The first generation Bajaj Pulsar 150 appeared back in 2001 and it was a trend-setter. Competing with Hero CBZ, it has shown other manufacturers that there is a strong market for sport commuting motorcycles in India. So it’s always a big day when a new Pulsar comes along. The rebranding process began with a top-down approach with the new 250 series, followed by the Pulsar N160 earlier this year.
However, the most recent Pulsar to go on sale from Bajaj is possibly the company’s most important, the Pulsar P150. It is the successor of pulsar 150, has been around for over 15 years and is still a hot seller. But with stronger competitors and a growing customer base, the P150 is the modern answer to a consumer need. Does it live up to the legacy? We drove the new Bajaj Pulsar P150 to find.
What does the Bajaj Pulsar P150 look like?
The front headlight has a similar design to the N160 but is a different block.
Pulsar P150 takes design ideas from Pulsar N160 and N250. The front headlight is now an LED projector unit. It has a slightly different design than the N160. Seen from the side, the P150 looks more muscular thanks to the fuel tank and fuel tank cover. There is an exhaust pipe placed under the belly, similar to the N160. At the rear, the LED taillights are taken from the new generation Pulsar. There are also new alloy wheels.
What is the difference between the two variants of Bajaj Pulsar P150?
Bajaj is offering the Pulsar P150 in two variants – single and double disc. As the name suggests, the dual disc variant comes with a rear disc while the single disc variant has a drum brake at the rear. Furthermore, the single-disc variant has a more upright stance with a midfoot footrest and a one-piece handlebar. The twin-disc variant features a slightly committed riding position with a grippy handlebars, slightly rear-mounted footrests and a split-seat setup. There is also a difference in tire size between both variants. The rear tire of the double disc version has a section of 110/80 while the single disc variant is a wheel with a cross section of 100/90.
How does Bajaj Pulsar P150 operate and handle?
Pulsar P150 has reduced 10 kg compared to its predecessor Pulsar 150.
P150 uses a telescopic fork at the front and a single shock absorber at the rear. The front has been tweaked but I feel that the rear unit is a bit stiffer. Handling has been improved compared to the current Pulsar 150. The motorcycle remained stable through the corners. The reason behind this is the new chassis borrowed from the N160 and the overall weight, which is now 10 kg less than the old Pulsar 150. The rack frame now uses the motor as the bearing component.
We only got a chance to drive the twin-disc variant, and its braking force was enough to bring the P150 to a quick stop. The front disc feels nice and progressive while the back disc has a strong initial bite. P150 is only equipped with single-channel ABS, so the rear wheel will slip in case you step on the rear brake.
What features does Bajaj Pulsar P150 have?
The Pulsar P150 has the same semi-digital instrument cluster as the new generation Pulsar. There is also a USB port for charging mobile devices.
In terms of features, the Pulsar P150 comes with a semi-digital instrument cluster. It’s the same infinity panel we’ve seen on the new generation Pulsars. It is a semi-digital unit that has an analog tachometer. Digital instrumentation shows distance to blank screen, time, gear position indicator, odometer and dual trip meter. Bajaj does not provide hazard lights or any kind of Bluetooth connection. Having said that, Bajaj has added an extra USB port for charging mobile devices and it is very neatly and thoughtfully placed.
How does the engine of Bajaj Pulsar P150 work?
Bajaj says the engine is brand new, although the diameter and stroke are identical to the old Pulsar 150. The engine produces 14.3 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and maximum torque of 13.5 Nm at 6,000 rpm. It’s important to note that motorcycles no longer have a DTS-i setup.
The Pulsar P150 will be offered in two variants – Single and Double Disc.
The manufacturer says that 90 percent of the torque is available within the usable rev range, and that way there will be ample usable torque available whenever the driver turns the throttle. One really doesn’t need to shift much as the engine pulls clean from low revs in higher gears. Speaking of gearshifts, the transmission is 5-speed and smooth. I found myself falling into false neutral twice or thrice during my short trip. The highlight of the engine is still the way to chase the red line after 6,000 rpm and the surprisingly low exhaust sound.
What is the top speed of Bajaj Pulsar P150?
Bajaj says that the Pulsar P150 can reach a top speed of 108 km/h. Furthermore, the manufacturer claims that the P150 can accelerate from 0 to 60 km/h in 5.2 seconds.
What is the fuel efficiency of Bajaj Pulsar P150?
The fuel efficiency announced by ARAI of Bajaj Pulsar P150 is 49 km/l. I expect it to deliver around 40 km/l in real-world driving conditions. Having said that, due to lack of time, we were unable to test this claim.
What is the most innovative point of Bajaj Pulsar P150?
What surprised me most was how smooth the throttle transition was. NVH levels have been improved compared to the previous generation of Pulsar. There are slight vibrations on the footrest in the mid-range and only at the very end of the rev range when vibrations begin to spread to the steering wheel.
What is the verdict on the Bajaj Pulsar P150?
Pulsar P150 is definitely an improvement over the current Pulsar 150. This is currently the most affordable new generation Pulsar one can buy. Prices start from $1.17 lakh for single and double disc variant priced at $1.20 lakh (all prices, old showroom in Delhi). At this price point, the P150 still delivers an excellent price-to-performance ratio, and it retains the characteristics of the original Pulsar 150. It will go against TVS apache RTR 160 2V, Yamaha FZ-FI and hero Xtreme 160R in the Indian market.
Date of first publication: December 16, 2022, 10:00 am IST
