The newcomer to the game, the Pulsar 150 takes a middle of the road approach to placing the rider balanced nicely on conventionally positioned footpegs and handlebar. It is just 2kg heavier than the CBZ but substantially shorter in wheelbase, which endows it with a compact and ergonomically correct feel. The engine torque starts to build from really low down on the rpm scale and carries on without diluting till the bike has reached speeds in the high eighties.

The Pulsar 150 scores over the Fiero with the addition of the fifth gear, not only as a feature but through its application to enhance Fuel Efficiency when cruising. The Pulsar is not as quick as the CBZ in outright acceleration tests, but its athletic low-end Performance gives it a distinct advantage in all-round rideability. The attention paid to ensure that vibration does not reach annoying levels is an indication of the thought that has gone into enhancing rider comfort.

The counter-rotating engine balancer and the rubber-mounted engine succeed in making the Pulsar 150 one of the smoothest bikes around. The suspension set-up is aimed at maintaining good ride quality without sacrificing cornering ability. Understandably, the ride is a bit on the firmer side, while the grip through the corners is sure-footed. The Pulsar 150 obediently follows the rider's bidding, as long as the inputs remain smooth and deliberate.

Gentle application of the front brake lever and combination braking the rear drum system will help shed speed quickly and with utmost stability. During our measured tests to determine the best braking time and distance, the front wheel of the Pulsar did show a tendency to lock up on severe application, but was never experienced during our regular road riding. As the trio gathered more and more kilometres, it became evident that choosing a winner here was not going to present too much deciphering of data or resorting to detailed comparisons of measured test results.

Each of the three bikes presented a clear and well defined character map of themselves. How this fits in with your personal comfort and excitement levels is more important than anything else when it comes to living with the bike and riding it for its worth, day in and day out. Every rider's idea of motorcycle heaven has to be different and aligned to his/her riding habits. Creating a motorcycle that can satisfy such diverse and even compound wants is no easy task.

The CBZ is a good example of how important styling can be when it comes tochoosing a personal mount. The support that it enjoys rests firmly on its pleasing and well balanced shape. On the other hand, the Fiero's overdone styling effort and lack of comparable features equated with its price is the main reason for obscuring the brilliant engine Performance that it possesses. The Pulsar 150 with its tuned-for-torque engine and its elemental and elegant chassis, comprising nothing more or less than necessary, with its real world riding position, has the answers for day-long happiness in the saddle.