All Black Pulsar 180 DTSI. Review on Bajaj Pulsar 180

Hi Everybody,

After months of reading user opinions and reviews. I bought an all black p180 5 days ago. I'm in my mid 30's so expect my review to be down to earth and realistic.

Why p180?

It does'nt get any better than this in terms of looks (didnt like the new pulsar FI, too sporty for my age). For an indegenious design, I'll say Bajaj has won my respects. Can't complain much about price/performance. I felt the Karizma's engine a bit weak, and fixed headlights were a problem. Apache has done a good catching up game in the 150cc. Finally as of June 2006 I would say that pulsar has much refined looks and the muted black finish won my heart.

How good is the finish?

Upto my expectations, and thats quite high. The build quality is good, but if you are picky about fine finish, I would say its 4 out for 5. There are some rough edges, paint job is just okay, an extra wax coat solves the problem. The seat itself is a bit on the hard side, for long rides do go for a well padded seat. I'm not a big fan of bajaj electricals, so they're 3 out of 5. They feel flimsy and easy to break.

Engine?

Hahaha. Thats where the good news begins, Sounds just great enough high pitch to sound like an idling aircraft and a nice thud.thud.thud at low revs, good combination. By the way its very quite in idling, I was'nt sure if its running. Pick up is quite good but I'm still in the 'running in' period so you'll have to wait for my final word. I dont generally race around much but I do cruise at good city speeds with no problems in overtaking anybody. All that exhaustec and DTSI seems to make difference in low revs, and it does sound great. Full 5 out of 5.

Mileage?

Watch out for dealers who try to push a 150 into your hands saying its better mileage, from the forums what I gather is that the mileage difference between 150 and 180 is never more than 10kms/ltr. Mileage is right now around 48kms/ltr in city traffic, but more on that later as the engine ripens with age. Sounds and rides wonderful, its a 5 out of 5 again.

Gearbox?

This is a different beast, the gearbox stiffness is terrible, I've had an RTZ for 10 years and I'm dissappointed to say that it feels the same. Stiff, clanky and the same. Okay it might improve after 1st service, but its still no comparision to the honda. I would give this a 3 out of 5. The crux of the issue is the clutch which almost feels like a point release. Yeah, I know pulsar die hards are going to say it will improve after services, but I know how much its going to improve, face it Bajaj never had a smooth gear/clutch design.

Headlights and indicators?

Adequate and good is all I need to say. looks is another topic of discussion, you can guess. 4 out of 5

The bike feels a bit front heavy and the braking puts a lot of pressure on your shoulders, so watch out if you have a weak top frame ;) Overall the postion feels like its designed for races where you bend forward into the airstream. I know people complain about back aches, but you dont expect to drive a beast like this sitting upright, do you?. If city driving is all you do, then stay away, its not as nimble as the lighter bikes. If you go on long drives regularly, get a cruiser style bike, pulsar wont do. But for a person like me who drives 40kms/day in and out of city traffic its just right. And with ocassional breaks at the traffic signal, I have no issues with the position. 4 out of 5 here.

Stability?

Never felt any problems, but then I dont do any sharp cornering or knee scraping. For a normal responsible rider its as stable as a rock. 4 out of 5, why 4? well I seen people complain about cornering so lets be safe.

Comfort?

I didnt feel any big difference between the gas shocks and a well maintained hydraulic shocks. But its comfortable. The front telescopic works great, but the gas shocks kick in only when theres a pillion rider, otherwise the seating postion doesnt throw your weight much on it. 4 out of 5

Overall it rides good and steady, for its size and pickup 45 to 50kmpl is good. And I obviously like the looks, still getting used to the stares. By the way if you like the sporty looks of F1, just wait for it, theres a lot more gizmos in there.

PS: I know this is a little early for a review, but Hey! could'nt resist, I'll try to follow it up

Cheers!!

Girish