First of all, I would like to make it clear that I don’t actually own this
bike. But two of my close friends do, and here is what I think about it.I am
not a particular bike freak, but I do like to ride one frequently.
About its looks, I have only one word. Awesome.Everything from well crafted
fuel tank to the front headlight, reek of masculinity. Which is not a bad thing
at all. The new wheels look good too.(BTW, the wheels remind me of a small
kid’s cycle).
The Pulsar is powered by a 150cc, 13+ bhp engine.There are a total of 5 gears,
in the all down format.The engine does not feel as smooth as that of a
Splendor( I have ridden that too) when at a standstill.But it is indeed smooth
enough for everyday use, and delivers good fuel efficiency too.(Better than my
Activa).My friend says it hovers around 53-55kpl in Pune city.
The first time I rode it was when my friend brought it home in March.The
clutch felt really tight, and the pick up at the start was too much for a
novice rider like me.After much stalling, I finally got the hang of it, and
managed to ride it for about 5 mins.Since then, I usually beg him for a ride,
and he usually relents.The bike has great acceleration, especially while riding
single and one needs to be careful not be carried away.Once in the 5th gear, it
becomes really smooth and one can just cruise along.
On the highway, it feels stable unlike any other, and riding at high speeds is
quite easy too.The maximum I have ridden till date is 70kmph, on the Mumbai-
Bangalore bypass, after which I did not dare to go any faster.(Also, the owner
of the bike was riding pillion and had gone all white). When riding pillion, I
think I have seen 95-100kmph once.So that may be the top speed of this bike.
A few days ago, the above mentioned friend of mine was out of station, and
after much pleading, agreed to leave the bike(and its keys) with me, for a full
day and a half. During which I came to know a few negative points about it.I
gleefully rode it (all alone!!) from his place to mine.Next day, I had to go to
the neighbourhood grocer early in the morning to buy some stuff.So I grabbed
the keys of the bike (instead of the Activa) and off I went.The shopkeeper, an
elderly man, was mildly amused to see me ride up in a rumpled salwar kameez on
a Pulsar.Ahh...now the drawbacks.When you buy stuff, you need someplace to put
that into while taking it back, and the Pulsar simply doesnt have any.Whatever
you have to take, you have to either put it into that tiny space between
headlight and speedometer or take a polythene bag and hang it on the
handle.Which is kinda awkward as it keeps sliding back.
Second drawback I observed that the bike’s heavy weight, while adding to the
stability, is discomforting while moving about in tight places.I had also taken
it to a place where the parking was a small slope, but it was near impossible
to push the bike backwards with my foot.I had to ask someone to pull from
behind. On the upside, the Pulsar has better suspension(way better than the
Activa and other gearless scooters) than many other two-wheelers.
On the whole, it is a very good bike and makes for a great alternative to dull
Activas and Kinetics, even for girls.It looks good, is fast, stable and delivers better
fuel efficiency. Now would I ever buy one...umm..no. Because it lacks the one
thing I can’t live without..And that is underseat storage.Before buying
anyother vehicle, I recommend everyone to atleast take a test ride of this
vehicle. I am sure you will be impressed.