Bajaj Pulsar 150 vs Honda Unicorn: Which One To Buy This Diwali

For the exact same money, you can buy two different 150cc bikes. The all-new 2026 Bajaj Pulsar 150 starts at Rs 1,15,233, while the evergreen Honda Unicorn is priced at Rs 1,15,832 (both ex-showroom Delhi). With just a 600-rupee difference, it becomes a bit tricky to choose one this festive season. 

The Pulsar 150, launched on its 25th anniversary, is brand new from the ground up with a modern engine, a new frame, and a colour TFT screen. The Unicorn, in contrast, is the bike that refused to die — brought back from discontinuation because riders demanded its simple, reliable formula. With Diwali just a week away, let's break down which philosophy makes more sense for your money.

Price & Variants

The Pulsar 150 comes in three variants, while the Unicorn keeps it simple with a single trim. Here’s what each variant costs:

Dimensions & Design

While both are commuters, their designs tell different stories. The new Pulsar is sharp and aggressive, with its signature "wolf-eye" LED DRLs, a muscular tank, and a modern monoshock rear suspension. The Unicorn is the definition of understated elegance; its clean lines, chrome highlights, and simple front cowl won't turn heads, but they won't go out of style either. Here’s how they stack up on paper:

The numbers reveal some key practical differences. The Pulsar’s 785 mm seat height makes it a bit more accessible for shorter riders. The Unicorn, while slightly taller and longer, should offer good stability and ride quality, aided by its larger 18-inch wheels.

Features & Safety

This is where the Pulsar pulls a decisive lead. The top variant features a 5-inch colour TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity for call/SMS alerts and even Google Map  mirroring navigation. It also includes a Type-C USB charging port, ride modes (Road, Rain, Sport), and a low-speed assist to prevent stalling in traffic. The base variant gets a simpler LCD unit, but even that gets connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. 

The Unicorn sticks to the essentials. It has a functional full-LCD console showing a gear indicator and mileage readouts, a 15W USB-C port, and a side-stand engine cut-off switch, and that’s pretty much it. It misses out on Bluetooth, navigation, and ride modes, which feels like a significant omission in 2026. For safety, both motorcycles come with a single-channel ABS on the front wheel. The Pulsar gets a larger 260 mm front disc, while the Unicorn uses a 240 mm unit, with both using a drum at the rear.

Engines & Performance

The Pulsar 150 makes more power, the Unicorn makes more torque lower down. That said, neither is a performance machine, so this round is closer than the badges suggest.

Verdict

The choice between the Pulsar 150 and the Unicorn this Diwali is about what you value. Buy the Pulsar 150 if you want modern, usable tech and sportier looks. 

Buy the Unicorn if you want a comfortable, no-fuss family bike with a plush ride, mature design and Honda's reliability. Sure, it doesn’t have any connected features, but many buyers often prefer to keep it that way, and this caters to such a kind.