AN UNBIASED PULSAR Vs UNICORN
All rating here are on a scale of 1-10, 10 being higher.
STYLING & ERGONOMICS
Pulsar wins here hands down. Thanks to its stylish headlamp, pilot lights, LED lights, digital speedo, style wise its way ahead of Unicorn. Pulsar adopts a rather muscular approach -- rather big fuel tank, aeroplane type aluminium fuel lid, sporty exhuast - all make it a rather good looking bike. Unicorn, on the other hand adopts a rather conventional approach. Based on consumer feedback, this bike is simple in design, but very effective indeed.
Missing on the Unicorn(my model is 2005) is a Tripmeter. Honda has somehow forgotten abt its utility. Feeble horn on the Unicorn is a negative point. Honda has now provided the Unicon with ALLOYS. Well, Unicorn is not a bad looker at all.To be fair, on one hand is the Pulsar, u wud either like it or wouldn't like it, no in betweens, on the other hand is the Unicorn, which even thru its bland, conventional styling is appealing to one and all.Yes, a few thoughts abt the tail light - Pulsar's LED look very delicate, quality should atleast seem better, Unicorn - on the hand - its tail light is BORING.
Quality is an aspect where Honda does not compromise. In fact I have a friend working with HMSI - in his words, Honda will not use even a single part till its through testing has been done. Quality has preference over style.
RATING : PULSAR - 8-8.5, Unicorn - 7 - Pulsar wins in style and Unicorn in quality.
Engine & Performance
Two totally diff bikes here. Bajaj has to be complemented for its R&D here. Brilliant R&D. DTSi and ExhuasTEC actually complement the performance of the pulsar, but the simple engineering of Honda is just brilliant. Without using any technology, just a simple engine, Honda has produced a bike that better than Pulsar(with all kinds of tech) in this aspect. Unicorn is smoother, faster, more fuel efficient than the Pulsar. If Honda used these DTSI and ExhuasTEC, u can imagine wat the Unicorn wud then have been, no words to describe. Being more relaxed than the pulsar, Unicorn is better but lacks the engine sound of the Pulsar.
Pulsar -- aprox 14 bhp, approx 145 cc, approx 1.3 kgm torque, approx 50-55 kmpl in city(DELHI, 50-55kmph).
Unicorn -- 13.3 bhp, 149 cc, 1.3 kgm torque, approx 52-58 kmpl in city(DELHI, 50-55kmph)
Pulsar has got the engine sound(some treat it as noise). Nice to listen to as a spectator, while driving its noise. Also, Unicorn is ultra refined.
We all do get bored eventually. After 28k on on 4 yr old Unicorn, I feel I had rather like the Pulsar's tone. Its engine has not given me any troubles so far, so goodies to HONDA.
RATING : PULSAR -- 7.5 UNICORN -- 8.5
RIDE & HANDLING
Again the Honda beats the Bajaj comprehensively here - only on riding posture, not in comfort(when going over bumps).
Will keep it short. Unicorn has got a better riding posture, has more legroom(yes legroom), comfy seat. Pulsar on the other hand, u wud have to lean a bit, bad legroom, u feel squeezed, not enuf space. I got cramps in thighs on the new pulsar.As far as the RIDE QULITY IS CONCERNED, I feel that the Pulsar's gas shocks are better than Uni's MONO shock.
Since I would rather prefer a straight sitting posture, I give preference to Uni. But again that's me.
If you are okay with the sporty stance, Pulsar is a gd choice here.
RATING : PULSAR -- 7, Unicorn -- 7
Verdict
What I have realized is that all bikes are mostly similar, one should go for the bike one likes. Power, Fuel Efficiency, Style, goodies etc are mostly similar on all bikes. But I also suggest that comfort should have priority. Headlight is another major area which we forget when we buy a bike. Riding a bike at night is risky, put together with a bad head light is an outright NO NO.
Unicorn's light is less than adequate. Pulsar - I have not tested at night. Don't know.
To conclude, if u have back problem, or want a bike that appeals to one and all, as smooth as silk, then buy the Unicorn.If u dont have a back problem, want some enthusiasm while driving, want visual appeal in the bike, then buy the Pulsar.Bajaj is cheaper to service than HONDA. Though Unicorn has better quality parts than Pulsar.My choice, HONDA IS BETTER THAN BAJAJ.
TIPS:
Fill lesser air in the tyres for better comfort.
Fuel Efficieny is varies widely - I have achieved 64kmpl @40pkmh. 52-56 kmpl at 50-55kmph. 50-53 kmpl at 55-60 kmph. It totally varies on the way u drive.
Service stations of HONDA suck - get ur bike services on week days rather than weekends.
Head-Light ain't that strong. Travel during the day.
Bike is silent till 4k rpm, after that engine noise increases, but not loud enuf to disturb your peace of mind. It starts screaming after 7.5k rpm
Chao
Prabhakar
