Choosing between the Bajaj Pulsar 150 and the Honda CB Unicorn 160 is one of the most common dilemmas for Indian motorcycle buyers. One has ruled the streets with sporty aggression and youthful appeal, while the other has quietly earned a reputation for unmatched comfort and long-term reliability.
If you’re planning to buy a 150–160cc commuter bike in India, this detailed comparison will help you decide which motorcycle truly suits your riding style, daily usage, and long-term expectations.
⚡ Quick Verdict (Read This First)
- Best for sporty looks & road presence: Bajaj Pulsar 150
- Best for comfort & smoothness: Honda CB Unicorn 160
- Best for daily city commuting: Honda CB Unicorn 160
- Best for fun & enthusiastic riding: Bajaj Pulsar 150
Design & Styling: Sporty Muscle vs Timeless Elegance
Bajaj Pulsar 150: Aggressive and Youthful
The Pulsar 150 is an icon. Its design has remained bold and muscular for over two decades—and that’s exactly why it still attracts young riders.
What stands out
- Wolf-eyed headlamp and aggressive front design
- Muscular fuel tank with extensions
- Split seat on Twin Disc variant
- Sporty decals and iconic Pulsar tail lamp
- Slightly committed riding posture for a “big bike” feel
The Pulsar looks powerful even when parked, making it a favorite among riders who want visual impact and street presence.
Honda CB Unicorn 160: Clean, Mature, and Practical
The Unicorn 160 takes the opposite approach. It doesn’t try to impress—it simply works.
What stands out
- Clean and elegant body lines
- Comfortable single-piece seat
- Upright riding posture
- Subtle premium touches like the 3D Honda wing logo
- Design focused on comfort and daily usability
The Unicorn appeals to riders who prefer maturity, simplicity, and long-term comfort over flashy styling.
Design Verdict:
Choose the Pulsar 150 if looks and aggression matter.
Choose the Unicorn 160 if comfort and understated elegance are your priorities.
Engine & Performance: Power vs Torque
| Specification | Pulsar 150 | Unicorn 160 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 149.5 cc | 162.71 cc |
| Max Power | 13.8 bhp @ 8500 rpm | 13.0 bhp @ 7500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 13.25 Nm @ 6500 rpm | 14.58 Nm @ 5250 rpm |
Pulsar 150: Sporty and Rev-Happy
- Strong mid-range and top-end performance
- Feels exciting during overtakes
- More engaging for enthusiastic riders
- Slight vibrations at higher RPMs
Unicorn 160: Smooth and Effortless
- Strong low-end torque for city traffic
- Minimal gear changes required
- Exceptionally refined engine
- Better real-world mileage
Performance Verdict:
- Pulsar 150 is more fun to ride
- Unicorn 160 is easier and smoother to live with daily
Ride Quality & Comfort: Built for Indian Roads
Bajaj Pulsar 150
- Twin gas-charged rear shock absorbers
- Slightly stiff suspension for better stability
- Feels planted at highway speeds
- Less forgiving on broken roads
Honda CB Unicorn 160
- Monoshock rear suspension (segment highlight)
- Plush ride over potholes and speed breakers
- Lighter and easier to maneuver
- Best-in-class ground clearance
Ride Comfort Verdict:
The Honda CB Unicorn 160 clearly wins for Indian road conditions and daily commuting comfort.
Features & Technology: Old School vs Modern Convenience
| Feature | Pulsar 150 | Unicorn 160 |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument Cluster | Semi-digital | Fully digital |
| Headlamp | Halogen | LED |
| USB Charging | No | Yes |
| Gear Position Indicator | Limited | Yes |
| ABS | Single-channel | Single-channel |
Despite its conservative image, the Unicorn 160 offers more modern features, making it more practical for today’s commuter.
Ownership, Maintenance & Reliability
Bajaj Pulsar 150
- Slightly lower starting price
- Affordable spare parts
- Massive service network
- Reliable, but less refined long-term
Honda CB Unicorn 160
- Legendary engine reliability
- Extremely smooth even after years
- Low maintenance costs
- Excellent resale value
Ownership Verdict:
The Honda CB Unicorn 160 offers a more stress-free ownership experience.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
✅ Buy the Bajaj Pulsar 150 if:
- You love sporty, aggressive styling
- You enjoy punchy acceleration
- You want a fun commuter with attitude
- You ride occasionally on highways
✅ Buy the Honda CB Unicorn 160 if:
- Comfort and refinement are top priorities
- You commute daily in traffic
- You want long-term reliability
- You prefer modern features and smooth performance
Conclusion
The Bajaj Pulsar 150 is for riders who want excitement along with practicality.
The Honda CB Unicorn 160 is the ultimate dependable commuter—comfortable, refined, and built to last.
Both bikes are excellent.
Your final choice depends on whether you value sporty character or everyday comfort.
Also read: Mahindra be6 top speed
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Pulsar 150 better than Unicorn 160?
- The Pulsar 150 is better for sporty riding, while the Unicorn 160 excels in comfort and smoothness.
- Which bike is better for daily commuting?
- The Honda CB Unicorn 160 is more comfortable and less tiring for daily use.
- Which bike offers better mileage?
- In real-world conditions, the Unicorn 160 usually delivers slightly better fuel efficiency.
- Is Pulsar 150 still worth buying in 2025?
- Yes, it remains a solid option for riders who want performance-oriented commuting.