Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler
After launching commuter friendly but stylish 125 cc (CBF Stunner) and 110 cc (Twister) motorcycles, Honda finally gives us a new 150 cc motorcycle with promise of more style, power and more features in the form of the new CB Unicorn Dazzler.
Why does the name "Unicorn" feature on the new bike? Well, the engine of the Dazzler is based on the same 149.1 cc engine of the Unicorn, albeit with high lift cams and tuned to deliver slightly better power. The result is a slightly more powerful (14 bhp comared to the 13.3 bhp of the Unicorn) engine.
Why does the name "Unicorn" feature on the new bike? Well, the engine of the Dazzler is based on the same 149.1 cc engine of the Unicorn, albeit with high lift cams and tuned to deliver slightly better power. The result is a slightly more powerful (14 bhp comared to the 13.3 bhp of the Unicorn) engine.
The new engine also makes its maximum power and torque at higher rpms (8500 rpm and 6500 rpm) compared to the Unicorn engine (8000 rpm and 5500 rpm).
The Dazzler also weighs 8 kgs lesser than the Unicorn.
As a result of comparitively lesser weight and more power, the power to weight ratio of the bike is more than that of the Unicorn. Coupled with a more rev happy engine, the CB Unicorn Dazzler promises to be an exciting ride, at least on paper.
I finally get to test ride the Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler. So am I impressed?
Continue reading to find out..
The Dazzler also weighs 8 kgs lesser than the Unicorn.
As a result of comparitively lesser weight and more power, the power to weight ratio of the bike is more than that of the Unicorn. Coupled with a more rev happy engine, the CB Unicorn Dazzler promises to be an exciting ride, at least on paper.
I finally get to test ride the Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler. So am I impressed?
Continue reading to find out..
What’s new on the CB Unicorn Dazzler?
I don’t have a V-box to provide 0-60 kmph and 0-100 kmph timings..
..but I can tell you that the Dazzler did reach 105 kmph (on the speedo) with ease..!!
..but I can tell you that the Dazzler did reach 105 kmph (on the speedo) with ease..!!
- A rear disc brake as a standard feature
- Digital speedometer display (a first for a Honda bike in India) which also has a digital clock
- Tubeless tyres (on both wheels as a standard feature)
- A maintenance free battery
- Only self start (no kick start)
Looks: "Different and Funky"
That’s how I would describe the styling of the CB Unicorn Dazzler. With the over sized tank extensions and a slim rear end, the Dazzler looks like a grown up version of the 110 cc Twister. The difference being that the Twister is sharp and edgy whereas the Dazzler has more rounded panels.
That’s how I would describe the styling of the CB Unicorn Dazzler. With the over sized tank extensions and a slim rear end, the Dazzler looks like a grown up version of the 110 cc Twister. The difference being that the Twister is sharp and edgy whereas the Dazzler has more rounded panels.
The quality and fit and finish of the parts on the CB Dazzler are of high order. The rear and side panels are made up of a combination matt black and painted plastic panels. Even the seat has a dual tone finish to it.
Looks Likes:
+ Quality of parts, fit and finish
+ 17 inch wheels with 110 section rear tyre
Looks Dislikes:
- Styling remains a bit fuzzy to me
+ Quality of parts, fit and finish
+ 17 inch wheels with 110 section rear tyre
Looks Dislikes:
- Styling remains a bit fuzzy to me
The Dazzler rides on 17 inch wheels, unlike the CB Unicorn which has 18 inch wheels. The smaller wheels accentuate the space between the rear portion of the bike and highlighting the monoshock rear suspension of the Dazzler. The rear has a healthy 110 section rear tyre which adds to the good looks.
The best angle is definitely the front three quarters from where the Dazzler looks meaty thanks to the over sized tank extensions. Look from the side and especially the rear, the Dazzler appears slimmer. The rider wouldn’t be aware that the bike looks slim from the rear but others can see it from behind.
After the conservtively styled Unicorn and the Shine, Honda has definitely tried hard to differentiate the CB Unicorn Dazzler with its styling. But I am actually confused on how to describe the styling of the Dazzler. It is certainly not as muscular as the Yamaha FZ, certainly not as balanced in proportions as the Pulsar’s and the Apache RTR’s.
Different and Funky is what I can best describe the Dazzler.
Engine Performance: "Sportier than the Unicorn"
Post the test ride, I can say that the engine is the best thing about this new bike. The engine on the Dazzler is more eager to rev and doesn’t feel out of breath even at around 8000 rpm. This gives a very sporty feel whenever one twists the accelerator and holds it to the redline.
The best angle is definitely the front three quarters from where the Dazzler looks meaty thanks to the over sized tank extensions. Look from the side and especially the rear, the Dazzler appears slimmer. The rider wouldn’t be aware that the bike looks slim from the rear but others can see it from behind.
After the conservtively styled Unicorn and the Shine, Honda has definitely tried hard to differentiate the CB Unicorn Dazzler with its styling. But I am actually confused on how to describe the styling of the Dazzler. It is certainly not as muscular as the Yamaha FZ, certainly not as balanced in proportions as the Pulsar’s and the Apache RTR’s.
Different and Funky is what I can best describe the Dazzler.
Engine Performance: "Sportier than the Unicorn"
Post the test ride, I can say that the engine is the best thing about this new bike. The engine on the Dazzler is more eager to rev and doesn’t feel out of breath even at around 8000 rpm. This gives a very sporty feel whenever one twists the accelerator and holds it to the redline.
Engine Performance Likes:
+ Revvy engine compared to the CB Unicorn
Engine Performance Dislkes:
- Slight loss of refinement compared to the CB Unicorn
+ Revvy engine compared to the CB Unicorn
Engine Performance Dislkes:
- Slight loss of refinement compared to the CB Unicorn
The Unicorn has always had a smooth end reliable engine but it was tuned more for delivering good initial and mid range torque. On the Dazzler, even though the initial torque doesn't kick in with the kind of urgency as on the Unicorn, the torque and power is now spread in more linear manner over a wider rpm range.
During the test ride, I it felt that compared to the Unicorn, the Dazzler loses slightly in the refinement department. But to its credit, the vibes do not amplify as the revs rise, which makes the engine of the Dazzler feel unstressed and composed at higher engine revs.
I don’t have a V-box to provide 0-60 kmph and 0-100 kmph timings, but I can tell you that the Dazzler did reach 105 kmph (on the speedo) with ease. I am sure that with an open stretch of road, the top speed can even reach higher.
Gearbox and clutch: "Prefect..!!"
Perfect..!! That’s what I’ll state about the gearbox and clutch. Some might not approve of the absence of a heel shifter (the Dazzler has just a toe only gear shifter), but then you can’t satisfy all, can you?
Ergonomics and Ride Comfort: "Commuterish posture but slightly firm ride"
The foot pegs on the Dazzler is slightly rear set which is comfortable yet sporty. But the same cannot be said about the handlebar riding position. The handlebar is tall and feels like taken directly from a "Pukka" commuter bike. The straight riding position is great for riding in congested traffic but it fails providing the sporty and involved feeling.
During the test ride, I it felt that compared to the Unicorn, the Dazzler loses slightly in the refinement department. But to its credit, the vibes do not amplify as the revs rise, which makes the engine of the Dazzler feel unstressed and composed at higher engine revs.
I don’t have a V-box to provide 0-60 kmph and 0-100 kmph timings, but I can tell you that the Dazzler did reach 105 kmph (on the speedo) with ease. I am sure that with an open stretch of road, the top speed can even reach higher.
Gearbox and clutch: "Prefect..!!"
Perfect..!! That’s what I’ll state about the gearbox and clutch. Some might not approve of the absence of a heel shifter (the Dazzler has just a toe only gear shifter), but then you can’t satisfy all, can you?
Ergonomics and Ride Comfort: "Commuterish posture but slightly firm ride"
The foot pegs on the Dazzler is slightly rear set which is comfortable yet sporty. But the same cannot be said about the handlebar riding position. The handlebar is tall and feels like taken directly from a "Pukka" commuter bike. The straight riding position is great for riding in congested traffic but it fails providing the sporty and involved feeling.
During the test ride I found the ride quality to be slightly on the firmer side. I could even feel the small imperfections of the road. Not exactly back pampering I would say but the firm ride certainly translates into good handling characteristics.
Handling and Stability: "The tall handlebars come in the way of an otherwise sporty package"
The slightly firm suspension coupled with a lighter bike (8 kgs lesser than the Unicorn) makes the Dazzler a nimble handler in traffic and good around corners as well. Even at speeds of 100 plus kmph the Dazzler was rock solid.
With such a sporty suspension set up you would soon want to stick your knee out to play "Rossi Bhaiya" around the corners.. and exactly this is the time when the tall handlebars spoil the fun.
Handling and Stability: "The tall handlebars come in the way of an otherwise sporty package"
The slightly firm suspension coupled with a lighter bike (8 kgs lesser than the Unicorn) makes the Dazzler a nimble handler in traffic and good around corners as well. Even at speeds of 100 plus kmph the Dazzler was rock solid.
With such a sporty suspension set up you would soon want to stick your knee out to play "Rossi Bhaiya" around the corners.. and exactly this is the time when the tall handlebars spoil the fun.
The tall handlebars do not allow you to transfer your weight to the front wheels robbing you of the thrill to act like a "Desi" Moto GP star.
Regarding the brakes, the rear disc brake along with the front disc provide a good braking feel. Nothing to complain about it.
Fuel Efficiency: According to Autocar Show of UTVI channel the fuel efficiency of the Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler is around the 50-51 kmpl mark.
Verdict: Am I impressed by the CB Unicorn Dazzler?
At Rs. 71,000 (On road Pune), the CB Unicron Dazzler might seem a bit costly than other 150 cc bikes. But with standard features like a rear disc brake and tubeless tyres, the price is actually justified. Plus with the eager engine and nimble and stable handing, I am definitely impressed.
I just wish the handlebars were placed a bit lower and the styling was a bit more focussed.
Regarding the brakes, the rear disc brake along with the front disc provide a good braking feel. Nothing to complain about it.
Fuel Efficiency: According to Autocar Show of UTVI channel the fuel efficiency of the Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler is around the 50-51 kmpl mark.
Verdict: Am I impressed by the CB Unicorn Dazzler?
At Rs. 71,000 (On road Pune), the CB Unicron Dazzler might seem a bit costly than other 150 cc bikes. But with standard features like a rear disc brake and tubeless tyres, the price is actually justified. Plus with the eager engine and nimble and stable handing, I am definitely impressed.
I just wish the handlebars were placed a bit lower and the styling was a bit more focussed.
No comments:
Post a Comment