More bang for your buck - A VFM product. Review on Bajaj Pulsar 135 LS

I'm calling the P135 a "value for money" product since I got it for Rs. 65, 000 in January 2012(Not sure how much it costs at the present). Spares are cheap as well. Even after six months and 6, 000km I feel quite satisfied on a purchase that almost perfectly suit my needs. I'm a "slow n' steady" rider and needed a good commuter bike to travel an average of 40km a day. My criteria for selecting the vehicle were(in order of preference):

1. Fuel Efficiency

   
   




2. Comfort

   
   




3. Handling

   
   




4. Performance

   
   




5. Looks

   
   

Pros:

1. Design - The unique looks make heads turn. I've often been quizzed at traffic signals by curious people about the bike. The sleek body lets you zip through traffic and narrow lanes.

   
   




2. Performance - Don't let the 135cc displacement fool you - the engine packs quite a punch. You can get from 0 to 60kmph in less than five seconds.

   
   




3. Mileage - This is one of the high points of this model. You get a good compromise between fuel efficiency and performance. You get 50kmpl minimum if you drive without ripping and at a sane speed. I drive below 65kmph always and get mileage 60kmpl+.

   
   




4. Weight - Its 20kg lighter than the Pulsar 150. 90% of the chassis is made of plastic. This makes it all the more better to handle.

   
   




5. Height - The font seat is of okay height for the average Indian male. The ideal height of the rider would be between 5'8" and 6'1".

   
   




6. Handling - Pretty study and never let me down. Lets you go steadily no matter what -  inclines, potholes, sand, mud, water. Corners like mad.

   
   

Cons:

1. Comfort - After an hour of riding my bottom gets a little sore. Although, I should mention that I use the stock seat and haven't bothered to switch to a cushioned seat. Pillions have experienced discomfort even sooner. Short people and the elderly find it difficult to climb up the elevated rear seat. At the other extreme, when you have a tall person riding pillion, he/she tends to occupy more room, leaving the person at the front a little constrained.

   
   




2. Exterior Finish - Some of the parts don't appear to be of high quality. The looks, the curves, the finishing. don't seem to be as good as in other makes. Of course, this is purely subjective and I've never had any trouble from this.

   
   




3. Limited Carrying Capacity - There's a very noticeable loss of power when I'm carrying a heavy pillion(80kg+), though the bike manages to chug along. This problem might also extend to heavy riders. so if you're quite bulky or obese, you may not be able to experience the real potential of the P135.

   
   

This bike is for you if:

1. If you are looking for a good cost-effective vehicle to serve you for five years.

   
   




2. You need a good compromise between fuel efficiency and mileage. Not too slow, but not a petrol guzzler either.

   
   




3. You mostly travel solo.

   
   




4. You need something that cuts through traffic and narrow lanes.

   
   




5. You don't travel very long distances over long periods of time(such as inter-city trips)

   
   




6. You weigh 75 kg or less.

   
   

This bike is NOT for you if:

1. You are married and need a bike to travel with your spouse and kids.

   
   




2. You do a lot of touring / long distance riding

   
   




3. You live on the edge and your average speed is 80+.

   
   




4. You suffer from back-pain. The sporty riding position may not be for you.

   
   

Don't take my word for it completely - if you find something in this review interesting, take a test drive and judge for yourself.

Good luck choosing! And ride safe. Wear a helmet always and follow road rules.