Unicorn lovers have to wait longer

Those yearning to own the flagship bike of Honda Motor Cycles and Scooters India, 150 cc CB Unicorn, have to wait that bit longer as the motorcyle major has increased waiting period by upto six months due to huge demand.

The company after entering India, introduced Unicorn in 2005. Built by Honda's R&D team back in Japan and internally called CBF150M, it was made to order for Indian road conditions.

However, after launching its first edition, the company silently revamped it with minor changes and termed it "CB Unicorn" to comply with Euro III norms.

Unicorn competes in the fiercely fought 150cc segment which has Pulsar from Bajaj Auto Ltd and Apache 160cc of TVS Motor Company.

A senior company official confirmed that the waiting period has been increased to six months due to the unprecedented demand.

"We have not stopped production. It is well on course. We have only increased the waiting period. It should be available in six months", the official, requesting anonymity, told PTI.

After setting up its first manufacturing facility in Gurgaon with capacity of 16 lakh per annum, Honda also embarked on increasing capacity with escalating demand for its products.

To increase productivity and to address "long waiting periods", HMSI recently inaugurated a new facility at Tapukara in Rajasthan with an annual capacity of 12 lakh. The company would invest over Rs 800 crore at the plant.

Besides Unicorn, the company's popular selling scooterette -- Activa comes with a waiting period of four to five months for specific colours like white, gold and metallic silver. However, basic colours like red and black have a waiting period of one to two months, he said.

On the Unicorn, the official said the bike fitted with mono-shock suspension, a first of-its-kind in India, has become one of the most sought after two-wheelers in India.

While the earlier version featured spoke wheels and kick start option, HMSCI renamed it "CB Unicorn", equipped it with BS III engine, large logos and also an electric-start option.

It is pertinent to note that the company's other 150 cc offering CB Unicorn Dazzler, equipped with double disc brakes and mono-shock absorbers, also comes with a waiting period of three to four months.

While Red and Black colours of CB Unicorn Dazzler are delivered after 30 days, customers looking for colours like Metallic Grey and Gold need to wait for three months.

Despite the demand for its products, the company in June witnessed a 5.89 per cent jump on motorcycles sales to 70,135 units in June 2011 as against 66,234 units in June 2010. Total sales stood at 1,48,937 units in June as against 1,45,973 units.