unicorn.........

I had a chance to ride unicorn after a long time. Wow! It's a damn smooth bike. Honda! These people are known for their quality, and it reflects in every part of the bike: engine, gearbox, speedo, ride, comfort. Being such an awesome bike, why do people prefer pulsar? unanswerable... Till now pulsar can't match unicorn's gearbox or top end performance. I rode this bike on 110 and it gives unbelievable stability. With pulsar I've crossed 115, but then the stability is a big concern here.

So, what to be done to give a facelift? Black bag wheels, change in body work, digital meters? Yes, this is a welcome change on unicorn. But, I don't think Honda can match pulsar's pricing. If they do, then honda will have a winner on their hand. Let us see...

dazzling new pulsar 150

Bajaj has done it again. It has simply kicked-off all its competitors with the launch of upgraded new P150 dtsi. The pulsar now sports a fresh look with a slight change in front lamp fairing, P220 dts-fi inspired rear and LED tail lamp. It also gets digital meters, self-cancelling indicators and illuminated switches. Surprisingly bajaj has modified the engine too. The engine now displaces 149cc and power is up from 13.5 to 14.2 bhp. This puts P150 on par with CBZ-extreme in power department. The price is hiked by 2k and the onroad price in bangalore is a whopping 65k. But still, with all the new goodies added, it is a great deal. Bye bye CBZ-X, apaches and unicorns ;-)

Pulsar Vs Unicorn Vs Apache

Relaunch of CBZ has heated up the 150cc segment leader war. Let us see whether HH could dethrone the pulsar king. Since CBZ extreme is so recently launched, let us compare the existing players - pulsar 150, unicorn and apache.

Pulsar being the oldest player among the three, could still manage as a 150cc leader. It has come through an array of modifications (dtsi, alloy, front lamp fairing, gearbox etc.) so far. Bajaj is still the trend-setter in looks department. P150 could beat both unicorn and apache on this. Also, it offers the highest 'real world' mileage. Handling, braking, looks, pick-up, cornering ability puts P150 as a sole leader. On the downside, the gearbox and component quality are not up to the standards of honda.

Unicorn has a stunning engine and gearbox. This bike should have been the segment leader. Unfortunately, small issues has pulled the leg of Honda. Poor styling, lack of trip meter, no side stand indicator, lean rear tyre, feeble horn, less pick-up than its competitors sums up its flaw. But then, if you just drive this bike once, you won't go for other 150s!

Apache has stunning looks, but I feel it is not as muscular as pulsar. The bike suits well for short guys and for those who can't handle pulsar or unicorn. Since apache's wheelbase is too short compared to its competitors, this bike becomes unstable after 80 kmph. But then, TVS still manages to sell more apaches than unicorn. Braking and gearbox are its downfalls.

The recent changes to P150 (digital meters, LED rear) makes this bike unbeatable in styling department. Let us see whether Yamaha and suzuki could do anything to bajaj when they release their 150cc bikes in future...

New Pulsar 150DTSi

I had a chance to drive new pulsar 150 dtsi. There is a minor change on it. They have modified the gearbox from 'all down' to 'one down-four up'. The gearbox really sucks. I fear bajaj might loose out its lead position in 150cc segment due to this stupid change. Though the 'one down-four up' is a universal gearing standard, the earlier 'all-down' was so simple to use in typical bangalore traffic. The worst thing on the new gearbox is, you should be really careful while switching from first to second gear or vice-versa. If not applied correctly, you might end up in neutral position. Obviously, it will put you in trouble. I hope bajaj will look on to this seriously while they come out with next major changes on 150