Query approved.

CBZ ext and Unicorn both very well suit your requirements...actually for a first biker,FZ is the better choice (if you just learned biking and not a so much perfect rider)..but anyway when u take FE, FZ is a disappointment..

So when its a tug of war between Unicorn and CBZ ext, u can choose anyone...CBZ ext is one of the best bikes in 150cc category..if you don't like the looks of Unicorn, try Unicorn Dazzler, its somewhat better than Unicorn in some aspects and u will not be disappointed..but many may not like having a rear disc brake in Dazzler, the other things - very good..Try both the bikes and buy the one which u feel is more comfortable and stylish for you..

p.s. When considering pulsars, it depends on how u take care of bike, but most probably no problem for it. But man, Discover bikes are the ones which have even more low maintenance than Hero/Honda bikes..I don't know how you came to conclude that Discovers have high maintenance, but it is completely wrong...Discovers are better than other bikes in such aspects.

May be I am wrong here. Actually I have seen my friends Pulsars with very high maintenance. Thought about the Discovers in the same line.

And I am undecided about CBZ xtreme or Unicorn.
I like the CBZ's styling and features.
What about performance?
What to expect in terms of FE in Bangalore traffic?
How is it maintenance?
How is the availability of spares?
Is the quality of Hero comparable to Honda?
Please help me as I am new to this.

Also, how is Yamaha SZ-R?
Reliable?
How is the FE?

go for cbz extreme single disc.it comes with in your budget.promises to return fuel efficiency more than 45.handles good.hero moto corp's wide service network.reliability of honda engine.many people says unicorn looks old.for me the black edition with chrome lining around headlight still looks fab.if you consider dazzler i suggest you to take deluxe edition

I liked the looks of CBZ. However, it is relatively new and that is why I am concerned about performance and reliability.
From your comments, it seems there is nothing to worry about.
Also, Unicorn looks a little old, maybe just me.
I do not like the looks of Dazzler, looks like a toy.

So far, it is a tie between CBZ and Unicorn.
Also, compared to this two, how is Yamaha SZ-R?

@ arsenalfan001 - I'm also sailing in the same boat...and I've sort of made up my mind on the Unicorn...gotta give it a test drive sometime tomorrow..
each time I make up my mind about Unicorn, CBZ-X comes in and about the same time, SZ-R too crosses my mind..

here's my thread with similar queries..may be it'll help you..

Good decision. Compared to CBZ, I do feel the unicorn is much better. Its a pretty good machine and gives better mileage and maintainability than the CBZ which doesnt give you the durability what its priced for..

Remember never to decide a bike on sole mileage factor! Here's why:

When I wanted to buy the bike few months back.
I narrowed down to 3 choices : Discover 150(pulsar was out of choice since everyone told me it had issues), Yamaha SZR, Honda Unicorn.

After test drive I observed that SZR had a very reliable engine and clutch felt just like honda bikes, which helped me with less gear changes(helpful in traffic), good peppy engine performance when compared to slow unicorn(remember unicorn pickup maybe slow but has higher top speed), much cheaper and durable spares, no vibrations felt like in other bikes.
But like with all Indians the thought I had was "Mileage kum ho gaya!".

Then a friend explained to me:
Consider you get 5-8kmpl less per liter than the Unicorn.
Over the life of bike say 60000km you would have to spend for 200 lt more fuel, but at the same time you will save twice that amount in cheaper and more durable spares. Also the SZR initial investment was cheaper by 10k and there was no wait period like in Unicorn.

The same applies when buying any vehicle be it a bike or a truck.
So I decided to "Buy what you like , dont compromise just coz it gives less mileage"

Go with CBZ xtreme for the honda service is pathetic

Honda service is pathetic? Is not it depends on the dealer? Or it is same all over?
And also, how is Apache 160? I love the way white one looks, slim and sexy.
So far, I have CBZ xtreme, Unicorn, SZ-R and now Apache 160.
For a first timer, which one will be good in terms of performance/maintenance/mileage?

I bought my cbz on 17th dec 2011, at that time i was just like you.
till then i only learned to drive(cant say it as riding) a byke in discover135 n yamaha libero just burned 3liters of petrol. and I got cbz and started to learn riding.

so according to my opinion, cbz is little heavy than unicon,
FE = 45 in city, 57kmpl in highway(55~65kmph)

during my first days when ever i go on a hump or a huge turn it goes off due to imprper gear change, made a small traffic jam while trying to start it on second grear tan first. after this much miseries, its giving me 57 thats a big thing.

mine is rear disk, buy DDS only to show off, its not efficient but picks 3k extra from your pocket and adds abt 5kg extra on your ride


cbz n unicon shares the same engine so dont worry about engine.

service : as we know honda delers are not giving any preference or care to their customers even while i was there at their show room to book a unicon, but hero is better now.

me too had uncon dazzler in my mind till 16th dec but dropped it due to the behavior of showroom guys n huge waiting period(1mth for dazzler n 8 for unicorn). i thought dazzler is sexy than cbz but now its incomparable.

so buddy go n buy a cbz.

As You are not an enthusiast biker,who wants reliability as major crieteria
Its CBZ Xtreme all the way....
Though Unicorn is the most reliable bike in India.My Uncle's 5 yr (1 lakh+ kms) Unicorn still serves great.
But given the looks,I would still suggest CBZ.

live off the edge

relaiblity won't be the issue with both bikes..both share honda engine..so no problems

unicorn over cbz:
* refined engine.
* slightly better fe..difference is around 5-8..
* gear shift is smooth

cbz over unicorn:
handling in highways and coners.
quicker than uni
better top end...unicorn struggles after reaching 90..cbzx- street dog acceleration..

go for cbzx...

i own a cbzx 2009 model...nearly 29000 kms done...i can call it as MR.RELIABLE...

hero service is way better than honda...

ps: go for double disk option if u prefer cbzx....

Wow. Now you guys are talking/ Thanks for all the suggestions. The clear winner here is CBZ xtreme. I never thought Hero is comparable in terms of service and reliability to Honda. Well, in terms of reliability and maintenance, how is Apache 160 compared to CBZ Xtreme. I know I am asking too much. Actually I am totally noob in bikes. So asking the Gurus. Hope you guys wont mind.