The time has come for our long-term Bajaj Pulsar N250 to return to its maker and it will be missed. Partly because it leaves me without a bike to commute to and from the office, and I now have to drive or take the train; both of which I find tedious. But it’s mostly because of how good a package it actually is.
For starters, I really like the design and the black paint with red accents on our bike has grown on me. Ours is the dual-channel, ABS-equipped version, which can only be had in this scheme. This may not be to everyone’s taste, so perhaps Bajaj should look into offering more colours. Another thing I grew to appreciate was the digi-analogue cluster. The big analogue tacho that takes centre stage looks really nice and I love the way it does an end-to-end sweep whenever you twist the key on. The digital screen, however, is a little too small for the amount of info it packs in. However, Bajaj will soon launch an updated model with a fully digital display.
Fuel efficiency has also been a big plus. I’ve been averaging around 36kpl in varied conditions and not all of it has been with a light twist of the wrist. The silky motor has enough pep and it sounds good too. Finally, the light clutch and comfy suspension also meant that it dealt with Mumbai’s broken and jam-packed roads with ease.
Some of the things that were not so nice were its hard seat, the low-set handlebar and some minor oxidation on the bolts of the handlebar clamp. Now, let’s come to the issue with the front disc that, unfortunately, became the main talking point in its last few weeks with us.
Upon the issue worsening a couple of months into our tenure, the bike went to the Bajaj service centre for inspection. They got back saying the issue was with the brake pads as they weren’t set correctly and that it has been rectified. However, the problem crept up again within a day. After another visit to the service centre yielded similar results, the bike went back to Bajaj for inspection. And it was there where our original suspicion was confirmed; the N250 did, in fact, have a warped disc.
This doesn’t seem to be a known issue and as the bike had never been dropped or crashed, the only plausible explanation was a manufacturing defect. The front disc (Rs 2,242) was then replaced and the bike was returned to us. Ever since, the Pulsar N250 was working just fine till it left our fleet. Bajaj tells us that the disc will be replaced under warranty, as long as the brake pad wear is within defined limits.
Our time with the Pulsar N250 was mostly spent commuting in the city and that’s where it feels at home. Sure, it can tour if you want it to, it just won’t be very enjoyable because there isn’t much high-speed performance. On the whole, I’ve really liked the time I’ve spent on the N250 and if you are looking at a sporty motorcycle that’s relatively comfy, looks good and is light on your wallet, this one is worth considering.
Ved Janve
