bajaj pulsar as 150

bajaj pulsar as 150

i have a Bajaj pulsar as 150.The all new 150cc four valve engine brings some interesting figures to the 150cc class. To start with, it’s the first under square engine in the Pulsar line-up, and shares the same 56mm bore as the Discover 150. Its 17PS power output is second only to the 18.5PS CBR150R and equal to the Yamaha R15’s.

It also features a four valve head like the Discover engine but that’s where the Discover similarities end. It’s quite refined in terms of vibrations though the thrashy engine note betrays its air cooled single layout. The vibes are only really noticeable through the foot pegs when the tachometer needle nears redline. Power delivery is smooth too and fairly linear with a slight surge upwards of 7,000prm up till the rev limiter. Strangely, the characteristic long stroke mid range punch is missing and the AS likes to be revved to get a move on. It doesn’t hinder the riding experience though and there is enough torque in the motor so you’re not manically shifting up and down the box in town. There is some sponginess in the gear shift linkage though that makes gear changes soft and not crisp, as they should be. In our acceleration runs, the AS crossed the 100kmph mark in 21.85s and went on to a top speed over 125kmph. It’s quite efficient too, returning a very respectable 52.8kmpl in our combined city and highway run.
Don’t head to show rooms expecting long travel suspensions and go-anywhere credibility from the AS 150. Bajaj was quite clear at the launch that the AS twins are only to introduce the customers to the ‘adventure’ tag line with adventure styling. The suspension set up and riding position are more sporty street motorcycle rather than the smooth ride quality of an adventure sport. With the AS 150, Bajaj has softened the setup because of feedback that the 200NS was too stiff and it wants new customers of the Pulsar brand to feel comfortable.

In our books, we find the soft feeling a little over done. In normal riding and while cruising around, the motorcycle was great with firm but comfortable ride quality that absorbed almost everything we could throw at it. But when we tried to up the pace, it soon started to feel soft. Try to turn into a corner quickly and the bike does a little wobble and when you step on the brakes, the front lever feels a little squishy. So while it’s perfectly amicable at sedate speeds, when you up the pace, it’s not much fun.