If you’re in the market for a practical and reliable commuter motorcycle, the 2025 Honda Unicorn 160 continues to make a strong case for itself. In this detailed review, we explore everything the new Unicorn brings to the table—from its ride comfort and features to engine refinement and how it stacks up against its sibling, the Honda SP 160.

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First Impressions: Built for Practical Riders

At first glance, the 2025 Honda Unicorn 160 retains its understated elegance. Honda hasn’t tried to make this bike flashy or aggressive—instead, the Unicorn targets riders who value comfort, dependability, and real-world usability over sportbike flair.

However, during our test ride, a few quirks were evident. Notably, stability issues emerge when carrying a pillion, especially at higher speeds. The front end feels a bit too light, leading to mild handlebar wobble, likely due to rear-biased weight distribution.

That said, in daily use and city commuting, this isn’t a dealbreaker.

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Engine & Performance: Smooth, Silent, and Reliable

Under the tank, the Unicorn sticks to its proven 162.7cc air-cooled engine, delivering 13.1 PS of power and 14.8 Nm of torque. It’s mated to a 5-speed gearbox and tuned for smooth, linear power delivery, perfect for city riding and occasional highway cruising.

The engine is exceptionally refined, showing zero knocking even at low RPMs. It maintains Honda’s legacy of being butter-smooth and robust—an important trait for long-term commuters. In fact, our reviewer noted that even with low engine oil, the bike kept running without a hiccup, a testament to Honda’s legendary engine durability.

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Comfort & Ride Quality: A Plush Experience

One of the Unicorn’s strongest suits is comfort. The seat is wide, long, and beautifully cushioned—ideal for both the rider and pillion. Whether you’re headed to the office or out for a long ride, the soft padding and upright ergonomics make for a fatigue-free experience.

The suspension setup (telescopic front and mono-shock rear) is tuned for comfort, soaking up potholes and rough patches with ease. While not meant for sporty riding, it’s perfect for Indian roads, especially those riddled with speed bumps and uneven surfaces.

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Features: New Digital Touches, But Still Basic

In 2025, the Unicorn finally receives modern updates:

• 🔆 All-LED Headlamp – Brighter and more efficient than the older halogen unit.

• 🖥️ TFT Digital Cluster – A fresh addition, adding a modern feel to the instrument console.

• 🔉 Refined Exhaust Note – Subtle but adds character without being too loud.

However, Honda has kept things intentionally simple—no Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, or riding modes. The Unicorn is meant to get you from A to B, efficiently and reliably.

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Braking, Safety & Handling

The bike uses a disc-drum setup with single-channel ABS. While the ABS works as expected, it can engage a bit aggressively, especially during sudden braking. For most riders, this might take some getting used to, but overall, it’s a useful safety net.

At around 140 kg, the Unicorn feels light and nimble in city traffic. But again, when carrying a pillion, the front feels slightly unstable—something Honda could improve in future updates.

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Fuel Efficiency & Mileage

Thanks to the fuel-injected engine, riders can expect real-world mileage between 40–45 km/l, depending on riding style and traffic conditions. This makes the Unicorn an economical daily commuter that won’t pinch your pocket on fuel bills.

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Comparison: Honda Unicorn 160 vs Honda SP 160

The Honda SP 160 is essentially the Unicorn’s flashier cousin. It shares the same engine but offers:

• Wider tyres

• A sportier design

• More advanced digital console

• Better highway stability

However, it comes at a price—₹10,000 more than the Unicorn.

For younger riders or those who want sportier aesthetics, the SP 160 is the better choice. But for mature commuters looking for simplicity, comfort, and reliability, the Unicorn remains unbeatable.

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Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the 2025 Honda Unicorn 160?

If you’re a working professional, family man, or someone who just wants a comfortable, no-fuss, fuel-efficient bike, the 2025 Honda Unicorn 160 is an excellent choice. It’s not flashy—but it’s dependable, comfortable, and built to last.

However, if you’re after modern features, a sporty look, or better highway stability, consider the SP 160 instead.

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⭐ Highlights

• 🏍️ Ground Clearance: 187 mm—perfect for Indian roads

• 💡 LED Headlamp & TFT Cluster: Modern yet minimal

• 🔧 Refined Engine: 162.7cc with great fuel efficiency

• 🛋️ Excellent Seating Comfort: Plush for both rider and pillion

• ⚖️ Lightweight & Agile: Easy to handle in city traffic

• 🛑 Single-Channel ABS: Effective, but a bit sensitive

• 💰 Value for Money: Ideal for those who want practicality without extra cost

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🔍 Key Insights

• Reliable Engine: Proven to run even under poor maintenance

• Family-Friendly Design: Comfortable for women pillion riders

• High Ground Clearance: Makes rural & urban rides worry-free

• Minor Stability Issues: Noticeable under pillion load

• Practical Feature Set: Focused on commuting, not gimmicks

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🏁 Conclusion

The 2025 Honda Unicorn 160 sticks to its core strength—simplicity with substance. It may not win drag races, but it’ll get you to work every day without complaint. For a commuter bike under ₹1.2 lakh (ex-showroom), it checks most of the boxes Indian riders care about.

✅ Recommended for: Daily commuters, mature riders, and practical buyers.
⚠️ Not ideal for: Performance enthusiasts or tech lovers.