Bajaj’s latest motorcycle to receive the now-mandatory safety tech is the Pulsar 180F. Priced at Rs 94,278, it costs around Rs 7,800 more than the non-ABS equipped model that was launched at Rs 86,500 (prices, ex-showroom Pune). The 2019 Bajaj Pulsar 180F ABS on-road road cost, meanwhile, is pegged at Rs 1.15 lakh.
The Pulsar 180F is a fairly new model from the company – it was launched only a few months ago in January this year. At the time, we were quite surprised to see that it wasn’t introduced with ABS since its launch was so close to the government-mandated deadline. However, it looks like Bajaj used the couple of months before the April 1 deadline to sell the motorcycle at a lower price. However, that period has now ended and according to dealers, so has stock of the non-ABS Pulsar 180F. It is now available only with ABS. Many dealers are yet to get the ABS-equipped motorcycle in stock, but most have begun accepting bookings for the same for an amount Rs 500.
While this takes the price of the 180F up, it still stays clear of the Pulsar 220F ABS that is priced at Rs 1.05 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune). Speaking of the 220F, that’s where the 180F gets its half-faring from, along with the twin vertically-stacked headlights. The 180F also features a neon colour and graphics scheme, and a matte black paintjob. However, other than these cosmetic changes and the addition of single-channel ABS, the bike remains mechanically identical to the standard Pulsar 180. It uses the same 178.6cc, single-cylinder, four-valve engine that makes around 17hp and 14.2Nm of torque. This engine comes paired to a 5-speed gearbox.
Interestingly, the Pulsar 180F is the only half-faired motorcycle (with ABS) in its class, as Yamaha is yet to update the 149cc Fazer-FI with the safety tech. The Bajaj also sees competition from Suzuki’s Gixxer SF, prices for which start at Rs 99,340 (ex-showroom, Pune).
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
