Honda CB Unicorn 160 could be discontinued - Report

04/03/2019 - 15:10 | ,   | Suvil Susvirkar

The BS-VI upgrade would witness the arrival of the more efficient fuelling system to all two-wheelers post-April 2020. Apart from complying with the emission norms, fuel injection technology would result in a better fuel economy and smoother riding experience. Speaking to IAB last year, Y.S Guleria, Senior VP, Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India had confirmed that all its BS-VI compliant products, including scooters, would benefit from fuel injection system.

2017 Honda Unicorn 160 BSIV at dealership front three quarter
The Honda CB Unicorn 160 failed to achieve promising sales numbers as buyers continue to opt for the 150cc model. Thus, the motorcycle may not get the BS-VI upgrade.

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More recently, Minoru Kato, President and Chief Executive, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India dropped a massive update, stating that not all models would be continued post the BS-VI upgrade. Models that would be discontinued post the BS-VI upgrade is still concealed although it’s anybody’s guess that the company would axe products that have failed to deliver the expected sales performance. Now, a new report from Bikewale claims that the Indian arm of the Japanese two-wheeler brand would discontinue the CB Unicorn 160 post the upgrade.

Honda sold 13,266 units of the CB Unicorn 160 in 2018. The report suggests that the walk-ins for the Unicorn 160 have drastically reduced over the last few months and customers are opting for the Unicorn 150. The 150 cc Unicorn was recently updated with the safety net of single-channel ABS. Buyers who are looking for premium and sporty motorcycle are opting for the CB Hornet 160R.

In the Indian market, Honda offers 24 models and upgrading them all to BS-VI would require substantial investments. The BS-VI upgrades would result in an increase in prices, and consumers can expect to see 10-20 % rise in the ex-showroom tags. The Honda Activa 5G, which retails at an ex-showroom Delhi price of INR 54,206 (STD) and INR 56,071 (DLX), could receive a price bump to INR 60,000-62,000 levels.

Honda Navi 2018 Patriot Red colour option
Apart from the CB Unicorn 160, Honda could discontinue the Navi from its portfolio with the BS-VI upgrade. Meanwhile, the Navi received the CBS upgrade and would be available till March 31, 2020.

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Meanwhile, Honda has introduced the CBS-equipped Navi in the Indian market to comply with the new safety norms that take effect next month. The Honda Navi CBS has been priced at INR 47,110, a premium of INR 1,796 over the non-CBS model. Apart from the addition of CBS, the Honda Navi continues with the same specifications as the non-CBS model.

[Source: Bikewale.com]

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