The completely indigenous Pulsar twins have done a heroic job for Bajaj Auto, setting the sales charts afire. These two machines are largely responsible for changing the ‘scooter maker’ image associated with the firm. The Pulsar 150 in particular has been a major success for the company. Not one to sit back on the dangerously comfy cushion of complacency, Bajaj has launched an updated version.Design, Engineering and Interiors:
The original Pulsars have always been good-looking machines, and the DTS-i continues the mould. The newer Pulsar looks stretched, a cat already midway through its leap, rather than one coiled and ready to pounce. Paint quality and fit and finish are of a tall order. The front has been capped by a unique, new bikini fairing, flawless from any angle. A new rubberised section prevents the ignition key-chain scratching the metal. From here backwards, the bike looks familiar, save for a new DTS-i decal and rear number-plate illuminator. The major visual difference is a new silencer unit: nice. Bajaj has retained the same tank, side-panels, and rear-end, and knowing a good thing we see it, we’re not complaining. Sadly, the old bike’s awful handlebar grips have been retained, despite our yelping about how hard and uncomfortable they are. The very latest DTS-is we spotted came with satin-finished, powder-coated handlebars. The classy switchgear, carried forward from the old bike, remains flawless and the all-new headlamp unit is perfect. Performance, Fuel Economy and Handling:
Bajaj R&D have apparently spent many man-hours working the old Pulsar 150 to come up with DTS-i. The new engine feels vastly different from its older sibling, and performance proves it a different animal altogether. The big change is the adoption of an extra spark plug within the combustion chamber. Both plugs have the same heat range and fire at the same moment. A throttle actuated ignition-control system works hand-in-glove with a chip-controlled digital capacitor discharge ignition (CDI) system for accurate ignition timing under all conditions. This dual spark design accelerates and evens out flame propagation, which results in more efficient combustion. The valve seats are still the same size, yet valves have been suitably modified. The cylinder feeds off the same CV-type carburetor, though jetting has been changed; this engine shows off its superiority in delivering more from less — better economy yet an increased power output of 13bhp at 8500rpm. The clutch is a wee bit sharp in its release. The torque curve has shifted lower into the rpm band, aiding urban riding. Gear ratios remain unchanged on the DTS-i. The five-speed heel-and-toe operated gearshift, disappointingly, retains its all-down shift pattern, which would have done better as a one down/four up and one sometimes hits false neutrals. Performance is now crisper—the bike going from rest to 60kph in 5.66 seconds. Leave aside the bald numbers, however impressive they may be; the real hero is the character of the engine. Daily use of the bike revealed the DTS-i to have a delightful throttle response and hitch-less power delivery. The engine feels sportier in nature, and is yet more user-friendly than its predecessor. This is the area in which Bajaj’s engineers have really outdone themselves, and shown their ability to make a truly sweet-handling motorcycle. 
The 150 DTS-i retains the same sporty riding position as the old Pulsar, but that’s where similarities end. Ride is far better now, helped largely by the adoption of a longer box-metal swingarm and reworked and repositioned rear shocks. This same key change has helped lengthen wheelbase and completely alter other facets of handling. Gone is the heavy feel associated with the crude steering damper on the old bike. This has wisely been done away with, and in its place come stockier, more rigid fork tubes. The tubes are placed further apart from each other, and engine mount points have been changed. All the changes add up to a machine that handles with insouciant ease, leaving behind the twitchy sharpness of the older Pulsar. The bike now feels plusher, more comfortable, and is generally less trick and more treat. Even the less experienced rider will be able to push this bike farther into its handling envelope than he would the older edition. The DTS-i is very stable, corners brilliantly, is wonderful to flick around and steers absolutely plumb. Braking is sure footed and we managed to stop from 60kph to rest in a fraction above 16 metres. Seeing just how much more powerful the DTS-i is, you’d expect a slight drop in fuel efficiency, but not so. Our tests fetched 56kpl in city conditions and 62kpl out on the highway, which nearly mirror the old 150.Verdict:
The Pulsar 150 DTS-i, with its peppy engine and neutral, praiseworthy handling is now perfectly capable of attracting the attention of true-blue sports bikers, yet fits the bill for the slightly up-market commuter not allowing its new-found character to affect fuel efficiency. The new bikini fairing adds styling flair to the bike and attractive value to the complete package. The DTS-i, though only a development of the Pulsar, feels like a completely different bike.
Source: autocarindia.com
