had to tweak the ECUs of these motorcycles while the Unicorn's issue was so bad and had to be tweaked. Interesting.

What I heard is that Highness & CB 350 owners get simply told by Honda service personnel to expect high revs in the initial minutes upon starting them up.

[FireBlade]

As an owner of three different generations of the mighty Unicorn(2005-18, 2018-21, 21-), it's very heartening for me to see the legend continue to march on. These updates are much needed and appreciated(especially digital dash/gear-position indicator et al). Nearly 30k+ customers still buy Unicorn on a MOM basis. The trust and pull the Unicorn brand has is literally inimitable. This upgrade shall further solidify Unicorn's appeal, IMO.

[rr_zen]

Originally Posted by b16h22

Except it's not quite the original Unicorn 150. This is based on the 160 mill that came out later in Unicorn 160 and Hornet 160. They don't quite have the same track record as the original bulletproof 150.

Precisely. This is indeed what my mechanic who works for Honda told me. He takes care of my bike at his workshop personally for the last 8-9 years and helps me maintain it ship-shape. (My Unicorn is from 2005 and still going strong. Its completed 40K kms as of last week . Getting ready for the second FC in March 2025.)

He personally urges me not to give away my bike anytime at any cost and if at all I decide then he is ready to take it himself given the low mileage it has clocked till date.

[arghyaheart]

I'm still so in love with my 2009 Unicorn that even after much deliberation, I couldn't let it go. Over the years, I have clocked 1.36 lakh kilometres with this wonderful machine, and it seems that I just can't have enough of it!

I love the way analog gauges work and liked the analog gauges Honda used to offer with the Unicorn. Sadly, we won't see the needles dancing in harmony. I guess one must go with the flow, even if one doesn't like it!

I had a few opportunities to ride my friend's SP125, and I loathed the "futuristic" LED Headlight it had! SP160 has the identical LED unit. If the newly launched Unicorn houses the same unit, it just can't get any worse! Manufacturers and rule makers must realise that impotent headlights are one of the compelling factors behind people installing blinding AUX LED lights!

[RD410]

The 160 Uni is not the same as 150 Uni when it comes to being reliable and trouble free. Auto choke issue (3k rpm idling for over 2 mins during cold start), super sluggish throttle response, engine stalling issue, gear shifting issue.... these are some of the many issues reported by bs6 Unicorn customers. Add to that, the 160cc mill originally from Hornet, is just not the same as the OG 150cc mill in terms of refinement and character. It's still the most comfy bike under ₹1.5 lakhs, but it's not worth spending that much on it. Better buy a used bs4 Uni 150.

[asininite]

Originally Posted by RD410

It's still the most comfy bike under ₹1.5 lakhs, but it's not worth spending that much on it.

Actually no, the honor of comfiest bike under 1.5L goes to the RTR 160 4v with a single front disc. This is the cheapest variant and on par with what the Unicorn provides.

Unlike what the sporty engine and styling says, it's actually a softly-sprung suspension and deals with potholes and undulations pretty well. It still regains composure at speed and upto 80km/h you'll find the suspension to be fine, past that however it starts getting bouncy. Unicorn doesn't have that much damping at lower speeds, so over undulations it doesn't seem to do much. The front end of the Unicorn also starts to become light after 80km/h, and isn't that confidence inspiring.

The seat on the RTR is a soft seat, which is good for short commutes but bad for longer trips. The Unicorn seat in my experience is firmer but the foam compresses after about 50km and you'll feel like you're sitting on the frame. Pillion seat on the Unicorn is also not great, and aches will appear after about 20-30km. The RTR has much more foam, albeit it being softer so for the rider you will have to take a break after 50-60km but the pillion can go on for 40km or so until the aches start and you begin to stand up on the footpegs to relieve some pain. I'd add more foam to the Unicorn, and thicker foam to the RTR. Both aren't great in my opinion.