“Form is temporary but class is permanent” collection of words often used to describe a legendary cricketer who come back from a series of failure. It applies to Pulsar too. While the bike dominated the upper segment of the indian two wheeler market like never before from 2002 to 2007. The advent of Yamaha’s R15 put the pulsar mania to back burner. As the pulsar, Bajaj Auto too hit the downhill last year. Bajaj redevised its strategy and has come up with an all new Pulsar 220cc. Can the new pulsar revive the glory. We check out!
Bajaj Pulsar 220cc: Visually there is no spot-on difference except the contemporary all black styling. The new pulsar retains the ready-to-attack stance of its siblings. The quarter fairing and split seats gives a distinct look. Even after being in the market for months, pulsar 220cc stills grabs eyeballs. The wolf pilot lamps and projector headlamp are not just styling elements but lightens your way even in no moon day. The side and rear profile remains unchanged. The much expected carbon fibre diffuser has not made into the new pulsar 220cc. More styling upgrades could be a welcome change but still Pulsar 220cc looks good.
Pictures of Bajaj Pulsar 220cc
Bajaj Pulsar 220cc: The four stroke, air-cooled engine pumps out 21.04 of peal power at 8500rpm and maximum torque of 19.1 at 7500 rpm. These figures are marginally higher than the old one. But the biggest change is in the fuel delivery system. Bajaj’s first fuel injected system is gone and paves way for proven carburation system. Pulsar 220cc mill now respires through 32 venturi carburettor. The engine is mated with a five speed transmission.
Bajaj Pulsar 220cc: Switch on the ignition key, press the electric start button (again no kick lever), the engine starts with a typical twin sprk hum. The engine is rev-friendly and the tacho needle easily touches 11000rpm. The exhaust note becomes raucous as the engine touches the red line. Bajaj’s patented exhausTEC chamber is bigger and the silencer houses a catalytic converter.
The absence of fuel injection is felt, there is sudden surge in power few times and the power delivery is not uniform. But the larger motor pulls away effortlessly even in higher gear. But the engine needs to be revved over 2500rpm for more enthusuastic response. The pulsar 22occ touches 60kmph in 4 seconds and 100kmph in 13 seconds. The fastest indian (as the Bajaj claims) hits top whack of 135kmph. Bajaj has also optimised the gear ratio to achieve this top speed. On the flip side, the oil cooling is not enough to cool the blistering heat emanating from the engine. Wear jeans or get ready to burn your thighs.
Bajaj Pulsar 220cc: uses telescopic fork at the front and gas charged suspension at the rear. Bajaj’s trademark ride quality is compromised for the sake of hanlding. The ride is stifff blame those hard split seats. The ergonomics is perfect for racy drivers on Indian roads.
Bajaj Pulsar 220cc: 260mm disc at the front and 230mm disc at the rear works in tandem to stop this beast. The bike comes to halt from 60 to stand still in just 6 seconds. Tyres use soft compound for better grip at higher speeds. 17″ alloy rims on 90/90 at the front and 120/80 is retained. The front biased pulsar is nimble and keep the rider involving at all speeds. Though it could have better aerodynamics (the wind blows right at the riders chest) the strightline stability and cornering chracter is impeccable. Wheelie and stoppie are cakewalk.
Bajaj Pulsar 220cc: Like any other Bajaj’s product, pulsar 220cc comes packed with list of usable features – digital speedo, split seats,split grab rail, clip-on handle bar, 3D chiselled logo, handlebar weights, projector headlamps and fairing mounted rear view mirrors.
Bajaj Pulsar 220cc: is available in four colours – blue,black,red and silver. New Pulsar 220cc costs Rs79,480 (on-road Chennai) which means nearly Rs12,000 cheaper than the Pulsar 220cc FI and 25 grand than Yamaha’s R15.
Verdict: After the test drive, when we sat to discuss about the performance of the bike. Someone said this is best pulsar Bajaj has ever built. Another objected by saying the new pulsar 220cc is good but R15 still holds the edge. Hope you got the verdict!