Unicorn Vs. Pulsar. Review on Honda Unicorn 150 cc

Hi guys,

I've got a pulsar 150 cc (the old model) at home for the past 3 years and I'm damn happy about it. However, my brother decided to be a little more adventurous and brought home a black unicorn right on the day it launched!

Since I've handled both bikes, I'll try to list out performances and other features on a comparitive basis between these two competitive bikes so that it may help someone decide while buying either of the bikes.

Now, The Honda Unicorn is a swell city bike for people who are not the big bike kind! don't get me wrong, for the first thing you notice on this bike is the sound, which is almost like a soft purr! That by no means says that the performance is not great, for it really is.

The smooth engine handling and gear shifting are superb. However, now that I've got used to the Pulsar sound, this does'nt click!

Where the Unicorn scores heavily over the Pulsaris it's suspension. It rides like a beauty! The mono suspension at the centre of the bike instead of the usual rear suspension is a great change. This makes city driving very very smooth when compared to the Pulsar.

The Mileage which we are getting on the Unicorn too is very good. After 3 services, we get over 65 kmpl under city conditions. However, Pick up of the Pulsar is not matched by the Unicorn. So, during red lights or traffic jams, the Pulsar zooms ahead of the Unicorn and the Unicorn is extremely heave though it does'nt look that way!

One great thing I liked about my Pulsar is the exceptional service cover given by Bajaj. Since Honda is a new entry into bikes in India, that is one area in which they can't compete with Bajaj.

The riding position I felt is more comfortable on the Honda Unicorn as it is somewhat like a sports bike where you bend forward. The gear system on the unicorn is 1 down, 4 up (like a yamaha), compared to the easier 5 down system of a Pulsar. Here you go, What Honda has done is, they smartly checked into all the bikes on Indian roads and mixed in all the good features, added a few of their world renowned innovations and got up the Unicorn.

My feeling is that if you already have a Pulsar, Yamaha 135/YBX or a CBZ and are looking for a change of bike, I don't think the Unicorn will suite you as the 150 cc engine is severely under utilised in the pick up segment! However, for other bike / scooter owners, this definitely would be a good buy, especially with people who prefer Victor or Splendor, this is definitely an advancement, but beware of the price tag.

At the same price as a Pulsar or a CBZ, I would definitely recommend the Pulsar DTS-i, now that they've come up with alloy wheels etc to make it more attractive.

This is my experience! Happy selecting!