Killer Looks.. Decent Performance. Review on Bajaj Pulsar 200

Review: -

I bought the Pulsar200 earlier this year in June. Now the bike has done over 6000 km and I found it prefect to write a review so as to help the guys who might be going(or not going) for this bike.

Performance:- The bike has a good pick up. Vibrations are minimum.Once you hit the highway, you wont even know when it reaches 100. But after 105-110 the bike drags a bit to reach to the higher speeds. The max I did was 130 on NH4 and that too because I was riding on a slope fully crouched on tank. Bike vibrates a bit after rpm crosses 7000rpm. Pick up in 3rd and 4th gears are better than in 1st or 2nd which helps in overtaking a slowly moving vehicle in front of you. The engine isn't as refined as Karizma though.

Looks:- I think no comments are required in this dept. P200 is easily one of the best looking bikes on Indian roads. The total black theme with an Aluminium coated silencer gives it a really sporty look. It always seems ready to pounce upon roads and munch kilometers.

Mileage:- We can't expect a good mileage from any 200cc bike. The highest I have got was 48 during my running in when the top speed didn't exceed 55. Otherwise in normal city riding it hardly reaches 40 wherein I do not race the accelerator excessively and average speed is 50-60.

On highways, if you really want to rip apart, you better forget the mileage. During my 1000 km trip I never came below 100kmph and the mileage dipped to 35. Decent highway mileage can be obtained only at max 70-75 kmph.

Handling:- The bike is really stable at all speeds. The wide rear tyre gives you the confidence to keep moving at high speeds. Even the cross winds on highways are not an issue. The turning radius, however, is very large and the bike cant even make a decent U-turn.(Reminds me of the old Premier Padmini). Its very bulky and while parking in the highly crowded parking lots of Pune, its really a damn pain. Pillion is surely gonna complain. The rear saree guard doesnt have a footrest. So your mom will be complaining. The split grab rail - The more gorgeous it looks, the lesser it is of any significance. The pillion just cant hold on to it. He/she either has to hold you or pray that you drive slowly.

Braking:- Front Disc Brake is capable enough to manage this beast. However I feel rear drum brake could have been made more powerful. Mind you, whenever braking at high speeds, apply both brakes especially on straights. Otherwise the bike wont stop where you want it to.

Chain:- The chain is uncovered and requires some special attention. You need to oil it every 1000km. The Bajaj Pro-Biking guys suggest you should clean the chain seperately which costs you 70 bucks.

Gear-Shift:- The Gear shifting has thankfully been improved by Bajaj. No more false neutrals. Shifting becomes smoother as the bike becomes older. Yeah! Sometimes you can find it difficult to find the neutral due to the toe shifter(It is more of my problem than the bike's).

Reliability:-I have made one 1000 km trip and scores of 200-300 kms trip. I have never encountered a single problem. You can happily cruise along at 100 without worrying about engine sieze up. Plus the tubeless tyres give the confidence that you can go on longer trips without worrying about punctures. The seating position is quite sporty that means your shoulders will bear the brunt of your body weight every time you brake hard.

Maintainence:- You should change the oil as recommended. Get proper servicings typically after every 2500km without fail. The bike has only electric start. So its of utmost important to keep the battery in proper condition. Although there is an indicator in console which flashes once battery is low like the ones you have in cars. Standard battery is Exide Low Maintianence one.

So if you are looking for a sports tourer along with killer looks, dont think ahead. But it wont make a great city bike because of its heaviness and somewhat less maneuverability in traffic as compared to the 135cc/150cc segments.

Price:- 74740/- On Road

Model:- June 2008

Dealer:- Bajaj Pro-Biking, Pune

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I would keep on updating this review as and when I can

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*Update1 [20 Dec 2008]:-

Km: - **10000

Mileage: - Apprx 36.(Most of my rides were oh highway with full throttle.)

Problem: -Twice I went for a long ride in rains and each time after return I noticed that chain had loosened, also there was noise coming from chain. Absence of chain guard being the culprit. Chain needed to be washed and re-oiled.

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*Update2 [3 July 2009]:-

Km: - **17500

Mileage: - Apprx 42

Yes. After adopting decent driving style in city, the mileage of my bike has increased to a whooping 42. As far as maintainence is concerned, I think I will have to replace the chain sprocket after 20k as I failed to take proper care of the open chain. It needed to be oiled every 1000km which I didnt do. So I will have to pay for it:-(

Apart from that the bike is just phenomenal.

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