Honda Unicorn

Honda Unicorn
Manufacturer HMSI
Parent company Honda
Production 2005–
Model year 2008
Class Standard
Engine 149.1 cc (9.10 cu in) single, CV carburetor 4-stroke, air cooled, OHC. 57.3 mm ∅ x 57.8 stroke, CDI
Top speed 101–120 km/h (63–75 mph)[1][2]
Power 13.3 bhp (9.9 kW) @ 8000 rpm[1]
Torque 12.8 N·m (9.4 lb·ft) @ 5500 rpm[1]
Transmission 5-speed, constant mesh.
Suspension Front Telescopic
Rear Monoshock
Brakes Front 240 mm disc
Rear 130 drum
Tires Tube type, Front 2.75 in x 18 in
Rear 100/90 - 18
Wheelbase 1,340 mm (53 in)
Dimensions L 2,095 mm (82.5 in)
W 750 mm (30 in)
H 1,100 mm (43 in)
Weight n/a (dry)
149 kg (330 lb)[1] (wet)
Fuel capacity 13 L (3.4 US gal) (reserve 1.3 L (0.34 US gal))
Fuel consumption 50 to 55 km/L (120 to 130 mpg-US)[1]

The Honda Unicorn is a motorcycle developed by Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) and introduced in 2005. It was the first motorcycle in India to feature a mono-shock. The motorcycle was built and designed by the Honda R&D team based in Osaka, Japan. It was internally called the CBF150M. The engine was taken from CRF150F post 2005 engine. The previous version of CRF150F was the old CBZ classic. The design of the bike was done keeping in mind Indian road conditions. Many new features were incorporated, including a two-way air jacket, diamond frame, and an engine producing a torque of 12.8 Nm at a relatively low 5500 RPM for better fuel economy. The first version of the bike featured spoke wheels and kick start only.[3]

Honda claimed the Unicorn accelerated from 0 to 60 km/h (0 to 37 mph) in 5 seconds and had a top speed of 101 km/h (63 mph).[1] India Business Insight reported acceleration of 0 to 60 km/h (0 to 37 mph) in 5.28–5.86 seconds, and a top speed of 114 km/h (71 mph).[2][4]

Honda released the second version to compete with the Bajaj Pulsar and the TVS Apache. Changes included alloy wheels, powder coated engine with a polished head, electric starter, new graphics, clear lens indicator lamps, a trip meter, and a slightly smaller rear grab rail. Few performance changes included minor changes in Cylinder head, Overhead valve, ignition remap and a rear sprocket increase of one tooth, which resulted in increased acceleration at the expense of reduced top speed.The airfilter was changed from a dry paper to oil coated to better suit dusty conditions and a new airflow screw in carburetor. A limited Moto GP "Unicorn Grand Prix" edition had the guise of a Repsol Honda RC211V.[5] HMSI sold 720,000 Unicorns in 2007.[6] Prices in 2007 ranged from 50,000 to 59,500 Indian rupees depending on trim.[2][5] The Unicorn overtook the Bajaj Pulsar to rank highest in its category, the premium segment, in the 2005 Motorcycle Total Customer Satisfaction (MTCS) survey of 7,000 customers conducted by the TNS specialist division, TNS Automotive.[7]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (Adobe Flash), Honda Unicorn specifications, http://www.honda2wheelersindia.com/unicorn/specifications.html 
  2. ^ a b c India Business Insight (February 14, 2007), PROFILE OF HONDA UNICORN. (the bike is priced in the range of 50,000-52,000 Indian rupees) 
  3. ^ Muralidhar, S. (November 28, 2004), "Honda Unicorn: Wings of change", Asia Africa Intelligence Wire 
  4. ^ India Business Insight (February 28, 2006), PROFILE OF HONDA UNICORN (priced at 51,031/54,094 Indian rupees ex-showroom, Mumbai) 
  5. ^ a b Muralidhar, S. (April 1, 2007), "PERSONAL FINANCE: Cosmetic touches for Unicorn", Business Line 
  6. ^ PTI - The Press Trust of India Ltd. (April 30, 2007), HMSI announces launch of new look Honda Unicorn 
  7. ^ Asia Africa Intelligence Wire (June 24, 2005), Bajaj, Hero Honda, Enfield top customer satisfaction: Study 

External links