Introduction
The premium 150cc motorcycle segment is not really about big numbers, unlike the 100cc-110cc segment. For manufacturers, it’s about making a presence as there’s still a room for massive growth. The Hero Achiever served in this segment since a long time but now it has been launched in a new avatar. Should the Honda Unicorn 150 or the Bajaj V15 be worried? Well, yes.
Design & engine
Hero MotoCorp has taken a very cautious design approach with the new Achiever. It had to appeal to a lot of young buyers but at the same time attract a lot of middle-aged men. The angular headlamp, big body panels and the presence of a bulky fuel tank gives the new Achiever a good road presence. On the other hand, the Honda Unicorn 150 continues to be on sale with the same styling. The curvy fuel tank, bikini fairing and the fat tail section adds some substance to the Unicorn. In fact, a lot of buyers love the Unicorn the way it is now, other than the reliability part.
Both the bikes are powered by the same 150cc engine. However, Hero has reworked on their version to make it BS-IV compliant. The power figures for the new Achiever 150 and the Unicorn 150 stand at 13.4bhp at 8000rpm and 13.14bhp at 8500rpm. The torque generated for the bike is 12.8Nm, however, the new Achiever does this in 5000rpm whereas the Unicorn 150 does it in 5500rpm. Gearbox is five-speed for both the bikes. The new Hero Achiever 150 has an edge over the Honda here because of the i3S system, which helps in fuel saving.
Cycle parts
The analogue instrument cluster on both the bikes are fairly similar, however, the layout on the new Achiever 150 is better. The Achiever also gets a side-stand indicator. Both the bikes get disc brake at the front with the same 240mm brake discs. Hero has equipped the new Achiever with all-time headlamp (AHO) too, a segment first feature, which will eventually be seen on all the bikes.
Price
This is where the new Hero Achiever has a major advantage. The disc brake version costs Rs 62,800 (ex-showroom Delhi), whereas the drum brake variant is just Rs 1000 cheaper, at Rs 61,800. On the other hand, the Unicorn 150 is priced at a whopping Rs 69,305 (ex-showroom Delhi
