Ride Review: Bajaj Pulsar P150 is for riders of all kinds

HYDERABAD: Bajaj Auto has added to its list another variant of Pulsar, by launching the P150 aiming to attract those looking for an economical motorcycle which offers great performance and looks chic at the same time.

After the 250cc (N250 and F250) and 160cc (N160) versions, this is Pulsar’s third offering on the all-new platform that was launched in October 2021.

As Bajaj claims, there is a Pulsar for everyone and the P150 becomes the tenth Pulsar in production with three variants of Pulsar, three variants of Pulsar NS, two variants of RS and one variant of Pulsar N already in the market.

The latest P150 comes in two models, Single-Disc (SD) and Twin-Disc (TD). While the SD offers an upright stance with a tubular handlebar and single seat, while the TD has a sportier stance with clip-on handle bars and split seat.

Engine and performance

P150 is powered by a 149.68 CC engine mated to a 5 –speed gear box, producing a peak power of 14.5 PS at 8500 RPM and 13.5 Nm of torque at 6000 RPM. This engine is by far the most refined one on the Pulsars. It is peppy, offers great throttle response and comes with a bassy exhaust note which gives a sporty feeling while riding.

Dimensions and weight

The motorcycle seems perfectly stretched from the head to the tail with a wheelbase of 1353mm. It offers a good ground clearance of 165mm, which can keep the bike from having its underbelly scraped on most bumpy Indian roads. Saddling at 790mm, the seat on the P150 is at a comfortable height for most Indian riders. The bike loses 10 kilos with minute adjustments in the mag wheels, the swing arm and the frame, weighing at 140kg (Kerb).

Tyres, brakes and suspension

The Twin-Disk version comes with a 17 inch 90/90 cross section front tyre and 17 inch 110/90 cross section rear tyre while the Single-Disk version comes with a 17 inch 80/100 cross section tyre in the front and a 17 inch 100/90 cross section tyre in the rear.  The TD comes with a 260mm dist on the front and a 230 mm disk on the rear, and the SC comes with  a 260 mm disk on the front and a 130mm drum on the rear.  On the suspension front, the P150 comes with a rear monoshock.

Styling, ride and feel

The all new sharp and edgy styling is appealing as it comes with a trendy under-belly exhaust. The colour schemes – Racing Red, Caribbean Blue, Ebony Black Red, Ebony Black Blue and Ebony Black White are not the best in the market but they look good on a bike of this segment. The overall ride quality of the bike could have been a tad bit better, with wider tyres for a more confidence-instilling, planted feeling while riding. The P150 is not exactly an eye-catcher and does not enjoy the road presence like the other Pulsars. It however, is that better-looking work horse which can clock miles-over-miles in the “Great Indian Traffic” without any fuss.

Available at a price of Rs. 1,19,757 (ex-showroom) for twin-disc variant and Rs. 1,16,755 (ex-showroom) for single-disc variant, it claims to return with a mileage of 49 kmpl and makes for a really good first bike for new riders, as well as being a sleek yet economic option to slightly older ones.