May 14, 2005 01:57 PM
2463 Views
(Updated May 14, 2005 01:57 PM)
I bought my Pulsar 150 two years ago, at a time when the only competition it had was from a poor performing CBZ and a very unexciting Fiero.
My driving style in general is very rash. Sometimes to save money on fuel I ride at a constant speed, but more often than not I find myself racing against time to attend lectures or whatever. I enjoy the occasional race - either with friends or against strangers on the highway (it on the way to my college).
I've fallen down 3 times. All due to my fault. The first time I hit a cycle. A few weeks later I hit a car. I skiided due to gravel later. And some minor ones. Let me tell you, if it weren;t for the sharp disc brakes and excellent handling of this bike, I wouldnt be here right now. By the way I service it regularly and change the oil/filter when it's reqd.
The bike is in good shape. This is my experience with this machine.
THIS IS A POWERFUL BIKE. No matter what others say, dear readers, this bike is way faster than the competition. Aceeleration is near perfect betwen 5400 and 8500 rpm. I can reach 100 kmph easily in about 20 seconds and I have touched 119 on a couple of occasions (aided by gravity on a hill? maybe). Believe me, it is stable as a ROCK even at such levels.
ECONOMY. Not bad. 45kmpl. Considering my driving style, its very good. I recommend ADON by Indian OIL, by the way, its an excellent additive.
HANDLING: :) Only sad thing is the rear tyre is a bit too small. If you are looking for speeds in a drag race, maintain the tyres. Otherwise if you want better handling in traffic/winding roads, convert into a P180 tyre. The new DTSI wheel+tyre combo is pretty good too. You can confidently manouver this machine at your whim. Can you imagine or remember, my fellow Indian riders, scraping your footpeg at 90kmph? Its a thrill.
COMFORT: not comfortable. you need to sit straight to avoid back problems , especially if you're riding long. Your body gets used to it. The bike handle-grip is uncomfortable too. You can get a cheap cover for it; or better yet, get riding gloves. :) you'll look good, and it's safe too!!
RELIABLITY: I've had to recharge my battery once. Other than that, nothing much. As a result of my accidents I had to change my handle bar, alignment (wheel) and fork ''out''. But things are back to nrmal. This is a rock solid bike, people. It cant ake all this and much more. My friend Vin has taken his p150 to the extremes - Rocky terrain, long road trips, extreme racing and rpm levels. and problems? no way!!
VALUE FOR MONEY? ABSOLUTELY!! If you are buying a bike: 150cc .. A CBZ is a dumb choice. It has nothing to offer. You are better off with something like a Discover. It accelerates like something is dragging it behind, and top speed is a little above hundred. That too it reaches with vibrations and instablilty. :( Economy is not good. Sorry!!
Fiero is simply not exciting enough. I haven't ridden F2.
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR ECONOMY: Go for a Unicorn. It's economy better thank my beloved Pulsar, and more comfortable. Ride quality is excellent. Looks OK. The Pulsar looks better any day, but you know, there are so many Pulsars on the road that there's nothing radical about its looks any more.
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR POWER: MY friends, the Pulsar is king. I have no complaints about its power delivery. Listen, if you are a new rider, as in if this is your 1st bike, dont go beyond 150cc. YOU NEED TO KNOW TO CONTROL POWER. It's very easy to say it, but very difficult to apply this knowledge. I guarantee you, once you know the optimum rpm for shifting gears and racing, noone can beat you in a 150cc shootout - drag or otherwise. AND you'll have enough petrol left for that way home :)
