Hi everyone, my self MD WASIM ALAM
Before I even start, I would like to thank Crazy driver, since it is only after having a look at his article today morning that I decided to also give in a long term ownership report of the first vehicle I purchased, Pulsar 150 DTSi.
BTW, it would also be fair enough for the people who are looking to buy 150 instead of 180. .Well I see more of 150s in Delhi/NCR than 180s
The Idea:
It was November 2003 and I used to travel about 40 kms everyday for 6 days a week, and my dad’s scooter(Bajaj Legend) though an excellent machine(always gave me around 50-55 kmpl) was developing well known nags like clutch problem. In addition, my dad wanted it every now and then for his work as well. That was the time I decided to go independent and decided to purchase a bike. I wanted a CBZ, but the average was miserable, and FE was a concern for me, but I wanted performance as well. the Pulsar 150 fitted exactly.
First Love:
So, on 15thdecember 2006, I went to gandhi maidan patna to purchase the bike.
PS. I was going to buy the Non DTSi version
So, here I enter the showroom at 5.30 pm with my mom and dad, and I see the DTSi on display.It was love at first sight.and though there was quite a difference in the price, I knew I could not compromise on this aspect.So, paid 35k and got 0% finance from ICICI on remaining amount for 8 months.It was no big deal getting the finance.but the joy of having something in your name, first bike.was ohhhh.so tempting and made me so proud.gandhi maidan guys gave me the RC then and there.At 1830hrs, I went out to the place where they got the bike that was to be delivered to me, and the mechanic was supposed to fit in the wires, etc. I stood there all the time staring and appreciating the machine that was supposed to be mine in just some time.There was a Non DTSi bike being prepared as well, and I made a snobby face at the person who was getting that bike.Felt pity that he would not have the DTSi.Hard luck, buddy! Finally, got the bike at 2030hrs alongwith the traditional coconut, with a mauli around it.It was supposed to bring good luck.Got the tank full by the petrol pump operated by gandhi maidan and then was a proud owner of the DTSi. Back then, having a DTSi was not very common and it sure made lots of heads turn, which made me very nervous and I got a wheel lock attached the very next day.
The Report:
Well, If I go ontalking about the time I got the bike to today, then it would defeat the whole purpose of long term ownership.isnt it?
Well, the bike has 45k on the odo, and to date, touch wood has not had a single problem.the regular service has a major role
The bike continuously gives me 50-55 kmpl. On safety aspect, this bike is quite good.I had an accident where I slipped at 80 kmph due to hard braking on debris.but the wide leg guards helped my legs and though I continued slipping with the bike on one side, my legs werent even scratched, but I got a fractured elbow. Besides the front headlight which got broken, there werent any major repairs to the bike, leave alone my heart which pained for having scratched my bike due to my own fault. The run-in period was adhered to for 1k kms.I know it is on higher side but I never revved it above 3k rpm for 1k kms.Cant even think of driving so slow now.hehe
The only concern I have had to date is the chain set.i have had a second replacement yesterday.got clutch plates, clutch wire, front disc pads and disc brakes replaced once.i think around 35k kms.besides that no major charges ever.the bike runs so smooth.can easily go upto 90-95 kmph.Max is 105 kmph.not above that.
The next on my agenda is to go to Ladakh on my bike with my bro-in-law on his Avenger(I bet he will imitate the Feel like god commercial once he reaches there). Would love to have enthusisatic TBHPians, if they are willing.
That s the kind of confidence I have on this bike.The new DTSi with the Digital meters looks good, but the Karizma like wings on the front are a show off IMO.
I would highly recommend this bike to anyone who is looking for a decent FE with looks and performance.The only drawback I see is that there are too many on the road.and no matter any day of the week, there is always a lot of crowd at the service stations which lead to a lower service level.IMO the quality of service has gone down, in terms of washing, delivery times, etc. Most often these ppl try to drive you into replacement of parts which are not required at the moment, but I guess that is an industry wide practice.Face same problem with car services also.
The handling of the bike is very good, never does one feel lack of stability, even in the hill stations.Linear accelaration is also good but drops at around 90-95k. One can easily go upto 50kmph on 2nd and around 75-80kmph on third. The rear seat is a bit elevated as compared to the drivers one.So the pillion can see more than you, as was the case with my girlfren, now my wife.Thus could not go above 60kmph with her The disc brakes are quite efficient and do their job satisfactorily. Overall, a highly balanced vehicle in terms of looks, performance, handling, FE and stability. Only drawback is that there are too many on the road now. I was embarassed to see my daily milkman come on one.
I just love my vehicle, clean it everyday to date, and it has never deceited me. Also, got a rear wheel at 35k kms. The front has not worn out as yet.In summers, I used to face a problem of flat tires. My bike used to get puncture by even a small nail, an dit was so frequent that the cost of getting a new tube and fixing punctures could have had me a set of new tyres.So, I got one and not faced problems since then.but hey, the summer has also just crept in
Any 150 owners facing same problem.
Thank you all for reading my review.Hope you enjoyed it
PERFORMANCE
The Pulsar 150 is unmatched in terms of performance amongst bikes in its class. Patented technologies like DTS-i and ExhausTEC provide the Pulsar with a class beating power of 15 Ps and mileage of 65 Kmpl* making it a true ‘King of the Road’. Other features like the front disc brake, alloy wheels and broad rear tyre all provide greater performance and superior efficiency.
COMFORT
The Pulsar 150 has been designed to ensure maximum comfort for the rider with its upright seating position, smooth suspension and 17” alloy wheels. Resting on 135mm telescopic front forks with anti-friction bushes and a 5 step adjustable Nitrox rear shock absorbers, the Pulsar 150 is a delight to handle and a pleasure when riding in the city or out on the highway
SAFETY
The Pulsar 150 comes equipped with a 240 mm ventilated front disc brake that ensures a quicker and safer braking each time. The bike boasts of a light sensitive digital cockpit for great day-night visibility. The beefed up frame with 1320 mm wheelbase adds strength and stability.
STYLING
The aggressive wolf eyed headlamp with twin pilot lamps, gives the Pulsar 150 its individual character and lets it mark its own territory on the road. The 12 V full DC headlamp ensures a constant light beam at all speeds. The naked street fighter look is further enhanced by the aerodynamic fairing on the large, muscular 15 litre fuel tank. This mean machine also comes with clip-on handlebar, complete with pass switch, electric start and engine kill switch