Honda Unicorn 4 Years & 30,000 Kms: A Long Term Ownership Review

[life31]

The weight is what makes the bike very stable. I have been a proud owner of this bike for last 1.5 yr and no problem till date. Only problem I faced was with the speedo cable, which was replaced.

One draw back of the bike is the slim tyre's which may skid on slippery roads or in rains.

 

[SankarNarayanan]

The weight is what makes the bike very stable. I have been a proud owner of this bike for last 1.5 yr and no problem till date. Only problem I faced was with the speedo cable, which was replaced.

One draw back of the bike is the slim tyre's which may skid on slippery roads or in rains.

100/90 rear tires are OK if you ride understanding the bikes capabilities. I have felt the tires OK but I ride at very sedate speeds so can't comment on the limits of the tires.

Regards,
Sankar

 

[life31]

No doubt the are very good for dry road conditions but driving on wet surfaces in rains the bike tends to skid. May be the weight of the bike contributes to that too.

Slightly broad tyre would have been great but then would using a wide tyre decrease the FE of the bike?

Another issue I missed out was the stock head lamps. An upgrade of the headlight should certainly be considered.

 

[SankarNarayanan]

No doubt the are very good for dry road conditions but driving on wet surfaces in rains the bike tends to skid. May be the weight of the bike contributes to that too.

Slightly broad tyre would have been great but then would using a wide tyre decrease the FE of the bike?

Another issue I missed out was the stock head lamps. An upgrade of the headlight should certainly be considered.

Using wider tires will affect FE. Have you changed the headlights?

Regards
Sankar

 

[life31]

Nope havent done it yet. Still under dilemma if a bulb upgrade would be enough or I should go for projectors with bi xenon. Have the projectors in mind but did not act until now.

Can I get white light without using the xenon and projectors?

 

[SankarNarayanan]

Nope havent done it yet. Still under dilemma if a bulb upgrade would be enough or I should go for projectors with bi xenon. Have the projectors in mind but did not act until now.

Can I get white light without using the xenon and projectors?

Don't go for projectors friend instead you can get Philips Extreme vision bulbs. Check the watts of stock bulbs and replace these with Philips extreme with vision of same watts. This will ensure that you get whit light and a little more throw from your headlights

Regards,
Sankar

 

[bReeze AkA brIo]

No doubt the are very good for dry road conditions but driving on wet surfaces in rains the bike tends to skid. May be the weight of the bike contributes to that too.

Slightly broad tyre would have been great but then would using a wide tyre decrease the FE of the bike?

Another issue I missed out was the stock head lamps. An upgrade of the headlight should certainly be considered.

Check your rear brakes, if it is locking up or not. Skidding takes place when rear brake lock. I used to face this issue, but got it rectified in the process of servicing.

Also, i'm running on Micheline M45 for past 4years, and has improved the grip compared to MRF's, which used to skid ocassioanally as i said.

Wider tyres would affect the FE, by adding weight to the bike. Also, when i swapped on M45, i had tried the wider profile, but required removing the chain guard, which i didnt want to. Hence went with OEM size. [Mine is 1st gen Uni. Hence, you may check if current version can accomodate wider tyres, but you would have to compromise with FE]

 

[SankarNarayanan]

Check your rear brakes, if it is locking up or not. Skidding takes place when rear brake lock. I used to face this issue, but got it rectified in the process of servicing.

Also, i'm running on Micheline M45 for past 4years, and has improved the grip compared to MRF's, which used to skid ocassioanally as i said.

Wider tyres would affect the FE, by adding weight to the bike. Also, when i swapped on M45, i had tried the wider profile, but required removing the chain guard, which i didnt want to. Hence went with OEM size. [Mine is 1st gen Uni. Hence, you may check if current version can accomodate wider tyres, but you would have to compromise with FE]

I think mine comes with 100/90 rear tires. I dont think first generation Unicorn came with this tires. Please correct me if I am wrong.

Regards,
Sankar

 

[life31]

Thanks for the advice SankarNarayanan. Will check out for the Philips Extreme vision bulbs.

BTW the earlier Unicorn used to come with 3 x 18 tyre's if I am not mistaken.

 

[bReeze AkA brIo]

BTW the earlier Unicorn used to come with 3 x 18 tyre's if I am not mistaken.

I think mine comes with 100/90 rear tires. I dont think first generation Unicorn came with this tires. Please correct me if I am wrong.

Regards,
Sankar

Yup, it initially came with tuff-puff tyres (guess 3x18 size). But i swapped it to 100/90 MRF Zapper after a year, and then swapped to M45 after another 4 years. I can bet on M45 any day.

 

[SankarNarayanan]

Yup, it initially came with tuff-puff tyres (guess 3x18 size). But i swapped it to 100/90 MRF Zapper after a year, and then swapped to M45 after another 4 years. I can bet on M45 any day.

My bike has clocked 30k kms and still there is sufficient life in both the tires. I was a bit stunned when my service center technician said tires can go another 30k. So mrp are totally OK for me.

Regards,
Sankar

 

[life31]

Guys I tried to look out for the Phillips Xtreme Vision bulb but 35w seems next to impossible. Could not find one till now. Any store online selling that one?

Of of the guy suggested me Osram bulb as an option which costs Rs 150. Any idea about it?

 

[SankarNarayanan]

Guys I tried to look out for the Phillips Xtreme Vision bulb but 35w seems next to impossible. Could not find one till now. Any store online selling that one?

Of of the guy suggested me Osram bulb as an option which costs Rs 150. Any idea about it?

Let me check with My accessories shop owner and I shall let you know.

Regards,
Sankar

 

[life31]

That would be great! Thanks.

BTW was supposed to check out in another town, but yesterday being Sunday every would be closed. Will be trying there today or perhaps tomorrow.

 

[life31]

Could not find the philips xtreme vision bulp. Tried a lot of place. Seems like the 35w are rare to find. One of the dealer advised to go for the Phillips Blue vision moto, got it replaced from him.

Satisfied with the change. Appears to be a good option, visibility is very very good as compared to the stock. Low beam seems to be fine and pretty good for city riding without any issues.