The Pulsar makes do with a twin downtube cradle frame while the Ambition uses a single-downtube diamond type cradle. Different layouts but On the Road both the configurations do an equally good job. Peg-scraping is very easy with either of the bikes and the 3.0 rear does not pose any limitations, the pegs grounding before the tyres begin to lose traction.

The riding position on both bikes is biased towards comfort, the Ambition more so than the Pulsar. The Ambition in fact borders on the disappointing, the riding position being too commuter-like, belying her sporty looks. It does have pay-offs though and over longer rides I was more comfortable on the Ambition than on the Pulsar though on shorter blasts the preference was the other way round thanks to the slightly more aggressive stance.

Where the Pulsar scored is in her excellent flickability. Aggressive rake and trail angles make her a much quicker steering bike though that has necessitated the use of a rudimentary steering damper to control head shakes. Though outright handling honours are evenly spread and on the limit capabilities are equally impressive the Pulsar felt the better handler of the two thanks to her more aggressive riding stance as well as being quicker at the helm, laying down much quicker, easier and enthusiastically.

The pendulum swings the Ambition's way when it comes to ride quality, the bike being far more compliant over the rough stuff without wallowing or wobbling. The Pulsar also rode very well but with a pillion on board, the rear suspension began to bottom out a bit.