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Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTS-i

 

 

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Make Model

Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTS-i

Year

2014

Engine

Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves

Capacity

178.6 cc  / 10.9 cu in

Bore x Stroke

63.5 x 56.4 mm

Compression Ratio

9.5:1

Cooling System

Air cooled

Lubrication

Wet sump, forced

Exhaust

Single, stainless steel, Bajaj ETEC

Induction

UCSL Mikuni BS29 side draught carburetor

Ignition

Digital twin spark

Battery

12V, full DC

Spark Plug

2 per cylinder

Starting

Electric & Kick start

Max Power

12 kW / 22.8 hp @ 8500 rpm

Max Torque

14.2 Nm / 1.45 kg-fm / 10.5 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm

Clutch

Wet, multiplate

Transmission

5 Speed

Final Drive

Chain

Frame

Double cradle

Front Suspension

Telescopic forks with anti-stiction bushes

Rear Suspension

Triple rate spring, 5-way adjustable, gas assisted Nitrox Shock Absorber

Wheels

Alloy, 6-spoke

Front Brakes

Single 260 mm disc

Rear Brakes

Drum, 130 mm

Front Tyre

90/90-17

Rear Tyre

120/80-17

Dimensions

Length: 2035 mm / 80.1 in
Width: 765 mm / 30.1 in
Height: 1115 mm / 43.9 in

Wheelbase

1345 mm / 52.9 in

Ground Clearance

165 mm / 6.5 in

Seat Height

790 mm / 31.1 in

Kerb Weight

145 kg / 320 lb

Fuel Capacity 

15 Litres / 4.0 US gal

Fuel Reserve

3.2 L / 0.85 US gal

Average Consumption

2.2 L/100 km / 45 km/l / 106 US mpg

Braking: 60 km/h / 37 mph - 0

18 m / 59 ft

Acc: 0 - 60 km/h / 37 mph

4.8 sec

Top Speed

122 km/h / 75.8 mph

In the present form, one particular thing which still exists even after so many years is the big and chiseled fuel tank, with a crease running in the middle of it to provide a comfortable contour for your knees. The bike features a menacing front end look which has become tad too familiar, with twin pilot lamps at both the upper ends, which Bajaj likes to call 'wolf-eyed headlamp'. The rear body panels are pointed upwards, incorporating a set of vertically stacked LED tail lamps within it. Overall design is now a bit dated if compared to the its other present day rivals, but still carries the butch stance needed for a bike of this segment. The Pulsar 180 was the first 'Made-in-India' to feature a combination of a digital-analog instrument panel, and still carries on the same unit, which includes a digital LCD showcasing a digital speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer and trip meter, coupled up with an analog tachometer. It comes with split pillion grab rails and open chain cover to add some extra naked appearance to the overall profile. The clip on handlebars look great and are an evolution over the previous generation model. The fit and finish of the motorcycle is decent but do not match that of typical Honda and Yamaha machines.

The Pulsar has always been known as a tractable machine, which has enough power on offer to quench your appetite of performance. To start with, the motorcycle still carries the same 178.6cc motor of that of its previous generation model, though with some minor as well as major tweaks, and is now able to deliver the maximum power and torque ratings of 17.02 PS and 14.22 Nm respectively. The engine may have a gruff note on its operation and refinement levels may not be on par with its rivals from Honda and Yamaha, but the power delivery is punchy enough to give the rider oodles of confidence. The mid-range performance of Pulsar 180 is brilliant enough to be equally confident in both city commuting and highway jaunts. The torque is in abundance, which makes it an ideal tool for those long highway jaunts.

The ride quality is where the Pulsar 180 still manages to outshine many motorcycles available out there. The suspension setup of telescopic front forks and gas charged rear springs give out a stress free plush ride, even over some big bumps. It is this aspect of the motorcycle which has undercut every other competition of it. Though the front end is a bit heavy, but handling this 180cc commuter from Bajaj is not that ponderous amidst the city traffic. Braking is also on a better side, though a rear disc could have done wonders for it. Overall, at the end of the day, it manages to bring a smile on your face, rather than sweat on your forehead, owing to its comfort and ride factors.