Honda updated its popular 150cc commuter motorcycle, the CB Unicorn 150, with ABS. Now, it is priced at Rs 80,476 (ex-showroom, Mumbai) which is a hike of Rs 6500 over its non-ABS trim. In its segment, the Unicorn 150 ABS faces stiff competition from the Bajaj Pulsar 150 ABS (twin disc). In that case, we take a look at how these two fair against each other on paper.
Design and Features:
The Honda CB Unicorn 150 ABS sports a curvy and sober design with a large headlamp accompanied by a chrome strip on top, rounded fuel tank and long tail section. On the contrary, the Bajaj Pulsar 150 ABS is more on the sportier side with angular tank extensions, chiseled panels, split seat and clip-on handlebars. Moreover, the edgy graphics make it look all the more appealing.
Coming to features, the Pulsar has an upper hand in this department with the modern semi-analogue instrument cluster while the Unicorn makes do with a dated all-analogue unit. While both the bikes get a conventional headlamp and pilot lamps, Pulsar features LED tail lamps which the Unicorn 150 misses out on and gets standard bulbs.
Engine:
The Honda CB Unicorn 150 is powered by a refined 149.1cc, air-cooled, carburetor engine that churns out 12.73bhp of power and 12.8Nm of torque. The Bajaj Pulsar 150 makes slightly more power at 13.8bhp and 13.4Nm from its 149.5cc, DTS-I, air-cooled, carburetor motor. Both the motorcycles incorporate a five-speed gearbox.
Cycle Parts:
The Bajaj Pulsar 150 rides on 17-inch wheels which are suspended on telescopic forks on the front and twin, gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear. Braking is handled by a 260mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc assisted by single-channel ABS. The fuel tank of the Pulsar has the maximum capacity of 15-litres.
Now, the Honda CB Unicorn 150 rides on slightly larger 18-inch wheels. Suspension duties are handled by telescopic forks on the front and monoshock at the rear. And for braking, it sports smaller discs as compared to its rival; 240mm front and 130mm rear. The fuel tank capacity is also two litres lesser than the Pulsar.
Pricing:
Retailed at Rs 80,476, the Honda CB Unicorn 150 ABS is more affordable of the two as the Bajaj Pulsar 150 ABS (twin disc) costs Rs 87,226. While the Unicorn appears to be an ideal commuter with its refined engine and conventional design, the Pulsar 150 seeks to justify the premium it demands with more features, sportier styling and a slightly more powerful motor.
(all prices are ex-showroom, Mumbai)
