Honda SP160

autocar.india

•9w

Since you've had a Unicorn in the past, the Honda SP160 will offer a smooth transition back to motorcycling after a long break. Do bear in mind that all the bikes you've shortlisted will feel a little strained at 80-90kph owing to their small displacement and relatively modest outputs. You should also look at the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Bajaj Pulsar N160 models because they marry everyday usability with that added step of performance that your humdrum commuters don't offer. Take test rides of these bikes to see which one works best for you.

autocar.india

•18w

We'd advise you to choose between the Honda SP160 and the Bajaj Pulsar N160. The SP160 is essentially a dressed-up and more feature-rich Unicorn, so you're getting a proven base to work with, and it should be well-suited to traffic-riddled commutes. It will be quite frugal and comfortable for two-up riding with its spacious single-piece seat.The Bajaj Pulsar N160 will be a step above the Honda in terms of performance, and it also balances fuel economy quite well. Its riding triangle is accommodating of larger riders like yourself, and its suspension is well-suited to dealing with bad roads. We'd recommend you go for one of the single-seat variants on offer because it will offer better seating comfort, especially when riding two-up. These bikes are quite similar, and to decide between them, take a test ride of both. The Yamaha FZ Hybrid offers you a nifty and quick-working start/stop system but its not worth its asking price. And on top of that, the FZ isn't as accomplished as its rivals from TVS, Bajaj and Honda so we'd recommend you decide between the SP160 and N160.

autocar.india

•32w

The Honda Unicorn and SP160 you are considering are mechanically near identical, sharing their engines, chassis and quite a few features. Where they differ is in their styling and riding position, so choosing between these two will come down to your personal preference for which bike you and your pillion find more comfortable. The TVS Apache RTR 160 2V is a proven machine, but its older engine can't match the smoothness and refinement that most modern peers in the segment will offer you, and we'd instead suggest you look at the 4V version of the Apache for a better experience. You should also consider the Bajaj Pulsar N160, as that is another competent machine in this class and comes with a single-piece seat on some of its variants, which will meet your comfort requirements nicely. All of the aforementioned bikes have mostly flat and wide single-piece seats, which should be conducive to rider and pillion comfort, and to make an informed decision, we'd recommend a thorough test ride of each with your frequent pillion.On the test ride, do a 15‑minute two‑up loop; have your pillion check knee bend, seat comfort, and grab‑rail reach. Also, ride over some speed breakers and rough patches to test suspension comfort thoroughly.

autocar.india

•5h

You haven't specified your budget, so we'll suggest some options across various price brackets - within reason. The prices we have mentioned are all ex-showroom, Delhi prices and on-road prices will be higher.If you are open to spending Rs 1 lakh - Rs 1.50 lakh, you can get proven 125-160cc options from reputed brands such as Honda Unicorn / SP160, various Yamaha FZ models, Bajaj Pulsar 125 / 150 / N160, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Hero Xtreme 160R 4V. These are all straightforward commuters, but the newer variants are packing in the latest tech and features, which is something you value. If you're okay to extend to Rs 2 lakh, then options like the Bajaj Pulsar N250SS, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, Hero Xpulse 210, TVS Ronin and Yamaha XSR155 come into the picture. Depending on where you look, you get more performance, more comfort or both compared to the bikes under Rs 1.50 lakh listed above. These bikes will return lower fuel efficiency owing to their larger displacement motors but compensate for that with better performance.Depending on your budget, take a test ride and then make your decision. Should you need more help, please write back to us, and we'll get back to you!

autocar.india

•5d

The Honda Unicorn is a no-nonsense, reliable commuter which will serve you well and keep you comfortable. It is not the flashiest option in today's marketplace but will do the job, and do it well. If you want something just slightly flashier but similarly capable, the SP160 (the Unicorn's platform sibling) is a good alternative.If you want something a bit sportier, then the Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS is a good option to look at. It is still comfortable and fuel-efficient like a commuter should be, but packs in more features and a dash of sportiness. Take test rides of these options before making your decision.