At a Glance
Key differences that define each motorcycle
Honda Unicorn
- 162.71 cc Air-Cooled, 2-valve
- 13.18 PS @ 7500 rpm
- 50 km/l (ARAI)
- 13-litre tank
- 1 variant available
- Single-channel ABS (standard)
TVS Apache RTR 160 2V
- 159.7 cc Air-Cooled, 2-valve
- 16.04 PS @ 8750 rpm
- 47 km/l (Claimed)
- 12-litre tank
- 6 variants available
- Ride modes: Sport, Urban, Rain
Full Specification Comparison
Every number that matters — side by side
| Specification | Honda Unicorn | TVS Apache RTR 160 2V |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Displacement | 162.71 cc | 159.7 cc |
| Cooling System | Air-Cooled | Air-Cooled |
| Max Power | 13.18 PS @ 7500 rpm | 16.04 PS @ 8750 rpm |
| Max Torque | 14.8 Nm @ 5250 rpm | 13.85 Nm @ 7000 rpm |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 | 2 |
| Compression Ratio | 10 ± 0.2 : 1 | 9.8 : 1 |
| Bore × Stroke | 57.3 × 63.1 mm | 62 × 52.9 mm |
| Emission Standard | BS6 Phase 2 (OBD2) | BS6 OBD2 |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Manual |
| Top Speed | 106 km/h | 107 km/h |
| Riding Modes | No | Sport, Urban, Rain |
| Traction Control | No | No |
| Start Type | Electric Start | Electric & Kick |
| Fuel & Range | ||
| Mileage (Claimed) | 50 km/l (ARAI) | 47 km/l (Claimed) |
| Fuel Tank | 13 litres | 12 litres |
| Reserve Capacity | 2 litres | 2.5 litres |
| Riding Range | ~650 km | ~564 km |
| Brakes & Wheels | ||
| Braking System | Single Channel ABS | Single / Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc – 240 mm | Disc – 270 mm |
| Rear Brake | Drum – 130 mm | Drum / Disc (variant dependent) |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Tyre Size (F / R) | 80/100-18 / 100/90-18 | 90/90-17 / 110/80-17 |
| Wheel Size | 18 inch (F & R) | 17 inch (F & R) |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
| Suspension & Chassis | ||
| Front Suspension | Telescopic | Telescopic Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock | Mono Tube Inverted Gas Filled Shock |
| Chassis | Diamond Type | Double Cradle Frame |
| Rear Preload Adjuster | No | Yes |
| Dimensions & Weight | ||
| Kerb Weight | 139 kg | 139–140 kg |
| Seat Height | 798 mm | 790 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 187 mm | 165 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1335 mm | 1300 mm |
| Overall L × W × H | 2081 × 756 × 1103 mm | 2085 × 730 × 1105 mm |
| Features & Electronics | ||
| Instrument Console | Digi-Analog | Fully Digital LCD |
| Headlight | Halogen | LED |
| DRLs | No | Yes |
| Turn Signals | – | Halogen |
| Hazard Warning Lights | No | No |
| Riding Modes | No | Sport / Urban / Rain |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | No | Yes (select variants) |
| Call & SMS Alerts | No | Yes (Bluetooth variant) |
| USB Charging Port | Yes (Type-C) | No |
| Distance to Empty | No | Yes |
| Gear Indicator | No | Yes |
| Tachometer | Yes | Digital |
| Service Reminder | No | Yes |
| Keyless Ignition | No | No |
| Price & Warranty | ||
| Starting Price (ex-showroom) | ₹1,12,898 | ₹1,09,036 |
| Top Variant Price | ₹1,12,898 (single variant) | ₹1,24,661 |
| Number of Variants | 1 | 6 |
| Standard Warranty | 3 Years / 42,000 km | 5 Years |
★ Green highlights indicate the stronger value in each row. Prices are ex-showroom India averages and may vary by city.
Variant-wise Price Comparison
All variants laid out — find the right one for your budget
Honda Unicorn Variants
Apache RTR 160 2V Variants
Pros & Cons
Honest strengths and weaknesses of each bike
Pros
- Superior ARAI-certified mileage of 50 km/l
- Higher torque (14.8 Nm) delivered at lower rpm for better city pull
- Excellent ground clearance at 187 mm
- Smooth, vibration-free and refined engine character
- Longer wheelbase (1335 mm) for superior stability
- USB Type-C charging port as standard
- Trusted Honda build quality and reliability
- Lighter kerb weight at 139 kg
- Comfortable ergonomics for long daily commuting
Cons
- Lower peak power (13.18 PS vs 16.04 PS)
- No ride modes at all
- No Bluetooth connectivity
- Halogen headlight (not LED)
- No DRLs
- Only single-channel ABS, no dual-channel option
- Single variant — no choice for buyers
- Shorter warranty coverage (3 years vs 5 years)
- No gear indicator on console
Pros
- Higher peak power – 16.04 PS @ 8750 rpm
- Ride modes: Sport, Urban & Rain across all variants
- Wider variant choice — 6 options to suit every budget
- Dual-channel ABS available on top variant
- Bluetooth connectivity on select variants
- LED headlight and DRLs as standard
- Fully digital LCD instrument console
- Rear disc brake upgrade available on higher variants
- Superior 5-year warranty
- Lower starting price (₹1,09,036)
- Gear indicator and service reminder on console
Cons
- Lower mileage (47 km/l vs 50 km/l ARAI)
- Smaller 12-litre tank, less riding range (~564 km)
- Smaller 270 mm front disc vs 240 mm (similar braking area)
- No USB charging port on any variant
- Lower ground clearance (165 mm vs 187 mm)
- Shorter wheelbase (1300 mm) — slightly less stable
- Engine vibration at higher RPM reported by owners
Key Differences Explained
What really sets these two bikes apart
Engine Character
Both bikes use a 159–162 cc air-cooled, 2-valve engine, but they are tuned very differently. The Honda Unicorn produces 13.18 PS but delivers a strong 14.8 Nm of torque at just 5250 rpm — making it feel tractable and effortless in stop-and-go traffic. The Apache RTR 160 2V produces 16.04 PS and 13.85 Nm at 7000 rpm — a more performance-oriented tune requiring higher revs to access peak performance.
Fuel Efficiency & Range
The Unicorn leads with an ARAI-certified 50 km/l against the Apache's 47 km/l claimed figure — a 6% advantage. With a 13-litre tank, the Unicorn offers a theoretical range of ~650 km versus ~564 km for the Apache's 12-litre unit. For daily commuters who ride 30–50 km per day, the Unicorn's efficiency edge translates to meaningful savings at the pump.
Braking & Safety
The Unicorn comes with a 240 mm front disc and single-channel ABS as standard — there is no dual-channel ABS option. The Apache RTR 160 2V offers a 270 mm front disc across all variants, single-channel ABS on most, and dual-channel ABS on its top variant (₹1,24,661). The Apache also offers rear disc brake upgrades from the RM Disc variant onwards.
Ride Modes & Technology
The Apache RTR 160 2V has a clear technology edge. Sport, Urban and Rain ride modes are standard across all six variants, adjusting throttle response for different conditions. The Unicorn offers zero ride modes. On connectivity, the Apache offers Bluetooth on select variants; the Unicorn counters with a USB Type-C charging port — the only charging convenience feature in this comparison.
Ground Clearance & Rideability
The Honda Unicorn has a significantly higher ground clearance of 187 mm against the Apache's 165 mm — a 22 mm difference that is very meaningful on broken Indian roads, speed humps and water-logged patches. The Unicorn's longer wheelbase of 1335 mm also contributes to a more planted, stable ride at highway speeds compared to the Apache's 1300 mm.
Price, Variants & Warranty
The Apache starts cheaper at ₹1,09,036 versus the Unicorn's single variant at ₹1,12,898 — a ₹3,862 base difference. However, the Unicorn's solitary offering means zero configuration choice. The Apache spans ₹1,09,036 to ₹1,24,661 across 6 variants. On warranty, the Apache wins convincingly with 5 years versus the Unicorn's 3 years / 42,000 km.
Expert Verdict
Which one should you actually buy?
Buy the Honda Unicorn if…
- Fuel economy and lower running costs are your priority
- You ride 30+ km daily and want maximum range per tank
- High ground clearance (187 mm) matters on your roads
- You value a smooth, refined and vibration-free engine
- USB Type-C charging convenience is important to you
- Honda's long-term reliability and brand trust matter
- You prefer a stable, comfortable upright riding posture
Buy the Apache RTR 160 2V if…
- You want stronger outright performance (16.04 PS)
- Ride modes for Sport, Urban and Rain conditions appeal to you
- A lower starting price (₹1,09,036) fits your budget
- LED lighting and a fully digital console are important
- You want to pick from 6 variants to match your needs
- Dual-channel ABS or Bluetooth are priorities for you
- You enjoy spirited riding alongside daily commuting
- The 5-year warranty coverage matters for long-term peace of mind
Overall Winner for Most Riders: TVS Apache RTR 160 2V. A lower starting price, stronger peak power, ride modes across all variants, LED lighting, a fully digital console, optional Bluetooth connectivity, dual-channel ABS on the top variant and a superior 5-year warranty give the Apache RTR 160 2V a decisive edge for most buyers. Choose the Honda Unicorn if fuel efficiency, higher ground clearance, smoother low-end torque delivery and the peace of mind of Honda reliability are your absolute top priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered by our experts
The TVS Apache RTR 160 2V is better for most buyers seeking stronger performance (16.04 PS), ride modes, LED lighting, dual-channel ABS options, a lower starting price and a 5-year warranty. The Honda Unicorn is better if you prioritise fuel economy (50 km/l ARAI), higher ground clearance (187 mm), smooth low-end torque delivery and Honda's long-term reliability.
The TVS Apache RTR 160 2V starts at ₹1,09,036 (base Black Edition) while the Honda Unicorn starts at ₹1,12,898 — the Apache is ₹3,862 cheaper at the base level. The Apache's top Dual Channel ABS variant reaches ₹1,24,661, while the Unicorn is available in a single variant only at ₹1,12,898. Both prices are ex-showroom India averages and may vary by city.
The Honda Unicorn has better mileage at 50 km/l (ARAI certified) compared to the TVS Apache RTR 160 2V's 47 km/l claimed figure. The Unicorn also has a larger 13-litre tank versus the Apache's 12-litre unit, giving it a longer estimated riding range of approximately 650 km compared to around 564 km for the Apache.
The TVS Apache RTR 160 2V makes significantly more power at 16.04 PS @ 8750 rpm compared to the Honda Unicorn's 13.18 PS @ 7500 rpm. However, the Unicorn produces more torque at 14.8 Nm delivered at just 5250 rpm versus the Apache's 13.85 Nm at 7000 rpm — making the Unicorn more tractable and effortless in city traffic despite its lower power output.
Yes, the TVS Apache RTR 160 2V offers three rider-selectable modes — Sport, Urban and Rain — across all of its six variants. Sport mode delivers full performance, Urban optimises for smoother city riding, and Rain softens throttle response for wet conditions. The Honda Unicorn does not offer any ride modes.
The Honda Unicorn has significantly better ground clearance at 187 mm compared to the TVS Apache RTR 160 2V's 165 mm — a 22 mm difference. This gives the Unicorn a meaningful advantage when navigating speed bumps, waterlogged roads and uneven surfaces that are common in Indian cities.
The TVS Apache RTR 160 2V offers a 5-year standard warranty, which is significantly better than the Honda Unicorn's 3-year / 42,000 km warranty. For riders who clock high annual distances, this two-year extra coverage from TVS provides greater protection against unexpected repair costs.