The Bajaj Pulsar is set to get a big overhaul, including changes to the styling and mechanicals.

• Features more aggressive styling

• Could be powered by a 250cc engine

• Uses air and oil cooling

Spy shots reveal that Bajaj has begun testing its next-generation Pulsar. The test mule was spotted in camouflage, but it looks quite close to being production-ready. We were the first ones to reveal that the Indian motorcycle manufacturer was working on an updated Pulsar back in March 2018. Since then, this is the first time it has been spotted and it appears to feature both cosmetic and mechanical updates like we revealed.

Next-gen Bajaj Pulsar: Design

At first glance, one could mistake it for a Pulsar NS200 with minor changes, but closer inspection reveals more. Firstly, it appears to be quite slightly larger in overall proportions than the NS200. The bodywork also appears to be significantly different, with a more aggressive tail and lower positioned headlight. The lights themselves appear to have a slightly different design as well, and expect all of them to be powered by LEDs. While the wheel design is the same as the Pulsar NS and RS models, the similarities stop there. Even small elements like the belly pan and the tyre hugger have a different shape. The handlebar also appears to be slightly lower than usual.

Next-gen Bajaj Pulsar: Engine and gearbox

Back in 2018, we learnt that the new engine platform will offer more scalability, stretching from 150cc to beyond the current 220cc limit, up to perhaps 250cc. Crucial to the Pulsar character is a square engine (equal bore and stroke dimensions) – oversquare engines are the Dominar’s territory – and the need to create a sporty, responsive motor which is still compliant with emission norms. This has resulted in Bajaj working on a 4-valve, fuel-injected motor. 

Needless to say, the new-generation motor will be significantly more refined and will bring along with it an impressive hike in overall output figures, as well as a more modern transmission.

The image also reveals that the engine is air and oil-cooled and not liquid-cooled like the NS and RS models. This also means that it will be a brand-new engine and not the one from the Dominar 250. If the engine is a 250cc unit, we can expect power and torque between those of the Bajaj Pulsar 220F (20.4hp/18.5Nm) and Dominar 250 (27hp/23.5Nm).

Next-gen Bajaj Pulsar: Suspension and brakes

Like we revealed earlier, for the first time on a non-LS/NS Pulsar, this one has a monoshock. Needless to say, the frame and swingarm will need revisions to incorporate this feature. As for the brakes, they don’t appear to be the ones from the RS/NS as they are missing petal design. These could be slightly lower-spec brakes in order to bring the price down. It is also expected to get only single-channel ABS like every other Pulsar model.

Next-gen Bajaj Pulsar: Pricing

We expect Bajaj to debut the updates to the Pulsar with this higher capacity version and then bring the changes to lower capacity models. If this version is in fact a 250cc model, we expect it to cost only slightly more than the 220F, which is priced at Rs 1.25 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

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