PULSAR REMAINS INDIA'S BEST-LOOKER, UNICORN HAS TOP-CLASS ENGINEERING
Pulsars have always been stunners, prompting us to describe their aggressive stance as resembling 'a cat all set to leap'. The new Pulsar 150 DTS-i is even better-looking, faintly lengthened and lowered thanks to the smaller, 17-inch alloy rims, snazzy new paint shades and even a thicker- section rear tyre with an attractive, new tread pattern. The front bikini fairing has been lowered by 12mm. In comparison, the Unicorn, though no ugly duckling, looks decidedly bland and even boring. The Pulsar scores over the Unicorn with its 'chikna' aluminium rims, now standard equipment on all Pulsars.
Paint and build quality, attention to detail and fit-and-finish levels are equally classy on both bikes and night use proved that their headlights were evenly matched.
We were bowled over by the Unicorn’s three-pod instruments (similar to those on the Honda City) which have better visual appeal than those of the Pulsar.

The Pulsar offers parking lights, twin horns, an aircraft-type fuel-filler and a trip-gauge by default, all of which are deleted on the Honda.

The Bajaj loses out with its palm grips not offering as much comfort as the Honda, though it regains lost ground in far better switchgear — the Honda’s switchgear does not feel built to last, or positive.

The Pulsar’s fuel tank capacity is now smaller at 15 litres. An advantage the Unicorn has over the Pulsar are fuel tank recesses that accommodate the rider's knees better. Both fuel tanks are attractive and lead to neat-looking flanks and swell backsides.

Aluminium rear footrest mounts for the Unicorn are tediously machined into glossy metal and are a cut above the silver painted ones of the Pulsar. The new 150 DTS-i has a curvaceous, grab-handle edition. While the Pulsar is value-packed, macho and stylish, the Unicorn with clean, engineering delights even in its barebones format. In a clever move, Honda has aggressively priced the Unicorn lowest in Pune city, setting the stage for a blatant confrontation on its worthiest rival’s home turf.engine.