The Hindu Business Line : A bike with power and mileage

I live in Chandigarh and want to buy a bike with a good balance between power and mileage. How does the Hero Honda Ambition compare with the Bajaj Pulsar 150 in terms of engine performance and riding comfort? Which will be a better choice?

-- Gaurav Bhatt

Both the Hero Honda Ambition and the Bajaj Pulsar are quite compelling choices in the 100cc plus category. Both have class-leading fit and finish quality and offer the twin benefits of higher power and better mileage.

The Hero Honda Ambition is powered by a 133cc four-stroke engine that develops a max power of 11 bhp at 8,000 rpm. On the other hand, the Bajaj Pulsar sports a 143.9cc four-stroke engine that offers a max power of 12bhp at 8,500 rpm. Both the bikes feature five-speed gearboxes, digital (CDI) microprocessor-based ignition systems and five-step adjustable type rear suspension.

Between the two, the Pulsar is the slightly heavier bike with a kerb weight of 132 kg. The Ambition's wheelbase, on the other hand, is about 20mm longer than the original version of the Pulsar. This has turned around in favour of the Pulsar with the launch of the Bajaj Pulsar DTSi 150 ES. The DTSi version of the Pulsar 150 is longer by some 55mm. The longer front fork and suspension has added length, and thereby increases stability and improves cornering ability.

The Ambition is a no-frills bike that barely focusses on styling. Hero Honda has preferred to retain the fuel efficiency focussed performance, which is the USP of its 100cc bestsellers, for the Ambition, too. However, the Pulsar is the surprise design package from Bajaj, which has not displayed any such fashionable leanings in its previous bikes.

The Pulsar's styling sure makes a statement on the road. The large curvaceous fuel tank, which can hold a massive 18 litres, and the tall stance gives the Pulsar the looks of a much more powerful bike. The Pulsar is clearly the better looker between the two listed. With the launch of the Pulsar DTSi, Bajaj has also stolen a march over the Ambition in terms of new technology (refer Auto Focus). The DTSi will also enable you to wring out that extra bit of mileage from every litre of fuel.

Our choice will be the Pulsar DTSi 150 ES. If you were considering the original Pulsar 150, our suggestion will be to stretch your budget by another two or three grand and upgrade to the DTSi.

The Pulsar DTSi 150cc ES is priced at Rs 51,000 plus, ex-showroom. Disc brakes and self (electric) start are standard fitment in the DTSi.

I have been riding a Hero Honda Splendor for eight years. I want to switch to a new brand. My choices are Pulsar, Wind 125 and Passion Plus. I am middle-aged but have control and 20 years of riding experience. Are those models suitable only for fast-riding youngsters? Do you have any other recommendations? Kindly advice.

-- A. Jayakrishnan

Age may not matter as much in the decision-making process before a bike is bought, if styling were the only consideration. But the factors that may really affect the decision more are issues such as the weight of the bike, ease of handling and manoeuvrability in city traffic, especially for middle-agers.

If you are confident of handling the weight, the additional length, heavier handle bar and the tall stance of the Bajaj Pulsar, it can still be contender amongst the trio that you have shortlisted.

However, considering you age profile and despite your biking experience, the Pulsar may not be suitable. Between the Wind 125 and the Passion Plus, the choice is difficult.

If you are looking for a more youthful looking bike and better fuel efficiency, but will not mind commuter segment power, the Passion Plus will be the ideal choice. If higher power and a bigger engine matter, but a slightly less debonair bike is fine by you, then the Bajaj Wind 125 it must be.

The saddle height for both these bikes will be higher than the Splendor, with the Passion Plus being slightly higher than even the Wind 125. Between the two, the Bajaj bike is about 5 kg heavier.

Whichever one you zero in on, ensure that you choose the version with disc brakes and self-start options. These features will enhance safety and comfort levels and offer you a pleasanter riding experience.

Readers are invited to send their queries related to the world of automobiles to:q&a@thehindu.co.in

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