Bajaj Pulsar 150AS spied

It's known Bajaj is readying a half-faired Pulsar, the 200AS, with test bikes spotted on numerous occasions, including by us as reported here. 

Autocar India snapper Priyank Chhapwale has, however, just captured a new Pulsar AS bike testing near Lonavala and clearly deriving power from a smaller capacity engine. This bike is most likely the missing link in the evolving Pulsar jigsaw – the upcoming 150AS. There’re several details differentiating the Pulsar 150AS from the larger 200cc bike, as evident in snaps – slimmer tyres, the lack of a radiator ahead of a not-so-full engine bay and drum rear brake. All of this makes us confident that the new AS is the long-awaited, next-gen Pulsar soon to join the 150 DTS-i.

The Pulsar 150AS comes with a neatly styled front quarter fairing that extends sleekly back into a clear visor for rider protection from wind blast when touring. The 150AS is equipped with a projector lamp-powered headlight, and there’s a deeply grooved fuel tank. Several lightweight alloy parts are in place, including slim-spoke Pulsar-typical wheels, rider as well as pillion footrests and sub-frames for these. Expect regular Pulsar features such as backlit switches to be offered with the 150AS.

A split saddle is used, with the new motorcycle nicely proportioned, and smartly turned out. 

The 150AS is likely to share its powerplant with the existing Pulsar 150 DTS-i, deploying a new-generation, four-stroke, single-cylinder and multi-plug engine displacing close to 150cc, fed by a CV carburetor. As on earlier Pulsar 150s, the 150AS should come with a five-speed gearbox, shifting in the one-down, four-up pattern.

A perimeter frame can be spotted on the new bike, a major differentiating factor between the Pulsar 150AS and older DTS-i bikes, which Bajaj is expected to continue selling. Telescopic forks are to be used as front suspension, with a monoshock setup seen at the rear of the Pulsar 150AS. There’s a front disc brake on this new AS, with petal type rotor and drum brake at the back. ABS isn’t expected. 17-inch wheels are in black, with plenty of other parts including the engine cloaked in the same dark veil.

The Pulsar 150AS looks no more than a few weeks away from launch, the camouflaged bike looking virtually finished and showroom ready, as it runs through its final testing stages. Watch this space.