It is abundantly clear that the CBZ, despite its brand equity and its purity of styling, suffers from too many shortfalls. Its dubious handling and comparatively poor Fuel Efficiency erode its desirability considerably. The absence of an electric starter and its purchase price weighs it down even further. Although the recent reduction in price relieves the equation to some extent, feature for feature it still has to concede victory to the Pulsar.

The Fiero makes a strong case with its truly refined engine but again when the features are tallied up, it fails miserably to measure up. Its lower spec in terms of four gears and the drum brake set-up cannot warrant its cost price when the Pulsar offers much more for the same.

The Pulsar150 in the critical areas of its Performance lays down a significant blueprint of what versatility in a street bike should mean. Besides, it makes extremely good marketing sense to offer two versions with important features like the front disc and five speeds as standard and the electric starter as an option. The Pulsar 150 without the electric starter is unbeatable as the value-for-money bike in any category, and with the starter at the higher price it still makes an excellent choice for the buyer who wants a little more.

TESTERS NOTES
Pulsar 150's features enhance its excellent Performance. Electric-start option intelligent marketing.

CBZ retains good image, rides and brakes well but imperfect gearchange and high speed weave mar riding experience to some extent.

Fiero's engine refinement makes riding it a pleasure but the lack of a fifth gear and disc brakes erode its desirability.