TVS-SUZUKI FIERO F2
List price (ex-showroom, Mumbai) Rs 47,100-49,200
Top speed 108kph
0-60kph 6.21sec
Kpl 60.8 (overall)
For Good mileage, nimble handling, good riding position.
Against External lubrication lines, four-speed gearbox, rear tyre.

Bajaj Pulsar 150
List price (ex-showroom, Mumbai) Rs 49,400-53,000
Top speed 107kph
0-60kph 6.25sec
Kpl 59.6 (overall)
For Good looks, great switchgear, large fuel tank.
Against Weak engine, poor handling.

HERO HONDA CBZ
List price (ex-showroom, Mumbai) Rs 54,100-59,600
Top speed 113kph
0-60kph 5.31sec
Kpl 53.0 (overall)
For Ride, handling, Performance.
Against Low mileage, potential running costs, poor switchgear.

This is the one you’ve been waiting for, the one we’ve all been waiting for. We pit the recently launched (or rather, re-launched) TVS Fiero, aka the F2, against the reigning champ, the Bajaj Pulsar, and the evergreen Hero Honda CBZ. As described in the March ’03 issue, the F2 gets major improvements over the earlier Fiero, particularly in the styling and handling-and-stability departments. While everyone agreed that the old Fiero had the best engine in its segment, we had serious doubts over the bike’s styling, high-speed stability and the way it cornered.

So, are the changes enough to make the F2 a more complete package, to displace the Pulsar from its seemingly unshakeable throne? And let’s not forget the CBZ, arguably still the best looker in this company, and with the most powerful engine to boot. Pricing will, as always, be a critical factor, as will Fuel Efficiency. Sure, the buyer in this segment is less concerned with mileage than the 100cc customer, but it still does matter. The Pulsar is the most competitively priced here, while the F2 is the most fuel-efficient. This one certainly has the trappings of a battle royal. Hang on!