The upcoming 2015 version of the Bajaj Pulsar 150 has been causing quite a buzz over the web for the past few months. Earlier this year, we reported Bajaj showcasing the Pulsar 150NS in Turkey. Now, the much-awaited bike’s specifications have surfaced, and it turns out to be much better than what we’ve all been expecting. We analyse the specifications of the 2015 Bajaj Pulsar 150NS, and weigh it against its two closest rivals on sale in India, here on ChooseMyBike.in!
|
Specs |
Bajaj Pulsar 150 NS |
Suzuki Gixxer |
Hero Xtreme Sports |
|
Engine |
149.5cc air-cooled single cyl, 4-valves |
155cc air-cooled single cyl, 2-valves |
149.2cc air-cooled single cyl, 2-valves |
|
Power & Torque |
16.76 bhp @ 9000 rpm 13 Nm @ 7500 rpm |
14.6 bhp @ 8000 rpm 14 Nm @ 6000 rpm |
15.2 bhp @ 8500 rpm 13.5 Nm @ 7000 rpm |
|
Suspension |
Front: Telescopic Forks Rear: Monoshock |
Front: Telescopic Forks Rear: Monoshock |
Front: Telescopic Forks Rear: Gas-Charged Twin Shock Absorbers |
|
Brakes |
Front: Disc Rear: Drum |
Front: Disc Rear: Drum |
Front: Disc Rear: Drum / Disc |
|
Dimensions (LxWxH) |
2105mm x 800mm x 1220mm |
2050mm x 785mm x 1030mm |
2100mm x 780mm x 1080mm |
|
Wheebase |
1363mm |
1330mm |
1325mm |
|
Weight |
144 kg |
135 kg |
146 kg |
|
Price |
Rs 80,000 (Expected On-Road, Delhi) |
Rs 83,500 (On-Road, Delhi) |
Rs 82,000 (Approx. On-Road, Delhi) |
When you take a closer look at the specs, you’ll note the following:
The engine on the Pulsar 150NS is a 4-valve unit, whereas the other two bikes sport only two. The two extra valves allow the engine to breathe better, making it rev faster and more easily. The updated motor now produces a maximum of 16.76 bhp, which is the highest in the 150cc premium commuter segment. There is a catch though: the power is developed at a high 9000rpm, which means you will have to wring the throttle till the stop to extract the most out of it. Also, the torque figure isn’t all that great, with 13 Nm being developed at 7500rpm. In comparison, the Xtreme Sport develops its 13.5 Nm at 7000 rpm, while the Gixxer churns 14 Nm @ 6000 rpm. We reckon that real-world performance will be on an even keel between the Pulsar and the Gixxer, given the 9 kg weight advantage the latter has over the former.
With respect to handling dynamics, we think it’ll be a tough fight between the three. We’ve ridden the Gixxer, and can vouch for its impeccable manners around a corner. Given the fact that the Pulsar 150 gets the exact same chassis parts employed on the brilliant Pulsar 200NS, it will definitely be no sitting duck. The Hero Xtreme Sports on the other hand should be quite good too, considering the standard Xtreme, which it is based on, offers a good balance between ride and handling, although we doubt it’ll be able to match the cornering prowess of the other two.
In the urban setting, where these three bikes will spend most of their riding lives in, we think that Gixxer and the Xtreme will pose some serious competition to the Pulsar 150NS. The Gixxer’s short ratios, and low power and torque peaks should help it zip from traffic light to traffic light with relative ease. The Hero Xtreme Sports should also be quite good in this aspect. While it is sorted on the dynamics front, the Pulsar 150NS’ city rideability could be hampered by its high power and torque peaks, and the relatively low torque output, although it shouldn’t be a problem if it comes equipped with a short-ratio gearbox.
We expect the Bajaj Pulsar 150NS to be priced at around Rs 80,000 on-road, Delhi, on-par with the Gixxer and Xtreme Sports. The bike is expected to make an official entrance into India in the first half of 2015.
Image Source - IndianHoods.com
