Hi readers,
‘Fear the Black’ . An advertisement on screen now-a-days reminds abt a machine having many ups and downs historically .A machine known for awesome pickup, collosal zigzags btw traffic thrilling gf(s) around, jumping consecutive green lights and loud roars. Starting its journey from 15 horses pounding 130 kgs to 16.48 with 7 kg extra in belly, the definitely male is back in showrooms, on roads, on screen with so called Black Characteristics.
Starting from November 2001 to December 2004 Bajaj did nothing to differentiate two horses physically, both guys seemed identical. Doesn’t matters coz “ye to andar ki baat hai” how 3 ps can create excitement. Comparing 180 with 150 only three things looks different: Bigger engine, bigger carburetor and Wider rear tyre. Now the black chassis adds one more.
It was December 2005.One day while surfing net, I came across https://mypulsar.com. I got stunned. Wow! Awesome biek! Infact Bajaj copied Karizma’s style to some extent but wisely. Not only alloys but also whole engine chassy got black. Within mins I rang almost every Bajaj dealer.Sorry to say, lol ! very few knows abt new pulsar 180. Only one showroom had 180 in stock: Dewan Bajaj, Lajpat nagar.I reached there with my bro straight away, took a test ride and finally after reading reviews later, taking suggestions and comparisons with Zma and Unicorn, choiced up 180 as our final temptation. 2nd January 2006, this Red-in-black boy arrived in Rohini catching million attentions on the way.
Now its been ~3 months.My brother is the offical owner., Me owing a 150 but lemme share some oscillating experience with this product. Bike has covered 3500 kms. Some rough handling after 2200 kms, few drags and sprints.
LOOKS: Still the same. Black bodies are eye catcher now, looks awesome though its dull in nature. Paint quality is same as in p150.No scratches or chipping. Coating provides a little benefit. Rear tyre is the best. Though 150’s zapper slips often on harsh braking, 180 doesn’t slips instead sounds screeeeeetccchh !!!!
PERFORMANCE: The best thing in 180 is 0-70.When I went for test ride, the bajaj guy sitting behind was terrified..”Oh man ! What r u doing ? Marna hai kya ?” :) :p.
I thought it was the silliest thing to pillion dat bull$hit. Anywayz the best feeling I get in traffic. One…Two…Three voila ! I m ahead. The bike throttles like a rocket.
The secret behind are shorter gear ratios in 16.48 bhp. This provides colossal thrift in the begining. Racing with Zma, 180 takes lead upto 65-70 kph. But sorry top speed stakes. Tough to cross 116. However I had managed upto 120 kmph @ NH-1 (with pillion).
HANDLING: Superb. Best in Jams and for tall guyz. Karizma and Pulsar handles different. 180 handles the best. U never lean completely as in Zma but partially in 180, just upper part of your body.
ECONOMICALY: That’s the second best thing abt this machine.45 kmpl we are getting @ so-so traffic. The best I got ever is 54 kmpl @ 65 kmph driving steadily on the way to Chandigarh.
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PROBLEMS
*The only problem I faced sometimes with the gear shifts presumed smooth initially up2 2 mnths but they often get stucked now. These prolonged problems are still there in 180 and bajaj honestly did nothing to eradicate’em.Service guyz made it ok but the problem remained the same.
*Once after crossing 117 kmph, I noticed some typical noise coming out from engine, still heard sometimes.
*Sometimes i’ve to adjust idling.
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VERDICT :
Pulsar 180 is the best buy above 150cc segment, though Bajaj didn’t aimed to launch the fastest but its the quickest right now. Priced at just ~62k bugs on road, the so common Pulsar looks different from 150.Comparatively pulsar heart throbs in acceleration, looks, performance and economics. Top speed doesn’t matters much coz these stats are sensless to explain bike’s good/bad character. Every product has its own pros and cons.Ironically, most of us compare Pulsar with Zma which’ve different objectives. Pulsar(s) are completely meant for cites. u’ll never notice within seconds u r at 70kph. Though some feel disappointment on highways regarding tiring backaches or top notches. On the other hand Zma comes comes in action only after 60 kph.She simply begs the driver to drive fast on empty roads.But still 12k less + 10 kmpl extra punch a little h0le in ur pocket.
150 are meant for those who can’t handle 180 (acc to mr Rajiv Bajaj). But either of these 2 are incomparable within their respective segments.
So let us wait a little bit more, for another addon in pulsar(s) family i.e 200+ cc pulsar DTSi-Fi.
-Regards
:D