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Tech it to the max

This is Bajaj's answer to the new Hero Honda CBZ X-Treme. RISHAD COOPER checks out the new, spiffed out Pulsar 150 DTS-i

FLASH VALUE Bajaj has dipped into the goodie bag to kit the Pulsar 150 with a snazzy instrument console.

Bajaj Auto and Hero Honda have been at war for a while now and nowhere is this more evident than in the150cc segment. With the new CBZ X-treme just having hit the market, Bajaj decided upgrade its bestseller, the Pulsar 150 DTS-i.

It's in the detail

The Pulsar 180 and 150 now look identical. Bajaj has mastered motorcycle styling, evidence of which lies in the Pulsars being the smartest motorcycles in India. The front bikini fairing sits a tad lower on the new 150, which gives it a more aggressive demeanour. A black mask surrounding the headlight is visible, as are well kitted out pilot lamps. The headlight bulb is intelligent now — automatically switching to a working filament if the other one blows. How cool is that? While the fuel tank retains its shape as before, a little mesh on the lockable side panels improves looks. The underseat cowl has been pleasantly reworked to blend into its handsome tail unit. Among the smartest tails in the business, this one ends with two flush narrow LED strips providing tail and brake warning. Just above is a new, light alloy grab handle. The rear mudguard is another all-new styling point. The latest Pulsar comes with clear lens and flexible mounted indicators.

And the bike packs in an instrument bay certain to make every owner proud. A large analogue tachometer runs off a stepper motor ensuring minimal lag and accurate readings, while a clear digital speedometer dominates the rest of an elegantly amber backlit display. Fuel level is displayed in digital format, as is the odometer, and twin trip facility that can be reset via a tiny rubber knob. There's a redline flasher that fires in above 9,000 rpm — this also doubles as low-fuel level warning when the motorcycle runs with under four litres in its tank. A side-stand warning lamp is on offer among the warning lamps. Viewing intensity of the instrument bay brightens during daytime and dims for comfort at night. The switchgear - backlit and contact-free - is outstanding. Self-cancelling indicators are another car feature on the 150, while a contact-free speedo means the bike comes with a maintenance-free speedometer wire.

While the levers and mirrors function well, slightly softer palm grips would've done as well. As before, the new Pulsar 150 DTS-i comes with twin horns. There's a maintenance-free battery to do just what the name suggests. A top-class paint job and premium alloy rims are just as good as on the earlier Pulsar.

It gets better still

An LED tail-lamp and lots more.

There's big news in the engine department with the four-stroke, air-cooled and DTS-i engine now displacing 149.01cc instead of its previous 143.9 cubes. While the CV carburettor remains at the same size, it has received internal tweaks and now sucks from a larger air box on one side, feeding an optimised inlet tract on the other. The engine's bore has been increased one millimetre, although stroke remains unaffected. And even with a bigger piston, Bajaj has managed to keep reciprocating mass constant. Twin plugs deliver two flame fronts in DTS-i tradition, while camshaft timing has been reworked.

The new 150 employs other changes within its exhaust system as also within its exhausTEC chamber - Bajaj's patent ExhausTEC system assists with low-end grunt. A new viewing window on the Pulsar crankcase makes checking oil level a breeze. More importantly, extensive modifications to the clutch ensure it now feels progressive and ultra smooth. Which brings us to the bit about the Pulsar 150 we have long whined about — its gearbox. We've stopped whining now - the new bike switches from its whimsical all-five-down shifting transmission to a one-down-and-four-up heel-and toe-operated gearshift.

Engine remains carburetted, though it now displaces larger volume

The significant increase in displacement ensures the new Pulsar 150 DTS-i imparts a quicker feel and the new gearshift makes this one fun machine to ride. One can safely predict even better performance, with the engine feeling slightly more powerful in all parts in its power band. Vibration is minimal, while one does still enjoy the cracking response associated with the Pulsar.

As discovered when testing the Pulsar 180, speedometer error on the new digital instrument kitted 150 is a thing of the past. There's a slight `lean down' involved in gripping this bike's silver-coloured handlebar, which lends for a sporty touch. And the seat is equally accommodating for riders and pillions alike. The latest Pulsar sticks to telescopic front forks and a twin-spar frame that cradles its engine. At the rear, there's a rectangle section swingarm and gas-charged shocks, the same as before. Bajaj's trademark 17-inch rims offer quick turn-in and a broad 100/90-section tyre brings up the rear. While our brief ride didn't tell us much about ride quality, one can expect it to be brilliant. Straight-line and cornering manners are good with solidly reassuring brakes.

We like it!

While Bajaj denies it, there is a possibility that fuel economy might drop slightly on the new bike due to its extra cubic capacity. With improved styling, additional features than before, superb performance and nippy handling, the new Pulsar 150 DTS-i will make buyers shell out a few extra thousand. However, Bajaj as always, will justify its value by plastering the bike with the highest specifications and feature levels possible, not to mention, lending its tag of reputation as India's most iconic motorcycle.

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