Riding the next-gen Pulsar 180 DTS-i can be outrageous. Lining up the bike for its acceleration tests, carefully balancing engine revs and the clutch release, we hadn't anticipated any cause for concern. Yet, as we raised the stakes and barreled our way through the clutch for maximum boost, a furious squealing from the rear of the bike caught us unawares. Anxious moments and a couple of similar fishtailing runs later, we realised what the theatrics were. This new Pulsar was aggressively wheel-spinning itself each time off the line, leaving dark, black rubber patches as evidence of its new-found and extremely violent antics.:  The new Pulsar 180 DTS-i is another absolute stunner from Bajaj Auto. Fresh grants are 17-inch, six-spoke alloy rims at both ends, helping the bike look miles ahead of its predecessor. Wheelbase is now a slightly longer 1330mm and so is suspension travel up at both ends. These fundamental changes alter the bike’s stance, making it slightly longer and a tad shorter. We love the new Pulsar's new colour shades. Looking closely, one will notice a minor detail in the front mudguard, now fastened with flush fitting chromed Allen key bolts. The new Pulsar's front bikini fairing has been lowered by 12mm. Retained is the efficient switchgear and blackened, dogleg levers. The new Pulsar continues to offer twin horns, an aircraft-type fuel-filler and a trip-gauge, only losing out on the feel of its palm-grips, which have never received brownie points from us. Fuel tank capacity now stands reduced to 15 litres. While the seat area, rear and side panels seem identical, the other detail change is the new, curvy grab-handle at the rear. The Pulsar siblings have, for some time now, been India's best-looking, two-wheeled species and this next generation will only serve to take their legacy a step further.  DTS-i technology has proved its merits on the original Pulsar DTS-i 180 — hugely enhancing power and torque, while also improving mileage. The new Pulsar revisions are detail work on internals and timing. Needle roller bearings on the rocker arms now help the motor kill a little unwanted friction. Power output is up to 16.5bhp at 8000rpm and a 140kg kerb weight means the new 180 DTS-i is good for a power-to-weight ratio of a creditable 117.8bhp per ton. Torque has also been made more user-friendly thanks to the new Pulsar now using the same tuned exhaust system as first seen on the Discover. The gearshift on this bike is thankfully the one-down, four-up pattern. Though one does not hit false neutrals, we felt there is room for improvement in terms of gearshift feel, which is a bit too smooth. We started this story with the spectacular impression the new Pulsar 180 makes when nailing the throttle for power. That's the best part. Shorter rims coupled with the new exhaust and technology are an experience best felt in person. The bike barrels its way to 60kph, slightly slower at 4.41 seconds than the older 180 DTS-i, yet it is far faster to 40kph and again posts faster times after 70kph to rocket past the 100kph marker at a flying 15.17 seconds. Top whack is now 117kph. Superb handling credentials have been retained from the previous edition while ride quality has also gone up a notch. A robust, dual-cradle frame and box-section swingarm are retained, while major alterations to the dynamics are a lengthened 1330mm wheelbase, smaller 17-inch, six- spoke alloy wheels and twin-gas shock absorbers at the rear. Ride quality itself has become classy. Bajaj has worked hard with the front forks and extracted fine character, while at the rear the twin-gas units have been perfected and nicknamed 'Nitrox.' These units are trick items, with 100mm of plush travel and their instantaneous reaction to our potholed roads. Turn-in has become faster thanks to new, smaller 17-inch rims, while a lower gyroscopic effect is there for the asking while hustling the bike around corners. Though the Pulsar was always stable, cornered smartly and steered well, an improved ride has now elevated all these factors, allowing the rider to enjoy higher speeds on poor roads with safer control of the bike. The brakes on the new Pulsar are as good as ever. This new Pulsar ‘avatar’ speaks well for itself by offering 49.5kpl on the highway and a flat 44kpl riding through stop-start city traffic. While better or worse, mileage will depend on differing riding styles and conditions, typical drinking habits will hover around these numbers.    The older 180 DTS-i has been at the summit of its segment for a while now with little competition to hold a candle to its all-round value. Things just got better. With a spectacular, unmatched style statement, gorgeous 17-inch, six-spoke rims gas-damped shock absorbers and a slightly sharper engine what more could any buyer ask for? So there you have it. Until such time as Bajaj's competitors pull up their socks and charge into this high-end segment with better hardware, the new Pulsar wins our vote as India's best all-round sportsbike — with absolute ease! |
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