Honda Unicorn BS6 vs Bajaj Pulsar 150 BS6 vs TVS Apache RTR 160 2V BS6: Spec Comparison
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How does the new Unicorn fare against its more powerful opposition?
The Honda Unicorn becomes the Japanese brand’s latest motorcycle to meet BS6 emission norms. Although the earlier iteration came with the much loved 150cc motor, the latest Unicorn BS6 reverts back to the 160cc unit which was discontinued in 2019. How does it now stack up against its other conventional rivals, the Bajaj Pulsar 150 BS6 and TVS Apache RTR 160 2V BS6? Here’s comparing them on paper:
Powertrain:
Specification |
Honda Unicorn BS6 |
Bajaj Pulsar 150 BS6 |
TVS Apache RTR 160 2V BS6 |
Engine |
162.7cc single-cylinder air-cooled fuel-injected motor |
149.5cc single-cylinder air-cooled fuel-injected motor |
159.7cc single-cylinder fuel-injected air-cooled engine |
Peak power |
12.92PS @ 7500rpm |
14PS @ 8500rpm |
15.53PS @ 8400rpm |
Maximum torque |
14Nm @ 5500rpm |
13.25Nm @ 6500rpm |
13.9Nm @ 7000rpm |
Kerb weight |
140kg |
139kg |
148kg |
Despite having the biggest engine of the trio, the BS6 transition has affected the Honda product the most. It is the least powerful in this comparison but torque is on par with the Apache. That said, the peak torque on the Honda kicks in earlier, which should aid commuting, returning decent mileage.
Underpinnings:
Specifications |
Honda Unicorn BS6 |
Bajaj Pulsar 150 BS6 |
TVS Apache RTR 160 2V BS6 |
Front suspension |
Telescopic fork |
31mm telescopic front fork |
Telescopic front fork |
Rear suspension |
Monoshock |
Twin Nitrox shock absorbers |
Twin MIG gas-charged shock absorbers |
Front brake |
240mm disc, single-channel ABS |
260mm disc, single-channel ABS |
270mm petal disc, single-channel ABS |
Rear brake |
130mm drum |
Disc or 130mm drum |
200mm petal disc or 130mm rear drum |
Front tyre |
80/100-18 |
80/100 - 17 Tubeless |
90/90 - 17 Tubeless |
Rear tyre |
100/90-18 |
100/90 - 17 Tubeless |
110/80 - 17 Tubeless |
Honda maintains its 18-inch rim setup, making sure the Unicorn remains a stable motorcycle to ride. The lack of a rear disc is saddening, especially given that it doesn’t even come as a variant. What rides in favour of the Unicorn is the fact that the ride quality will be the best in its class as Honda has carried forward the same telescopic fork and monoshock unit as before, both of which have a supple tune.
Dimensions:
Specifications |
Honda Unicorn BS6 |
Bajaj Pulsar 150 BS6 |
TVS Apache RTR 160 2V BS6 |
Wheelbase |
1335mm |
1320mm |
1300mm |
Ground clearance |
187mm |
165mm |
180mm |
Fuel tank capacity |
13 litres |
15 litres |
12 litres |
LxWxH |
2081mm x 756mm x 1103mm |
2055mm x 765mm x 1060mm |
2085mm x 730mm x 1105mm |
The long wheelbase and the now extra long seat on the Unicorn make sure that the comfort factor of the motorcycle isn’t lost. It does not pack as much fuel on board as the Pulsar. But it does get 8mm extra ground clearance, which at 187mm is the best in its segment.
Price:
Variants |
Honda Unicorn BS6 |
Bajaj Pulsar 150 BS6 |
TVS Apache RTR 160 2V BS6 |
Standard (rear drum) |
Rs 93,593 |
Rs 94,956 |
Rs 94,500 |
Front and rear disc variant |
Rs 98,835 |
Rs 97,500 |
The Unicorn turns out to be the cheapest option here and that is for a good reason. It does not get the performance as the other two nor does it get any new features like a semi-digital info cluster or a twin disc setup. If you are looking for a relaxed ride, the Unicorn still does make sense. However, it might not provide you with enough of zing that you would want from your ride, something which the other two can boast of.
Jehan Adil Darukhanawala