Launched in December 2004, the Pulsar 150 DTSi is the best-seller in its segment. The twin-spark equipped engine is more refined than the old unit, and while the displacement, 143.9cc, is the same, it delivers more powerand more low end torque. The new engine makes 13.5 bhp@ 8500 rpm, which give the Pulsar excellent performance. The fairing coupled (though I personally liked the round headlamp) with the silver alloys gives it a devilish look and the Pulsar stands out, looking purposeful and no-nonsense.
The Pulsar’s styling is pugnacious and undeniably attractive(even after 4 years and 1 million bikes), naked muscle is the essence of the Pulsar. Unfortunately, the seat is narrow, soft, and generally more uncomfortable than other bikes; the handlebar grips, similarly, are far too hard to be comfortable. Bajaj’s trademark attention to detail comes through in the instrumentation and switchgear, which is outstanding: well constructed and damped, built from high-quality material. The instruments, with their sporty vertical needles, are quite lovely to look at.
The Pulsar’s chassis favours a front-ward weight bias. Wide bars, crisp throttle response and slick gearshifts combine to make this bike an easy traffic weaver. The high saddle, though, is not inviting to pillions and in the overall package, does not allow you to corner it as easily as you would expect. It still is one of the better handling machines in the country and is an absolute hoot at corners.
It is the best 150cc bike in the country in the bike right now. And with the tradidional Bajaj upgradations around the corner, thing will only get better.
The only other non-engineering, non-motorcycle criticism you can level at the Pulsar is its popularity. Sometimes, you’d be forgiven for thinking every machine around you at a traffic light is a Pulsar 150. However, such a comprehensive package, at Rs 54, 000 is hard to beat. And obviously, lots of people agree.