Bajaj always believes in "it doesn’t matters how many times you fall but how quickly you get up.this theory is now being used to become the No 1 bike maker in india.it will exit the 100cc category & instead offer 2-stroke engines with fuel injection & more power thus adhering to good mileage.but I hv doubts about its product strategy as there are too many bikes running piggy-back with a difference of 20-30cc on the pulsar brand with cosmetic makeovers.
LOOKS
nothing new apart from tank extension & that too not a good fit as there is a gap in between.maybe they wanted to show some value for money.the looks get elongated but had it been in 1 piece it would hv looked better.oil cooler is an addition.tank pad, stepped seat, split back rail, tubeless tyres are all from P220.rest all same as old pulsar.tapering looks behind give it a racy look.but I don’t understand yet why no chain cover, it looks odd.
TEST RIDE
I took a test ride at UTKAL AUTO SYNDICATE, Rourkela & I enjoyed the ride.it felt a little heavy as I am 5’4 but the engine note is just right.seating is not cushy but it took the bumps & pot-holes with ease.the foot pegs are not commuter style & I didn’t like it as I ride commuter bike.but to my surprise my posture was upright.it is even balanced but I was not able to do quick turns maybe bcoz the bike is heavy or I didn’t hv the confidence on my riding on a new bike.but vroom it & it literally flied over pot-holed road.it loves to be man-handled but note it on a straight road!the mid-range power just surges & makes you want more.but in slow speed she doesn’t reponds well.abt oil cooler its utility as I read is to keep the performance at same level at ideal temp.gear shift is good but not totally devoid of false neutrals albeit less than previous ones.abt top speed they say it goes to 120km/hr but I feel it is exaggerated, plz comment on this.
I believe it will go to max 115km/hr.about mileage they tell it will give 45 km/l(ok if you see the added weight & greater power) in city(i believe them! but definitely not exceeding 60km/hr).The styling is a bit of this & that I expected atleast a modified tank with new styling(atleast like karizma) but what we get is a attached tank attachment(it imparts a more smooth look).yes if you see value 4 money it is good.
OVERALL RATING
it was a size bigger than my comfort level but it’s damn good.i think apache(new one will be launched this month) will give me greater control with killer looks.i liked the looks, i liked the cushioned ride(much better than apache), shock absorber(that too better than apache).what I didn’t like is nothing new nothing exclusive maybe they didn’t want to upset the volume game as same part used in different models lowers cost of production hence enhanced margins.my suggestion go for it if you are 5’6 & above it will suit you perfect!