My first review after a very long time, for the latest bike I’ve ridden, the Pulsar 150. Indigenously manufactured and designed in Japan, I think, this is a very good-looking, good-feeling bike. It’s bigger sibling, the 180, is supposed to be the fastest bike being manufactured in India as of now. Alas, I haven’t been able to get my hands on one. All I have been able to ride is my friend’s black 150, with ES. Let’s start off with the review.
Power: The 150 is a pretty fast bike. Acceleration, though, isn’t it’s strongest point. A heavy bike, it takes it’s own time to accelerate, albeit in a linear manner, which is very good for the building up of the adrenalin-rush. Nowhere does one feel a lack of power. The first gear isn’t almighty, but is pretty tall. The tach is present, for those who want pin-point changes, but it may not be necessary, since the gear-ratios are near-perfect (except, maybe, for the fifth cog, which I would have preferred to be freer). I’ve comfortably reached speeds of over a ton, And the bike takes on speed well.
Mileage: For the power it delivers and the weight it carries, mileage is exceptional. Mileage is reportedly better than the Fiero’s. Amazing, from a near 140 kg bike. Stay at around 3000-3500 rpm overall, and you have no problems. Reported 55-60 kmpl on-road average.
Control: Beautiful. This is one area in which no bike can even come close to the Pulsar, owing to it’s intrinsic heaviness and perfect weight distribution. My friend’s bike runs on stock tyres, but road-grip is excellent, and feedback is very reassuring. If it’s lean you want, it’s lean you’re gonna get. City riding is pleasant, thanks to the gear ratios, again. The discs are amazingly amazing. In an earlier bike review (of the CBZ, on this same site), I had said that I thought discs are a waste. I take that all back after just missing death at 90 kmph on this bike. I was going on a narrow road behind a car, with my friend sitting behind me. I was overtaking the car, and suddenly, out of nowhere, a Matiz appears (I hate cars as it is, and I hate that car specifically, and this experience soiled my relationship with it even more). The discs took care of me. I didn’t move even an inch out of the straight-line I was traveling on. And best of all, neither of the wheels locked. Beautiful. If it was bike (a Fiero with drums), I wouldn’t be writing this review.
Comfort and Convenience: A perfect blend of style and functionality. The posture is very flexible. You can sit at ease on it, or you can go all-out and stick your nose into the petrol tank. Shocks are good, vibrations are minimal, Switches are laid out conveniently, there’s a tacho, a beam-flasher, an electric-starter (optional) and cock-eyed minstrels. The pillion is also comfortable, except for the grab-bar, which is a bit too small.
Styling: It’s been received differently by different people, but most of them agree that it’s good-looking. It’s main selling point is the massive tank. It’s main turn-off is it’s headlight. From front, it looks very similar to a caliber, which can be a bit annoying :). Otherwise, it’s big and pleasing to the eye. It’s also sure to catch attention because of it’s exhaust-note. People confuse it for the CBZ from the sound, but it’s a bit more evil. Confused? Touch 7000 rpm in gear and listen to the engine. Hear that roar? Listen for that in a Pulsar that’s moving on the roads. Hear it? That’s all there is to it.
Maintenance: From what I’ve heard and experienced, it seems to be a good sport, taking everything in its stride. The only problem my friend had was with his gearbox - some false neutrals. Very irritating when you’re dragging, but you get used to it.
Bottom-line: If you want a fast bike that delivers many miles per gallon (kilometers per litre, actually), this is a very good candidate. Good looks, good feel, good mileage, good features, and amazing road-grip.