Bajaj Pulsar 180F: Pros, Cons And Should You Buy One?

Here’s a look at what clicks for the Bajaj Pulsar 180F and what doesn’t

With the looks and features of its older sibling at a more affordable price tag, the all-new Bajaj Pulsar 180F sure does look like a tempting buy. But is it really the value-for-money proposition it appears to be at first glance? And should you really buy it? We help you figure. 

PROS

Has the appearance of a larger bike

The whole intention behind the creation of the Bajaj Pulsar 180F was to trickle down the classic design of the 220F at a more affordable price point. And we have to say, Bajaj has succeeded in doing that. The Pulsar 180F looks exactly like the larger Pulsar 220F. But for a more distinctive appearance, the smaller Pulsar gets a matte grey paint job with orange accents on the badge, inside the fairing vents and on the split grab rails.

Also Read - Bajaj Pulsar 180 Neon: Road Test Review

Gets a fantastic headlamp

The biggest update on the Pulsar 180F comes in the form of a new projector headlamp setup, carried over from the 220F. And just like the Pulsar 220F, the headlight offer best-in-class lighting in terms of beam intensity and spread. 

Brakes have strong bite.

Braking hardware has also been improved here. The Bajaj Pulsar 180F gets a new 260mm front disc which provides progressive feel and ample bite. Although, under hard braking you’ll notice the soft front end dip in, which causes the rear wheel to lighten up and break traction easily. However, the single-channel ABS setup does a good job of keeping the front wheel in check and isn't too intrusive. 

CONS

Instrument console looks dated.

The Bajaj Pulsar 220F isn’t exactly the most feature-rich motorcycle out there. Its semi-digital instrument console, for instance, has remained unchanged for more than a decade. Unfortunately, Bajaj has carried the same equipment on the Pulsar 180F as well. This means you get the same semi-digital instrument console with an analogue tachometer, fuel gauge and warning for the side stand. Although it showcases all the necessary rider aid information, it is certainly a far cry from what Hero offers on the Xtreme 200S. 

Engine performance is equal to modern 150-160cc bikes

During our performance tests, the Pulsar 180F did the 0-60kmph run in 5.54 seconds, which is actually slower than most 160cc bikes and even the Gixxer SF. This can be blamed on its extra weight and also the relatively taller gearing. However, thanks to its extra capacity, the Pulsar 180 posts a respectable 0-100kmph time of 15.88 seconds.

Visibility from mirrors is restricted.

In our tests we found the size of the mirrors a bit too small for our liking. This affects the visibility quite a bit. 

Should you buy it? NO

The Bajaj Pulsar 180F has a lot going for it. A new fairing, all-new headlight and an overall appearance of a big bike. But for Rs 3,610 more, you can opt for the fully-faired Hero Xtreme 200S which offers more features and performance. In comparison, the Pulsar 180F just feels overpriced.

Also Read - Bajaj Pulsar 180F Vs Hero Xtreme 200S: Image Comparison