Since its inception, the Bajaj Pulsar 150 has been a favourite of Indian two-wheeler enthusiasts. The distinctive styling, decent performance, a basket full of features and affordable pricing makes the bike a complete package. The recent launch of the new generation Pulsar 150 by Bajaj Auto was a surprise. The automaker came with the PulsarAS150 (Adventure Sport). Probably with the launch of the Pulsar AS150 the Chakan based two-wheeler giant plans to start a new segment of adventure motorcycles in the 150cc segment. We rode it on the twisting roads of picturesque Lavasa Valley to find out whether the new Bajaj Pulsar AS150 could impress us and make a place in the highly competitive 150cc segment.
Design & Features:
One of the biggest talking points about the new Bajaj Pulsar AS150 is its design. It is the first Bajaj Pulsar 150cc offering to sport a quarter fairing. The basic design of the Bajaj Pulsar AS150 is based on the Pulsar 200NS streetbike with added bodywork. But the manner in which the new quarter fairing has been integrated to the existing design needs to be commended. The profile of the headlamp is similar to the one found on the Pulsar 200NS but it now features a projector lamp above which the mildly smoked wind screen sits. The multi-unit quarter fairing has various cuts and creases adding more appeal to the overall design. The muscular tank hark its streetbike design DNA while the rubber tank pad is a noble addition. Another interesting detail of the Pulsar AS150 is the mesh grille on the centre panel.
Other interesting features on the bike includes an under belly exhaust, split seats, star shaped alloy wheels and LED tail lamps. Despite the lack of graphics its looks impressive as the Pulsar AS150 captured many eyeballs during the shoot and the bright red shade on our test bike accentuated its appeal further. Switch gear quality is very impressive and the hand grips are of high quality, the only qualm being the turn indicator cancel switch which wasn’t up to the mark. Fit and finish of the bike is good as none of the panels rattled while we rode the bike over broken roads and the overall build quality is satisfactory. The Bajaj Pulsar AS150 employs a part-analogue-part-digital instrument cluster with the analogue tachometer taking centre stage. The instrument console is easy to read on the go and has a plethora of information display while the gear shift light is a neat addition. Also, the way in which the instrument cluster has been integrated into the new fairing is noteworthy.
Engine & Performance:
Powering the Bajaj Pulsar AS150 is an all new 150cc motor that took almost two years of development time. The single-cylinder, air-cooled DTS-i motor engine gets equipped with 4-valves. The Pulsar AS150’s mill pushes out 17PS at 9,500rpm and 13Nm of peak torque at 7,000rpm making it the most powerful air-cooled 150cc motorcycle on sale in our country. Power delivery is linear and the motorcycle picks momentum without much effort. The motor is free revving and has a very strong mid-range which is beneficial while riding the bike in city traffic. The 5-speed gearbox is hugely improved over its predecessor and offered clean gear shifts but it didn’t feel as crisp and positive as its Japanese rivals.
The gear ratios are well distributed while the clutch is properly weighed and is easy to operate. Bajaj engineers have paid extra attention in improving NVH levels on the Pulsar AS150 and this has resulted in the refinement level improving positively on the new bike. Having said that, it isn’t the most refined motorcycle in the market. Vibrations do seep in via the handle bars, foot pegs and fuel tank, so Bajaj boffins do have scope to improve. Since we were riding the bike on the twisities of Lavasa we couldn’t gauge its straight line performance. But given the punch the motor has on offer, along with the added benefit of the windscreen, sustaining speeds above 90kmph on the highway shouldn’t be difficult.
Ride, Handling & Braking:
The most impressive feature of the Bajaj Pulsar AS150 is the manner in which the bike corners. The bike loves to tip into the corners and it will be adored by motorcyclists who love to go corner craving. The brilliant handling dynamics of the Bajaj Pulsar AS150 has to be credited to the perimeter frame and the fact that the new bike is a kg lighter than the Pulsar 150 despite the addition of the quarter fairing. The chassis of the bike is very communicative while the MRF tyres offers adequate grip for one to relish the twisties.
Suspension duties are handled by telescopic front forks and monoshock setup at the rear. The Bajaj Pulsar AS150 faced broken roads and undulations with equal ease and offers a plush ride quality. It also faired decently when we took the bike off the tarmac but the current suspension setup doesn’t do justice to the adventure tag. A long travel suspension with optional knobby tyres would have made the Pulsar AS150 a hoot to ride off-roads. Braking is done by 240mm disc brake at front and 130mm dia drum brake at the back. The brakes provide good bite and shed speeds without any fuss but the front brake lever felt a bit spongy while better feedback would have been welcome.
Riding Ergonomics & Pillion Comfort:
The Bajaj Pulsar AS150 features raised clip-on handle bars and a mildly rear-set foot pegs. This results in a sporty yet comfortable riding posture which is good for riding to work or while munching the miles when touring. The knee recess on the fuel tank means that one could hold the bike with the high for a snug riding posture. The seat height is a bit tall so shorter riders would have little difficulty to embark and disembark from the saddle. The split seats mean that the pillion seats marginally higher than the rider. The rear seat provides generous amount of space for the pillion while the cushioning is on the stiffer side. But the supple ride quality along with the raised grab rails means that the package of the Pulsar AS150 is pillion friendly.
Pricing & Fuel Efficiency:
Bajaj have been renowned for their cut-throat pricing and the Pulsar AS150 is no different. The bike has been priced at Rs 79,000 (ex-showroom Delhi) which makes it phenomenal value for money given the features it has on offer. At this price point, it is around Rs 4,500 and Rs 7,800 cheaper than the Suzuki Gixxer SF and Yamaha Fazer FI which are its chief rivals. We couldn’t officially test the fuel efficiency of the Bajaj Pulsar AS150 but it would be safe to say that the bike will have an overall fuel efficiency of around 50kmpl if ridden sedately.
Verdict:
The Bajaj Pulsar AS150 makes the generation leaps with revised styling, new cycle parts and a more powerful heart. Although, it doesn’t really live up to the Adventure Sport tag with the current dynamics, it is a great option for a buyer who wants a handsome looking motorcycle for commuting and touring. The fact that the bike is no slouch with respect to handling makes the Pulsar AS150 even more desirable. Yet, it also has its own sets of drawbacks, the engine needs more refinement, there are no provisions to secure the bungee cord while touring and the brakes could have been better. But when one looks at the holistic picture, the Bajaj Pulsar AS150 has more positives than negatives going in its favour. The competitive price, exhaustive feature list, impressive performance, decent fuel economy and the low maintenance cost makes the Bajaj Pulsar AS150 a well rounded product.
Source: Zigwheels.com
