The two-wheeler manufacturer based out of Pune had introduced the new 2017 Bajaj Pulsar 220 in India in December 2016. There were subtle cosmetic upgrades and a BSIV compliant engine that the motorcycle received. Though, the overall profile remains unchanged. Since its launch, the company has added a new Laser Red paint scheme on the Pulsar 220. The 220cc motorcycle now gets new graphics – red colour with new white highlights.

Except for the few updates, the 2017 Bajaj Pulsar 220 shares a strong resemblance with the previous, two-seater model. The bike now gets a new backlit colour for the instrumentation cluster instead of amber to cool blue shade. Other design highlights include a new dual-tone scheme, matte-black finished exhaust with chrome, new rim decals and chrome highlights. The new seats are claimed to offer a comfortable ride for both rider and pillion. Powering the bike is the same 220cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, DTS-i engine, which has been calibrated to meet BS4 norms.

Pulsar 220F is an affordable bike for customers in the four-stroke segment with DTS-I, oil-cooled, single-cylinder powertrain. The engine capacity is 220 cc and the engine has power at the top at 20.65 bhp at 8500 rpm and with a peak torque of 18.55 Nm at 7000 rpm. There are telescopic forks in this bike fitted in the front. There is a 5-step adjustable nitrox shock absorber at the rear for good support and balance to the bike while the bike is running on the road. There are 260 mm and 230 mm disc brakes at the front and the back. There is ample sitting comfortably. There is an LED headlamp, sporty split seats, split grab rails, electric start, engine kill switch, and self-cancelling indicator and so on.

Bajaj Pulsar 220F

The Bajaj Pulsar 220F is a high-performance bike which is made for the masses. It looks pretty much the same as its BS4 counterpart. The noticeable changes in this new edition are to the exhaust system and fuel mechanism. For the latest edition, instead of the carburettor, Bajaj includes the fuel-injection mechanism and the exhaust system has been improved. It manages to adhere to the new carbon emission regulations without regressing to advanced and high-end technology. Some feature changes are visible in relation to emission norms such as larger catalytic converter, EVAP, and redesigning of the exhaust manifold. 

How is the design? 

The sports-inspired Bajaj Pulsar 220 F is geared up with incredible aerodynamics along with an amazing semi-fairing which contributes to its premiumness. The bike’s front profile is carefully furnished with a black visor and twin projector headlights alongside the dual rear-view mirrors. The windshield is big and the headlamp is edgy. The exhaust muffler of the bike has a matte black touch and the bright reflective graphics on its rim differentiate it from Bajaj’s previous models. The instrument cluster of the bike comes with a fibre surround of faux carbon and a blue backlight display. It is informative and easy to rear, consisting of digitised tripmeter, fuel gauge, odometer and speedometer, while the tachometer has analogue functionality. The bike’s clip-on handlebar comes with an electric start, pass switch, self-cancelling blinkers and engine-kill switch. The fuel tank is sharply crafted, having a capacity of 15 litres to ensure comfortability on long hauls. The sporty seat is well-padded for delivering high-end comfort. Coming to the rear, the LED tail light and the split grab-rails are ultra-stylish.

How is the performance?

The Bajaj Pulsar 220 F is a high-performance bike propelled by a 4-stroke, 220 cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled, DTS-i engine coupled with a five-speed unit. The mill of the bike is tuned well to deliver 20.8 Bhp power at 8500 rpm and 19.12 Nm peak torque at 7000 rpm, making the bike one of the most powerful in its segment. The Bajaj Pulsar 220 F has wet multiplate clutches for transmitting power to the DTS-i ignition system and the rear wheel. This arrangement allows the bike to sprint from 0 to 60 kmpl in only 3.80 seconds and hit a maximum of 144 kmpl speed. The braking duties of the bike are handled by the front disc brake (260 mm) and the rear disc brake (230 mm) for enhancing the stopping power and braking controls of the 5-spoke alloy wheels. The telescopic suspension system is coupled with an anti-friction brush that has 5-way adjustability at the front profile. The rear has a Nitrox shock-absorber for ensuring comfortability and smoothness on different terrains.     

How does the Bajaj Pulsar 220 F ride? 

The Bajaj Pulsar 220 F has a powerful engine and with the tough top-end, this bike can manoeuvre well through extended highways. The technical arrangement allows the bike to sprint from 0 to 60 kmpl in only 3.80 seconds and hit a maximum of 144 kmpl speed. While speeding down on the highways, the bike’s quarter fairing allows it to deflect the strong wind to ensure a smoother and comfortable riding experience. The fuel tank has a maximum capacity of 15 litres and provides ample range especially on long hauls. This bike is a good commuter and incredible for long rides.  

How comfortable is the Bajaj Pulsar 220 F? 

The Bajaj Pulsar 220 F is quite easy to rear with superior acceleration and riding comfort. The seating posture of the bike is not very aggressive and the seats are well cushioned for long-term comfort. It is, in fact, a super well-rounded and efficient package, capable of riding long-distances. 

How's the tech? 

The engine of the new Bajaj Pulsar 220 F has cutting edge features that set high performance standards. a 4-stroke, 220 cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled, DTS-i engine coupled with a five-speed unit. The telescopic forks installed in the front are 37mm. The DTS-i technology used in this bike is coupled with twin park ignition, fully digital. An advanced digital control unit is used for powering the SOHCtriple spark four-valve unit. This is what contributes to the unmatched performance of the bike. 

How's the mileage of the Bajaj Pulsar 220 F? 

The standard mileage of the Bajaj Pulsar 220 F is 40 kmpl.  

Is the Bajaj Pulsar 220 F good value for money? 

The Bajaj Pulsar 220 F is an overall package having high-performance standards and a power engine. It is not only good for commuting within the city, but delivers excellence even on highways and long hauls. It provides great comfortability and gives good mileage in usual traffic conditions. This bike is a good value for money. 

How is the after sales service? 

Bajaj grants three free services for the Bajaj Pulsar 220 F and the first service can be obtained after 1 month or upon covering 500 km, the second can be obtained after 8 months or upon covering 4500 km and third can be obtained after 12 months or upon covering 9500 km. The following four services can be obtained in a span of 14 months and the payment increases for each service. A few other bikes in the same category provide free services over 11000 kms and some grant 4-5 free services. 

Which motorbikes compete in this segment? 

Some of the top contenders of the Bajaj Pulsar 220 F competing in the same segment are BMW R NineT Scrambler, Kawasaki Z650, TVS Apache RTR 200, Hero Xtreme 200S, Yamaha FZS  25, Suzuki Gixxer, TVS Apache RTR 160, Honda XBlade, Suzuki Gixxer 150 and Bajaj Pulsar 180. 

Verdict (Value for money)

The Bajaj Pulsar 220 F is a real value for money bike which delivers good mileage within the city traffic. It is a good bike for regular commuting and comfortable to ride on long hauls. It is packed with great features that one can expect from a bike at this price.