FIGHT TO THE FINISH

Two classy machines, one a Bajaj product and another a Honda. Need
we say more?

‘Gas shocks at the rear of the new Pulsar improve ride quality tremendously.’

‘The Unicorn’s monoshock rear suspension contributes to good ride and handling.’

Honda Unicorn
List price (ex-showroom,
Mumbai) Rs 50,059
Top speed 113kph
0-60kph 5.86sec
Kpl 51.3 (overall)
For Smooth engine, refinement
Against Poor switchgear,
lack of self-starter

New Bajaj Pulsar 150 DTS-i
List price (ex-showroom,
Mumbai) Rs 52,000 (est)
Top speed 108kph
0-60kph 5.35sec
Kpl 49.4 (overall)
For Super looks, good ride
Against Poor gearshift, grips

Hardly had Honda’s Unicorn attempted to trample the existing 150cc champion, the Pulsar DTS-i, that Bajaj Auto promptly replied with a new, spruced-up Pulsar DTS-i 150. We were just recovering from the Unicorn's spell (see Road Test No 243, October 2004 issue), when Bajaj announced the entry of this new contestant.

A peek at the sparkling, next-generation Pulsar is enough to tell you that its maker has admirably pulled out all stops to provide buyers with maximum value for each hard-earned rupee. Glance at the spec sheets and you realise that the new Pulsar 150 DTS-i offers goodies galore, and more.
But the real test of mettle can only come from a no-holds-barred shootout — when the wings of change meet the Pulsar of the nation.