I am Anand from Bangalore, was planning to upgrade my bike for a long time, was bored with the Karizma :).. but I was thoroughly confused with the Available options.. The options I had in Mind were R15, FZ16, Fazer, RTR 180, Karizma ZMR, KarizmaR( Yes, you read it right even after 4 years of owning you will feel like buying another one, thats the beauty of the ZMA), 220 Avenger, RE TB, NINJA.. Since was already used to 220+ cc dint want to go for any sub 220 CC bikes, SO R15, FZ, RTR out of the list.. RE TB had almost a year wait time.. SO OUT.. ZMR nogreat improvement in performance considering 30Kxtra that you need to pay above the ZMA R. Ninja - great bike, too expensive.. Avenger - too short for me (am 6.2) ZMA R - bit bored with it.. even though its a GREAT BIKE..
SO finally was left with only one option P220DTSi F..had tested the bike a few times, was very well aware that the bike has a lot of niggling issues. Still with a lot of skepticism went ahead with the 220 deal..
July 3rd 2010 - P220 F - Plasma Blue
Initial Experience -
Bike looks great, quite a stunner on the road, good road presence. Took delivery, initial check..
Found that the Chasis was RUSTED and a couple of points. Probiking people said that’s a minute problem, I wasn’t happy but the Rust was just a lil speck so ignored.
The Speedo Cable was lying outside the Rubber Guide that’s on the mudgaurd, which means it was removed by the Showroom people to hide the Kilometers that they had used it for + there was 6kms already on the ODO.
The head lights were really bright but the beam were pointing towards the treetops!!
The rear discs were clinging, the rear tire was not freely rotating..
With the Above Issues, dint loose hope still brave ;-) took the bike home..
in my opinion
Build Quality - the Overall build Quality is quite good, the paint job is great but not as good as the old pulsars. The Parts fit and finish is all great. But the Black alloys are loosing their paint quite soon. There are some design faults like the Head Cone set that goes KAPUT every few thousand Kilometers. the center stand scrapes even small pebbles on the road! The Read disc give issues for a while before settling in.. Quite dissapointing..
Reliability - This has been a question even since DTSFi was launched, still there seems to be issues here and there. But I have used this machine for 3000 kms now, but all seems to be OK. There seems to be variations between 220 of different lots some go faster some dont. some have failing parts some are trouble free. Seems like BAJAJ factories are more keen on Quantity than Quality!!! Quite Disappointing here as well.
Styling and Design - the bikes got KILLER looks.. cant deny that. but the SIde Profile looks a lil out of shape. they could have come up with a New tank design though.. No complaints here
Engine Performance - The Engine is a RIPPER! its very powerful potent engine capable of good fluent performance. The Engine has loads of torque and enuf BHP to Plummet you thro the Highways...
The 21BHP mill does take you beyond 135Kmph with ease.. on windless day you might hit close to 145Kmph ( I hvnt but loads of other have). The engine feels very uneasy till about 4K RPM, once it crosses 4K RPM the FUN begins... the REVVY engine feels strong even at the higher end of the RPM curve, FYI the peak out put 21.x bhp is produced at 8.5K RPM... so you can smoke those R15 out of sight...
GearBox & Engine refinement - The Gear box is sure better than the older Pulsars but no match for the Hondas and the yamahas.. think BAJAJ has not done much here.. lot is left to be desired. the GEARbox does feel positive but... It lacks that progressive feel 5/10 score for the gearbox. Engine refinement is a subjective topic, if you were using a CBZ or a GF170 or a 350Std Bullet you might feel that the engine is smooth, but I was a ZMA user, the engine is NOT smooth, niether does it feel refined. BUT is fine if its not compared to any other machine 6/10 score for the engine.
Handling & Comfort - The increased wheelbase and the broader tires makes thisgreat handler, but the Center stand spoils all the FUN, bend the bike and the Stand scrapes everythin on the road... the bike is quite comfortable for Long rides upto 250Kms.. more than that am not that sure..
Fuel Economy - Even though I am not very bothered about the FE, still for the people here it is.. Mileage is about 35 - 40kmpl. which ever way you ride it :)
Final verdict :: the Bikes a great deal, great value for money, good performance, good mileage. Some issues exist but they are fixable, would need some time to be spent on the BIKE..
Do I recommend the BIKE for you? - YES!!