Bajaj Pulsar N150

The overall design of the Bajaj Pulsar N150 is similar to that of the Pulsar N160, with the former having the same new-generation design language derived from the Pulsar N250. The new Pulsar N150 has a triangular-shaped headlight design with a centrally-placed LED projector with LED positioning lamps placed just above the projector.

The sharp-looking fuel tank and wide tank extensions of the Bajaj Pulsar N150 has also been shared with the Pulsar N160, and so have the sleek-looking tail panels. The Pulsar N150 also gets a body-coloured engine cowl, compact underbelly exhaust, a long single-piece seat and a rear tyre hugger.

While the new Bajaj Pulsar N150 gets the bodywork of the Pulsar N160, it retains the single-cylinder, air-cooled, 149.68cc engine of the now-discontinued Pulsar P150. This engine is paired with a 5-speed transmission and claims 14.5PS @ 8500 rpm and 13.5Nm @ 6000 rpm. With these figures, it is slightly more powerful and torquier than the Bajaj Pulsar 150.

While the Bajaj Pulsar N150 retains the 90-section front tyre of the Pulsar P150, it gets a wider 120-section rear tyre, both wrapped on 17-inch alloy wheels. The fatter rear tyre should ensure better grip, especially on corners. The motorcycle comes with a 260mm front disc brake and a 130mm drum brake for the rear wheel. The 31mm telescopic fork and monoshock are tuned for comfortable city commutes.

The Bajaj Pulsar N150 has an easy-to-reach single-piece handlebar. This along with the mid-set footpegs ensure a comfortable, upright riding posture. The 790mm tall seat has a slim profile, making it accessible for riders of most heights. The 145kg kerb weight is also fairly manageable.

Besides LED illumination for the projector headlamp and tail lamp, the Bajaj Pulsar N150 also has a single-channel ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), which means the ABS only works on the front wheel. The bike comes with a full-LCD instrument cluster that shows data including the speed, odometer reading, dual trip meter readings, gear indicator, real-time mileage indicator, distance to empty readouts, and fuel level, apart from other tell-tale lights. More importantly, it also gets smartphone connectivity with call and SMS alerts, phone battery and signal levels. That said, there is no turn-by-turn navigation.

The Bajaj Pulsar N150 is a good offering in the sporty 150cc commuter that comes with a refined engine, and a reasonable set of features. That said, it looks too similar to the Bajaj Pulsar N160. We wish there were more differentiating factors in terms of design, to ensure the N150 has its own identity. Moreover, its bigger sibling, the N160 is just around Rs 8,500 more expensive and offers better performance and the added safety of a dual-channel ABS.