Bajaj Auto is expanding the presence of the new tubular frame introduced on the N250 and F250 last year. Following its debut in the N160 a few months back, the new framing with the engine (motor) as a stressed member has made its way into the new P150. While the current Pulsar 150 continues to be sold, it will eventually be replaced by the P150.
The intentions of the Bajaj Pulsar P150 have been clear from the outset, as its distinctive design appeals to a broad set of customers, who expect their motorcycle(bike) to be practical with high mileage characteristics and occasionally ready themselves for fun riding. Keep it With commuter styling sprinkled throughout it all, and you can’t help but think that Pulsar-ish sportiness is present.
Amidst the sleek flowing body panels, fuel tank extensions, 3D Pulsar words, butterfly-style twin vertical tail lamps, and segment-first LED project headlamps with pilot lamps add to the purpose of this sporty commuter. It has a kicker, which is not even in many entry-level motorcycles, and the 14-litre fuel tank is made of metal.
The mix of fibre plastic and GFN ensures that the build quality of the Pulsar P150 is good, and the new platform and measures like using counter balancer shafts have ensured that the NVH levels are well contained. According to Bajaj, this is the most refined and smoothest Pulsar ever, and you can’t bet against it; the chassis supports these factors by a wide margin.
The Pulsar P150 is ten kg lighter than the regular Pulsar 150 as weight-saving measures like more lightweight wheels, more golden frame, clip-on, and underbelly exhaust have come into play. The good straight-line stability the structure provides and the stiffness offered on all axles have made the P150 a committed motorcycle despite its lightness.
The motorcycle gives the rider a more upright stance than the N160 as the clip-on handlebar, which I wanted to widen, is angled. The split seats have a nice exterior finish, enabling a more comfortable ride. Due to its spaciousness, you can quickly move around as a rider or pillion; thus, the P150 is suitable for occasional weekend rides.
On my first ride in Bengaluru, I tested the mileage for about 100km in mixed riding conditions as I hit the highway, traffic jams and whatnot, what the typical city environment could throw at me. I was impressed with the fuel economy of 54 kmpl as I was not riding to get good mileage.
The readily achievable top speed is 110 kmph, and when you get on, you can go up to 118 kmph – at least, that’s what I did in some closed environments. With more than 90 per cent of torque available between 3,500 and 8,000 rpm, you don’t look for much, especially in city riding conditions and a dab of throttle will ease even the toughest overtakes.
The refinement levels for the Pulsar are off-the-charts, as you won’t get vibrations even when you step into triple-digit speeds. The sound, overall build quality and well-apprehended NVH levels add a premium vibe to this motorcycle. The semi-digital instrument console carried over from the N160, and N250 shows the DTE, average fuel consumption and gear position indicator.
The cluster would be hard to see in the afternoon sun, and for more stability, the flyscreen could have been lengthened to deflect oncoming wind better. The deliberate handlebar shake that can be felt when adjusting the mirrors is a smart move to control NVH levels. Steps have also been taken to make it cheaper to maintain and less labour-intensive.
The clutch feels light, and the smooth gearbox responds decently to sudden downshifts. The new 150 cc single-cylinder single-spark engine develops 14.5 PS and 13.5 Nm and is almost perfectly matched with the overall mechanical capabilities of the motorcycle. While the bottom end could have been more spirited, the mid and top end make up for it as it does not shy away from hitting the 10,000 rpm limiter.
The power-to-weight ratio of 103 PS per tonne is one of the reasons why the Bajaj Pulsar P150 is a good handler, and the responsiveness of the ABS deserves praise. As expected in a commuter, the suspension setup is soft, but you get a remarkably bouncy feel at low speeds. Comfortable footpeg positioning, USB charging port and strong split grab rail are other highlights. The P150 has the most extended wheelbase (1,352 mm) for any 150 cc Pulsar and is the fastest by a slight margin.
The one to get the twin disc variant with the single-channel ABS is a no-brainer considering it costs only Rs. 3,000 more than the single disc version. You get wider tyres, clip-on, ABS, and better seats for a little price hike. It can be chosen over the Pulsar 150 for its agility, comfort, refined powertrain, more responsive and stable chassis, torque delivery and higher mileage standards.