The new pulsar 180 DTS-i is still one handsome motor cycle. This bike comes with trendy pulsar trademark digital instruments with a bold analogue and white set tachomaker that is easy to decipher.and a similar large digital and contact free driven speedometer in a commanding position on the fascia. the instrument console includes am engine redline beacon as also twin grip gauges that can be independently zeroed via a button. A fuel gauge along with regular warning icons is stamdard fare. new on this bike are sporty clip on handle bars, a top which are mounted a superb set of switches true to pulsar family. these contact free operations switches have self cancelling indicators that ensures you wont forget to leave them on aftr compeleting a turn. the DTS-i still comes smart, broad and functional rearview mirrors but they uss ill fitting rubber boots. another pulsar quirk that takes getting used to and is present on the new model is the upside-down engine-kill switch the new 180 DTS-i, however gets many brownie points for its powerful twin horns that often prove useful on our chaotic roads. the 180 DTS-i sticks with an all alloy cased, four-stroke cycle engine thats clearly based on the ealier tried and tested powerplant. its single cylinder is air cooled and still displaces 178.6cc. Bajaj has use DTS-i technology, which ensures the engines twin plugs are set to ignite together in one instant.
RIDE, HANDLING AND BRAKING: the pulsar 180 DTS-i rides on 17 inches rimes front and rear using a twin downtube frame with its rear swingarm now fabricated from ellipthical section metal instead of the rectagular steel used before. the front forks now measure much healthier 37mm and the bike has also been shod with superior tube-less tyres at both ends, the rear a chunky 120/80*17incher.
FUEL ECONOMY: A large footprint fout extra kilos and improved performance should have adversly affected economy. but our test proves the price paid is minmal as DTS-i tech and an overall efficient engine keep the 180 almost as economical as before. Remember this indian sports bike achieved cult status by virtue of not compromising economy despite it being a performance machine.the 180 is good for 43.3kpl in city conditions and 46kpl on the highway.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
layout: single-cylinder
air-cooled
four stroke
displacement: 178.6cc
max power: 17.02bhp at 8500rpm
specific output: 95.2bhp per litre
max torque: 1, 45kgm at 6500rpm
construction: aluminium-alloy block and head
bore/stroke: 63.5/56.4mm
valve gear: 2per cylinder
GearBox
type: 5-speed, 1-down-4-up
Suspension
front: telescopic forks
rear: gas shocks, elliptical swingarm
Wheels and Tyres
made of: 6 spoke alloy
wheel size: 17 inches
Brakes
front: 260mm disc
back:130mm drum
Economy Test
city: 43.3kpl
highway: 46kpl
overall: 44.7kpl
tank size: 15 litres
test range: 700 kilometres
WHAT IS IT COST: IT COSTS ONLY Rs 62, 446(Ex-shoroom pune)