The Hindu Business Line : Choices among motorcycles

I want to buy a new bike. Between the Bajaj Pulsar 150 and the TVS Fiero F2 can you advise me as to which bike is better on parameters such as fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, rider comfort, good looks and pricing. - Mohamed. A

We hope that the detailed report in this column last week profiling the new Bajaj Pulsar DTSi 150cc ES and the comparison of the DTSi with the TVS Fiero F2 will have given you most of the answers for your query.

But since you have asked for a choice between the plain-vanilla Bajaj Pulsar 150 (which continues to be available as the 150cc KS) and the TVS Fiero F2, we would like to mention that the Pulsar's new DTSi version is a much-improved bike and a better choice.

Unless you are really taken in by the rugged, raw looks (like we are) of the older Pulsar and do not mind the less refined engine's lower power and mileage numbers (we have a problem with that), the new DTSi will be a much more sensible choice.

The Pulsar DTSi takes the lead away from the Fiero F2 in almost all the departments great looks, good fuel efficiency and despite the narrower seats, it is not all that uncomfortable even on long drives.

However, maintenance costs are likely to be similar for both bikes. The F2's marginal fuel efficiency advantage over the earlier Pulsar version has been blunted by the DTSi.

The DTSi 150cc ES will only set you back by an additional Rs 3,500 compared to the Fiero F2, but will offer you a much more masculine and fuller biking experience. Set next to the Pulsar DTSi, the Fiero F2 is still a shade more conservative.

I am a software engineer working in Chennai. I want to buy a bike to commute to my office. But I am confused by the large number of new bikes. Can you suggest which one to buy? I would like to go for a stylish new bike in the market, which also offers good mileage. - Balaji Achyouthan

Given your profile and requirements, our choice will be the Bajaj Pulsar DTSi 150cc ES.

Style, good mileage and build quality are all class leading in this new Bajaj bike.

However, since you have not mentioned a budget and the segment in which you are looking for a bike, the DTSi would be our choice only if you are shopping in the executive class.

If you are looking for a bike with all those parameters in the commuter segment, our choice will be the Hero Honda Passion Plus.

The reworked bike from Hero Honda comes with a two-tone petrol tank, body-coloured rear-view mirrors and flashy decals.

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