Honda SP160 vs Honda Unicorn: Specifications Compared

Honda sells two 160cc commuters in India that share the same basic engine but take slightly different approaches. The Honda SP160 is the sportier, more feature-loaded option, while the Honda Unicorn continues with a simpler, straightforward commuter formula. Here's how the two compare in terms of specifications.

Engine

Both bikes should feel quite similar in everyday riding because the engine specifications are all identical. The only difference is that the Unicorn has the kick-start lever, which is a good option to have in case you have a weak battery. 

Underpinnings

The SP160 has the sportier setup of the two. Its bigger front brake and the rear disc on the top variant should give it a more confident feel when you need to slow down quickly. Also, petal discs help in better heat dissipation compared to the conventional circular disc on the Unicorn.

The Unicorn, on the other hand, prioritises ride quality. The larger 18-inch wheels may not be as flickable as the smaller 17s, but they will help in going over bad roads more easily. So, if your daily route includes rough patches, the Unicorn has a small practical advantage. The SP160, meanwhile, makes more sense if you enjoy a sharper riding experience.

Dimensions

Despite having almost similar seat heights, the Unicorn’s higher ground clearance will be really useful in going over bad roads or sharp speed breakers. As mentioned earlier, the larger 18-inch alloys contribute to the higher clearance. While the Unicorn’s fuel tank capacity is slightly larger, it shouldn’t make that much of a difference in the overall range. 

Features

This is where you'll notice the biggest difference in day-to-day use. The SP160's TFT and connected features make it much easier to keep an eye on navigation and other information without relying entirely on your phone. The Unicorn keeps things much simpler. That isn't necessarily a bad thing if you just want a display that tells you the basics and don't care about connected tech. Both bikes get a USB charging port, so keeping your phone topped up won't be an issue either way.

Price And Verdict

The Unicorn makes more sense if you want a no-nonsense commuter that’s designed to tackle Indian roads. It’s simple, and gets the job done. That said, if you want Unicorn’s reliability but in a slightly sportier package with extra features, then you may consider the SP160.