Bajaj Pulsar 150

The Bajaj Pulsar 150 was launched in India in the year 2001 and has since become one of the most popular motorcycles in its segment. Known for its sporty design, powerful performance, and value for money, the Pulsar 150 has been a favorite among riders looking for an exciting and reliable ride. Powering the Pulsar 150 is a 149.5cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that delivers impressive performance. It generates ample power and torque, allowing riders to experience a thrilling ride both in city traffic and on highways. The engine is mated to a smooth-shifting 5-speed gearbox, enabling precise gear changes and optimal power delivery.  The Pulsar 150 features a sporty and aggressive design, with sharp lines, muscular fuel tank, and a dual-tone paint scheme.

Key Highlights:

Bajaj Pulsar 150

The Bajaj Pulsar 150 is a motorcycle which has grown its range to 220 cc from 125 cc and is popular amongst various age groups. The Bajaj Pulsar 150 and 180 cc versions have been through multifarious transitions over the years. The Pulsar 150 manages to hold its own against its rivals, even today. 

How is the design? 

The Bajaj Pulsar 150 offers great styling and features. The Bajaj Pulsar 150 comes with the Neon Silver, Neon Red, and Neon Green. The model also has Black Blue and Black Red, along with Black Grey alongside. The wheelbase and ground clearance are quite impressive, while the design has the same halogen headlamp with the mini-visor and there is the rear-end with the vertical-split LED tail lamp. The side-mounted exhaust has a chrome finished crash/heat shield with blacked-out six spoke alloy wheels. The single-disc and twin-disc variants are available while the graphics for the bike’s tank shrouds are also boosted with a graphic for the fender on the front wheel. The pillion grab-rail is also unique and comes with sizable chrome treatment alongside. There is also an attractive headlamp graphic with a rear-panel sticker as well. The Neon variant does not get these graphics and is slightly minimal in terms of its design. 

How is the performance? 

The Bajaj Pulsar 150 makes 14 PS of maximum power with its 149.5 cc engine and 13.4 Nm of maximum torque. There is also a five-speed gearbox. The air cooled, single cylinder and fuel injected DTS-i engine offers good performance overall and now also offers superior refinement alongside. The Pulsar 150 revs better and also offers a punchy mid-range while riding in the city along with a smooth shifting gearbox for company. The highway is where the Pulsar 150 disappoints, lacking similar punch and also coming with higher vibrations at enhanced RPMs. The top speed at round about 110 kmph is not as much as you would otherwise want from the Pulsar 150. 

How does the Bajaj Pulsar 150 ride? 

The Bajaj Pulsar 150 comes with an anti-friction bush for the front, and this can be adjusted in five ways. The rear gets the Nitrox shock absorber. This enhances riding quality, especially with the 31 mm front fork and the twin shock rear absorber with its gas-filled canister. There is a front telescopic 37 mm fork for the twin-disc version while the rear has a twin-shock absorber in turn. All the bike models get 17-inch tyres with varying width and the front brake size has 240/130 mm disc/drum brakes while the 150 version comes with 260 mm ABS/130 mm disc and drum brakes. The top-end 150 twin-disc brake version comes with a front 280 mm disc and rear 230 mm disc alongside. The Pulsar 150 handles reasonably well and also comes with a double-cradle frame for superior weight distribution at the same time. Yet, this is not a bike to be tightly flung around corners. There is a lack of required stability in certain scenarios. 

How comfortable is the Bajaj Pulsar 150? 

The practicality of the Pulsar 150 is evident through the sheer comfort that it offers, although the rider’s seating position may hinder quick cornering. The motorcycle can accommodate two people in reasonable comfort, while offering a smooth ride. The clip-on handlebar is positioned suitably although taller riders may face some slight issues. The foot pegs are placed in a way that people can also sit in a more relaxed way and in the upright position. The twin-disc variant comes with split seating, one for the rider and also one at the back for the pillion rider. They also offer suitable comfort and room for movement, along with superior adjustability. The Neon variant has a single seat which offers more comfort in turn. Seat heights are decent for the variants while kerb weight of approximately 150 kg also enables better maneuvering of the motorcycle along with overall accessibility in turn.  

How’s the tech? 

The Pulsar 150 comes with LED DRLs, electric start, digital speedometer, pass light, and the stand alarm. The models also have tubeless tyres and standard alloy wheels. There is also a semi-digital instrument console while the tachometer is also analogue. The backlit switches are also practical enough and single-channel ABS too. 

How’s the mileage of the Bajaj Pulsar 150? 

You can expect anywhere around 50-55 kmpl in mileage for the Bajaj Pulsar 150. 

Is the Bajaj Pulsar 150 good value for money? 

The Bajaj Pulsar 150 offers great value for money if you consider it’s attractive, iconic and signature styling, along with its refined engine and metallic-build finishing. It also offers decent features and mileage at an accessible price tag. Yet, the pickup is not as impressive, and the engine does run out of steam. It also has an outdated instrument cluster. 

How is the after sales service? 

You can expect average service intervals at 4,000-6,000 km and service costs are also quite reasonable. 

Which motorbikes compete in the segment? 

The Bajaj Pulsar 150 competes with the TVS Apache RTR 160 which has lower weight and better acceleration and is also more affordable. Performance is also a stronger suit for the TVS Apache RTR 160. The Honda Unicorn is another rival which gets a 162.7 cc engine that offers similar power figures. There is more refinement and comfort alike. The Pulsar 150 outstrips the Unicorn on its design, pricing, and overall package. The Hero Xtreme 160R is also a rival in the segment which has a 163 cc engine with more power and great kerb weight. It offers good fuel economy and performance alike and comes with two variants. The price difference is nominal. Overall, the Pulsar 150 does manage to hold its own in the segment. 

Verdict (Is it value for money?)

The Pulsar 150 is still a strong proposition for buyers in the segment. The Pulsar 150 comes with several variants and is a reliable and practical option for buyers as well. The design and styling are attractive while the feature list could have been better but is decent otherwise. The pricing is also competitive, and the mileage is also decent. It does make a strong case for itself.