Bajaj Pulsar 150

The Bajaj Pulsar 150 marks its 25th anniversary this year, with the biggest update the bike has seen in years. Bajaj has brought in a new engine, a new chassis with a monoshock, and a TFT console option on the top variant. While this is a generational update, the Pulsar genes are still intact as it is still recognisable as a classic Pulsar. The new Pulsar 150 is priced at Rs 1,15,233 for the Single Seat Single Disc variant. The Twin Disc Single Seat variant costs Rs 1,22, 184. The range-topping Twin Disc Split Seat variant is pegged at Rs 1,23,187 (all ex-showroom, Delhi).

The muscular fuel tank and sleek tail carry over, so this is instantly recognisable as a Pulsar even next to an older one. Colours and graphics are sporty, with rim stickers to match, and the LED headlamp continues to give the front end a modern look. The new-generation version also gets a monoshock at the rear, replacing the twin-shock setup on the older bike, helping the bike look a bit more modern. Of course, you also get the same Wolf-eyed lamps but these DRLs are LED now. The iconic twin strip LED tail light is a bit more angular now.

Safety Features

All variants get a single-channel ABS setup. Braking hardware also follows variant lines: twin-disc gets a 280mm front disc with a 230mm rear disc, while single-disc trims pair a 260mm front disc with a 130mm rear drum.

Convenience Features

The top Twin Disc variant (with Single Seat and Split Seat) gets a 5-inch TFT console with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Google Maps mirroring, a step up from the 5-inch colour LCD with Bluetooth and turn-by-turn navigation on the variant below it (Single Disc Single Seat variant).

Rider Comfort

The riding position is upright rather than hunched forward, thanks to the raised clip-on handlebar and centrally placed footpegs. The seat cushioning should hold up well for daily commutes

Pillion Comfort

The single-seat variants should offer better room for the pillion as the seat is not segmented like the split ones.

City & Highway Performance 

Power comes from a new 150cc engine, now air-and-oil-cooled rather than purely air-cooled like the outgoing unit. The new engine makes 14PS at 8000 rpm and 14.1Nm at 6500 rpm. Around the city, expect the same easy, unstressed character the previous bike is known for, with enough in reserve for a highway overtake when needed. E20 fuel compatibility carries over too, as it has across Bajaj's lineup for years.

Gearbox

The 5-speed gearbox should shift smoothly, just like the older model.

Brakes

The SD (LCD) variant gets a 260mm front disc with a 130mm rear drum, while the TD (TFT) single-seat and split-seat variants get a 260mm front disc with a 230mm rear disc. All variants come with single-channel ABS.

Handling & Ride Quality

The outgoing bike's twin gas-charged rear shocks and variant-dependent fork sizes (37mm on twin-disc, 31mm on single-disc) have been replaced by a monoshock setup, which should improve how the bike settles over broken roads compared to the outgoing model's setup. The front end also gets a new 33mm telescopic fork.

The Hero Xtreme 160R 2V, TVS Apache RTR 160 2V, Honda Unicorn, Honda SP160, and the Yamaha FZ-S Fi are the key rivals to the Pulsar 150.