Suzuki Gixxer vs Honda Unicorn 160 vs Apache RTR 160

Compared Honda CB Unicorn 160 in the 160cc Shootout:

The entry of Honda CB160 in the above-150cc bikes segment has fuelled the competition with its rivals. We have compared it to know how well the Honda CB Unicorn 160 is poised against its rivals…!!!

Engine & Transmission:

The Honda CB Unicorn 160 is powered by a 160cc air-cooled engine powered by HET, which produces a good 14.7 Ps power & peak torque of 14.61 Nm. It is however, less powerful than the Apache RTR 160 which has highest power of 15.21 Ps. The power & torque values of the Unicorn 160 & that of the Gixxer’s 155cc SOHC engine powered by SEP are almost equal; however, the Unicorn’s engine has little more torque than the rest of the bikes.

This engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox, which common to all. All the bikes compared here have moderate fuel efficiency in the 60-64 Km/L range. Fitted with a 12L fuel tank, the CB Unicorn 160 returns an estimated mileage of 62 Km/L* under test conditions. Apache RTR 160 gives 60 Km/L*; Suzuki Gixxer returns 64 Km/L*.

Chassis & Suspension:

The Honda CB Unicorn 160 weighs only 135kg same as Suzuki Gixxer, while Apache RTR 160 weighs 137 kg; 2kg heavier than the two. All three bikes come with a hydraulic-telescopic front suspension. The rear suspension of the Unicorn 160 is spring-loaded hydraulic (mono-shock), Suzuki Gixxer provides a swing-arm mono suspension, whereas the TVS Apache RTR 160 both provide Nitrox suspension with two shock absorbers option.

Brakes & Tyres:

The Unicorn 160 (STD) provides front brakes with a 240mm disc but it is considerably smaller than the Apache 160 which has 270mm front disc – the biggest among the three. Apache RTR 160 & Unicorn 160 both feature a 130mm drum for rear brakes. However, the Unicorn 160 CBS is also available with Combi-Brake System as an option.

All three bikes provide tubeless tyres. Apache RTR 160 has a 90/90 x 17″ Front & Rear 110/80 x 17″ (both Tubeless) tyres. The Unicorn 160 provides a tubeless tyre of size 80/100-70 for the front, which is smaller than the Gixxer which also gives a tubeless 100/80-70 on the front. The rear tyre of the Gixxer is bigger & also a tubeless with size 140/60-R70.

Styling & Electricals:

All the three bikes are entry-level sports bikes with matching styling. Apache RTR 160 is styled with striking ‘Beast-Inspired’ headlamps. It also features an LED light guide combined with new pilot lamps which mimic a pair of an animal’s eyes. Apache’s body includes ‘Muscled’ fuel tank, Engine-cowl & Tail-cowl, giving it a muscular looks.

The Suzuki Gixxer features a tad simple headlamp & provides an LED display in the dash which has a digital speedometer, a bar type fuel-gauge, gear indicator, a clock and a rev-redline warning flasher. It even displays the eco and power modes. The Gixxer also features a stylish ‘Twin Exhaust’ design which gives it a macho look, whereas the exhaust pipes of the Apache and CB Unicorn are a simple single-pipe design.

The Unicorn 160 features a projector headlamp with an intelligently designed ‘H’ shaped LED tail-light. Unicorn also gets a newly designed instrumental console and also provides both Tachometer and a Digital Speedometer in the dash.

Price & Value:

Honda has priced the Unicorn 160 lower than the Gixxer and Apache RTR 160. However, among the three, the apache RTR 160 has a stylish sportier looks, Unicorn 160 bears more matured looks, whereas the Gixxer has a muscular looks and provides a little more value for money. All the three bikes are almost equally poised against each other in features and performance, so it is not easy to choose a clear winner.

Specifications:

For more information of Honda CB Unicorn 160, please click:
http://www.honda2wheelersindia.com/CBUnicorn160/index.html#features