This is my reveiw on Pulsar 220 DTS FI (Not the Fastest Indian One). I bought this bike around one year ago and I thought this is the ideal time to comment on the bike. But sadly this model has been discontinued by Bajaj.
Bike Reason for Purchase years Clocked
Caliber (Dad Forced to take it) 2001-03 30K
Pulsar 150 I loved it. Its a male 2003-2007 80K
Pulsar 180 Wanted to try 180 2007-2008(jan) 5k
Pulsar 220 Wanted Best POWERED bike 2008-till dt 10k
I am good at Engines, I know in and out of Bajaj’s engines. to some Extent Hondas too.
Looks
The world knows that, this bike has the best looks.
It has its own cons
Reused components design Tank & dynamics.
At this cost, this machine has the best looks.
Power
I rate it as Excellent when it comes to Power. but it cant last long. after 2/3 hrs of continious ride,
there are drastic changes in the bikes behavior, which I dont expect from a powerful bike.
The head of the bike becomes too hot. this bike is no much different to the other versions of Pulsar.
the major difference is that its head is bigger than its other versions, because of this more fuel is burned in the head. which makes the head more hot when it is ridden for 2/3 hrs. Its piston rings cant last for 30k according to me. you need to shell out 5-6k to get it repaired again.
i feel that bajaj needs to imporovise its products in terms of quality.
Handling
When I say Handling, I mean handling the bike in all cases, on terrains, hills, city, with pillon rider,
with mom/sis at back. and on pathetic pune roads
According to me, it is purely dependent on the person riding the bike. the bike is very heavy and the
seating height is high. A person with Good height and weight can control the bike easily when compared with others
I am 6 foot tall so I can handle this bike as easily as any other bikes, but I saw my friends suffered to handle my bike who are shorter than me.
Mileage/FE
I am not bothered about it. Power&Performance, FE are inversly proportional.
i want power, so I am not bothered to shell out extra bucks to buy gas.
Reliability
I Doubt its reliability. The bike Has very good features which dont let you feel about the reliability,
The bike gives very good power, performance, wont let you down when you want to rev.
can be used for street racing (I did). makes others to turn their heads.
But at the end of the day, you still feel that there is some thing missing in this bike. and its reliability.
you cant dare to carry this bike for years. as you cant rely on it (Atleast I dont)
Comfort
Excellent - For Rider
one can ride continiously for 3/4 hours at speeds > 80kmph easily.
Pathetic - For Pillion Rider
Cant sit at back for atleast 30 min.
Breaking
Dry roads - Good
Wet roads - pathetic. when you break on wet roads, rear tyre slips if the roads are not good.
i faced this many times on wet pune roads, as a disc is used at rear, this is expected.
this makes more unsafe. you cant dare to touch rear break while taking even a small turn.
My suggestion to others
You know every thing about this machine. now you Decide.
If you are craving for the pros of this bike, and you are ready to take the cons too. then you will go for it.
The Choice is yours.
KK :-)