This review is about Pulsar 180 UG 4 (Means 4th generation of pulsars Colour:Cocktail wine red) launched in 2009.It is a full DC Bike.(My first Review in Mouthshut, which has been helping me for a long time).
I am from Chennai and I am writing this Ownership review after owning the Bike for 1.5 years and I ve been driving it for nearly 13500 Km.** So you should expect this review to be a realistic one and yes it is. I have another vehicle the (excellent) Honda Activa for the past 7 years. So I can tell you where the Pulsar 180 sets itself apart.
Basically I am an engineer and this was my first geared Motorcycle. So I had grown as a full fledged Biker with it.
Price: I had bought this Bike when it was selling at 72300 INR on the road. Now the prices have increased by a thousand bucks. This bike has a very good or even the best value for money in its class. Apache 180 is more expensive by a couple of thousands. Those who might be looking at the 220 s which is closer to the P180 s price tag, I have to tell you that this bike has a great advantage in terms mileage. Ill discuss it in mileage section.
Looks: The looks of the bikes are good enough for its class.Nowadays, there are much better looking bikes on the road , nevertheless if you can maintain the shine of your bike, you can be sure of a second look. The Bike has got the muscular look of the 200 and the beefier front forks add the oomph factor. Definitely the uniqueness is lost as all the pulsars appear similar nowadays.
Mileage: This is one of the strongest points of this bike. It gives me a mileage of around 46-47kmpl in the city. I am a sane driver and maintain speed limits of 45-60 km/hr in the city. In the highway this bike surely does return a mileage of 52kmpl. Speed will be around 65-75 Km/hr. I think this is where it scores heavily over the 220 s which returns 40 kmpl and apache which has a Fuel efficiency of 40kmpl.
Electrical: The bike has got robust DC electrical system. This is a boon because you can upgrade to Xenon Lights or the HIDS without any problem. It will be direct fit. It’s a boon to the Highway riders.The bike has only electric start and hence the kick lever has been removed. But you don’t have to fear about its efficiency, the electric start has not failed me even once in the last 1.5 years. Its good to check your battery once in 6 months.
Handling: The bikes handling is good.It comes with clip on handle bars and wide rear tyre.It s really very good. You don’t have to spend even a dime for such superb features.Tubeless tyres ensure Maximum Safety on Highways.
But don’t expect it be near the likes of R15 or 220. The thing which will leave you surprised is the straight line stability of the bike. It Is in a league of its own. Braking is superb. I ve done harsh braking and have come out scratchless. Combine the straight line stability and the braking of the bike and you will be very safe. The bike s not very suitable for cutting through the traffic though you can drive through the city once you get used to it.
Power and Top Speed: This is the biggest plus point of the bike. The engine is really capable of sprinting you ahead of all the vehicles. I have done 124km/hr with more to do. But because it is highly unsafe in our roads. I stopped with it. When you are riding single, the bike is really powerful. When a pillion is taken along there is a slight drop in power, but this wont hurt us much.I ve done some trips and found that the bike never runs out of breath.
Pros :
1.Mileage 46-47 in city and 52 in highways
2.DC Electricals.
3.Stability and braking
4.Good styling.
5.Clip on Handle bars and wider tyres.
6.Tubeless Tyres.
7.Superb value for money
Cons:
1.Heavy weight
- Projector headlights could have been installed like in 220.
Overall, I would recommend this bike to anyone who wants both power and mileage. Also the bike is really a worthy consideration above any 150 cc motorcycle.
I love this bike and am planning to pep it up with some upgrades. Drive it safe and have fun.