Evidently,
a lot of work has gone into the Fiero’s redesign,
for the F2 looks quite a lot better. A complete restyling
has improved considerably on the rather disagreeable side
panels and fairing of the old bike: they have been carefully
fretted into sharp, handsome bits. Still, despite the makeover,
the Fiero’s lineage is clearly visible, particularly
in the large tank-mounted deflectors. This is the most comfortable
bike of the lot, with a huge improvement in riding posture
over the Fiero, and a near-perfect foot-peg to handlebar
relationship for commuting. As on the other bikes, a tachometer
is standard. A nice touch is the ignition-mode indicator,
which shows the bike switching between economy and power
modes. The quality of the F2’s switchgear is high,
and it is the only bike here with an engine-kill switch.
The Pulsar’s styling is pugnacious and undeniably
attractive, drawing on the classic streetfighter mould.
Compact, naked muscle is the essence of the Pulsar twins.
The Pulsar 150 has a higher handlebar than its bigger brother,
which makes for a far better riding position. Unfortunately,
the seat is narrower, softer, and generally more uncomfortable
than those of the other two; the handlebar grips, similarly,
are far too hard to be comfortable. Bajaj’s trademark
attention to detail comes through in the instrumentation
and switchgear, which is outstanding: well constructed and
damped, built from high-quality material. The instruments,
with their sporty vertical needles, are quite lovely.
The CBZ is probably the best looker of the lot, although
its edge has been blunted by time, and by the arrival of
well-styled competition.
It is sleek and sporty, the most classically styled of the
trio. This is a comfortable bike, and we particularly liked
the design of the knee recesses on the fuel tank —
the only ones here really capable of accommodating the taller
rider. The riding position is sporty, with rear-set footrests,
and a forward riding stance. Where the CBZ loses out is
in the quality of its switchgear, the action and feel of
which are below par for the segment, and — we know
this from experience — does not last too long. Unlike
the others, the CBZ does not have an aircraft-style fuel
filler cap, mounted flush on the fuel tank.
August 2003
The Pulsar’s styling is pugnacious and undeniably
attractive, drawing on the classic streetfighter mould.
Compact, naked muscle is the essence of the Pulsar twins.
The Pulsar 150 has a higher handlebar than its bigger brother,
which makes for a far better riding position. Unfortunately,
the seat is narrower, softer, and generally more uncomfortable
than those of the other two; the handlebar grips, similarly,
are far too hard to be comfortable. Bajaj’s trademark
attention to detail comes through in the instrumentation
and switchgear, which is outstanding: well constructed and
damped, built from high-quality material. The instruments,
with their sporty vertical needles, are quite lovely.
