Hi Guys
Its me again and this time with a fresh shootout between a CBZ & a Pulsar 180 latest version both of which I own. Not fair is it considering the p 180 is 22 cc and 3.7 PS better off than the 150 cc king in my book the CBZ.As the review reveals ther is very little to seperate the 2. Here we go.
Power:-
This is the prime reason for purchasing these machines. Although the pulsar 180 is more powerful on paper. In the real world it is just fractionally faster than the CBZ top speed of 120 compared to CBZ’ 115-117 thanks to the 17 inch wheels. However in the gear roll ons & 0-60, 0-80 & 100 dashes the pulsar is faster.
P 180 CBZ
0-60 - 4.40 secs 5.30
0-80 8.20 secs 9.54
0-100 16.00 19.45
Handling:-
Performance & power without handling is of no use, cause not all drags and races are straight line based.No comparison b/w the 2 CBZ is streets ahead.However pulsar has the shorter turing radius.
Looks:-
Contreversies galore this one but in my view CBZ and not CBZ* still is the best looking bike in the country period.The pulsar is attractive too with its black engine, silencer etc but is still similar to the 150.
Proportions and ergonomics:-
CBZ shows whose boss with a better ride position, ergonomics & proportions compared to the pulsar which feels light at the back and heavy in the front.
Extra fittments:-
Pulsar rules hear with its sexy mag wheels, pass light, side stand indicator all of which is absent on the CBZ.In addition the pulsar has the better horn, light & parking lights.
Fuel Economy:-
Currently I am getting about 35-40 from the pulsar and abt the same on the CBZ, but considering that the pulsar is slightly the better performer the vote goes to the Pulsar 180.
Engine:-
Pulsar dwells on the latest technology of DTSI which gives it a smoother ride, whereas the CBZ is a bit loud & not totally vibration free although its more than the pulsar.
Bike feel:-
CBZ rides and feels better than the pulsar because of its height, excellent flickability round corners & is much more stable than the two.The adrenaline rush on the p 180 is slightly more owing to its power but marred by its 17 inch wheels.
Gear shift:-
CBZ has the better gearshift no doubt abt it, the pulsar’s power is not entirely useable which is again down to its irritating gearbox which poses quite a few problems.However the gear ratios are better in the P180 as it has a slightly longer stroke than the CBZ which is a short stroke gearbox.
Ride Quality:-
CBZ is the better rider with its well sort out suspension geometry & wider seats along with tank recesses that are very usable in case of a drag. Despite the Pulsar’s nitrox shox the bike is’nt as comfortable as the CBZ and also with a hard and thin seat to make matters worse.However pillion comfort is better on the pulsar as it is not high at the back like the honda
Wheelies:-
Both are equally good in popping wheelies probably the pulsar knicks it owing to the 16.5 BHP.
Brakes:-
Both have equal bite & are very efficient brakers, pulsar might be the quicker stopper but not without its own dramatics & theatrics in stopping.Stability under braking is the best on a CBZ with the rear never stepping out of line ever.
Reliability:-
Look no further than the Hero Honda and especially the CBZ, the quality of parts & materials used is much better than the pulsar except for the switch gear & headlight where the pulsar scores.
Maintenance:-
None whtsoever in both apart from the regular services and weekly cleaning no problems touch wood.Although I feel the CBZ is easier of the 2 on maintenance.
Value for Money
It is hear where the pulsar knicks it being a 180 cc bike compared to the 156 cc of the CBZ and the prices being almost 1 grand cheaper.The pulsart is definetly value for money.
Verdict:-
Bikes are not all about races, drags & hooliganism, so in my final verdict considering tht the CBZ has the better ride, handling, gear box & the better & easier maneueverer & road racer (Traffic signal dashes) I would vote for the CBZ over the pulsar 180, however if you are the kind of person who constantly lives life in the 100 kph lane and a hooligan biker the p180 would be the better option.Not that the CBZ is incapable of it but with the p180 the adrenaline rush comes in earlier.
So on a scale of 1-10 the pulsar 180 would get 8.5 and the CBZ would get 8.25 its tht close.This is because of the CBZ being priced over and above the pulsar 180 and the new CBZ’s hideous and outrageous cartoon graphics.
However the CBZ is still the best 150 by far.
Just for the record I have a 2003 silver CBZ done 16000 odd kms and 2005 May red p 180 done 4000 odd kms.