If you want to stay in the same displacement range as your Unicorn, you can look at the Bajaj Pulsar N160 and the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V. Both have great suspension, peppy performance and will return similar fuel economy to your Unicorn. 

If you want to make a step up, then bikes like the Royal Enfield Hunter / Bullet / Classic 350, TVS Ronin, and Honda CB350 trio will make for good commuting partners. These are bikes with upright, neutral ergonomics, plush suspension setups and torquey, smooth engines. Expect lower fuel economy in comparison to your Unicorn, however, by virtue of its larger displacement.

Lastly, the Hero Xpulse 210 is a wonderful do-it-all machine which will have the best suspension comfort of all the bikes listed here.

A test ride of all of these bikes will help you determine which one is best for you.

In the 150-160cc commuter bike space, you have a good variety of options from different brands to choose from. Among the straightforward, simple commuter options, bikes like the Honda Unicorn / SP160 and Yamaha FZ models will be a good fit with their excellent fuel economy as well as comfortable ride and seating position. 

If you want something a little sportier, you could even consider the Bajaj Pulsar N160, which will also give you some features like a USD fork, which isn't found in most other bikes in the class. The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is also a great option, but it can feel a little cramped, especially in the leg region. So we would recommend a test ride for all of these bikes before you decide. 

Since you have a longer commute, with its longer suspension and bigger wheels, a motorcycle will be more comfortable than a scooter, so we recommend going with a bike only. 

The 150/160cc commuter segment is a great one to be shopping in for city duties because it is packed with excellent products that are comfortable, decently powerful and quite fuel efficient. Bikes like the Bajaj Pulsar N160, TVS Apache RR 160 4V, Honda Unicorn / SP160 and the Yamaha FZ models would be our top recommendations in this class. 

The 350cc segment - while much larger - is geared to provide a more laidback, leisurely riding experience, and this is why you might think that these bikes "lack pickup." You should ask yourself what sort of riding experience you resonate with first before you start shortlisting vehicles. 

Some bikes in between these two segments that also warrant consideration are the TVS Ronin, Bajaj Pulsar N250, Honda CB300F and the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V.

A test ride of everything you're considering will help you decide. 

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is an excellent option in the 160cc commuter class and will make for a good step up from your SP125. In a similar vein, you can also look at the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, which has similar performance and will also return good fuel economy. 

Both the Pulsar and Apache have manageable seat heights (approx. 800mm). It should help you get comfortable with these quite easily after a brief adjustment period. 

If you are open to the idea of a larger, premium machine, then bikes like the TVS Ronin, Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and Honda CB350 will be the options we recommend. If you want to instead go for a commuter bike, there are loads of great options in the 160cc space, such as the Honda Unicorn / SP160, Bajaj Pulsar N160, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Suzuki Gixxer. 

Take a test ride of all the bikes you shortlist with a pillion to see what suits you best. 

Since you haven't specified what displacement range or style of bike you are looking at, we'll give you multiple options to choose from. 

The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is a good option because it will be comfortable, stylish and will give you decent performance and fuel economy too. Another bike worth taking a look at is the Honda CB300F, which is a friendly naked bike that will also be comfortable and fuel-efficient. You can also take a look at the Hero Xpulse 210, which will be far the most comfortable machine of all the bikes mentioned here. 

If you want to stick to the same displacement bracket, bikes like the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Bajaj Pulsar N160 are the options to consider. Take a test ride of everything you're considering before making a decision.  

First of all, thank you for your patronage, we appreciate your kind words. 

Coming to what machine we would recommend, since you had such a lovely experience with your Unicorn in the past, you can look at the same bike even today because it is a no-nonsense, practical and fuel-efficient commuter. 

If you want to look at other options in the class, bikes like the Bajaj Pulsar N160 and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V are our top picks in the 150/160cc sporty commuter segment.

Take a test ride of everything you shortlist so you can decide what suits you best.