Pulsar 220 Review
Bike Tested: Bajaj Pulsar 220; Road Test No. 896; Test Location: Chakan
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 1,06,569/-
At this price, the Bajaj Pulsar 220’s tourer-friendly nature is unbeatable!
As they say, heroes get remembered but legends never die. The two-wheeled fragment of our auto industry has been through a great deal of variety. On one hand, we have the blameworthy Hero MotoCorp which has put many a promising motorcycle brands to sleep and on the other, we have the diligent Bajaj Auto redefining the boundaries of motorcycling ever and again. One such game-changer entered the scene in 2007, dubbed as the Bajaj Pulsar 220, which took the market by storm. Some 10 years down the line, this model is nothing short of an icon in the industry. With refinement trickling its way up the wishlist of buyers, the domestic automaker is believed to have restrained the Pulsar 220’s true character, or has it? Hammering away the Bajaj Pulsar 220 on twists and straights, we get our answers at the Chakan test track and how!
Motor Quest: In July 2007, Bajaj introduced a fuel-injected version of the Pulsar 220 in the market. Ditching the fuel-injection unit for a cost-effective carb, the motorcycle was christened as the Pulsar 220F in two years time. Then came the Pulsar 220S, a street-fighter sibling of the semi-faired 220F, which was taken off the market after a short stint. With cosmetic revisions, the Pune-based automaker has tweaked the formula ever so slightly over the years with the most-significant update coming in 2017 as the BS4-compliant Pulsar 220.
There have been absolutely zilch alterations in terms of design
Styling – Back in 2007, the Pulsar 220’s proportionate styling sealed the deal for many buyers. It’s been 10 long years and the 220 continues to display its sassy attire rather ostentatiously. Sure, there’s the Laser Edged paint scheme teamed up with matching rim stripes to add some oomph to an otherwise aging design. However, it would be unfair to not mention how gracefully the design has aged over the years. Besetting the fairing are vertically-stacked headlight beams surrounded by smart-looking pilot lamps on either side. The contours of the fairing blend with those of the fuel tank in a seamless fashion and move over to sculpt a sleek tail section dominated by Pulsar-signature split LED tail lamp. Finished in deep carbon black, the well-sized exhaust plays its part in encapsulating the Pulsar 220’s stunning design.
Time readout is sorely missed on an otherwise well-equipped unit
Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – Tucked away under the Bajaj Pulsar 220’s tinted visor is a part-digital instrument console which is embellished by new graphics and faux carbon fibre finish. This is the same unit which made its debut in 2006 in the lesser Pulsars. Sporting an analog tachometer on the left side and a blue-backlit LCD on the other, this unit throws out data pertaining to speed, distance, fuel and then some. Besides the usual warning and malfunction lights racked beneath the digital display, there is a shift light, engine overheat & low engine oil indicator and a side stand warning. The backlit switchgear gets rid of the headlamp switch to welcome the AHO functionality but continues to get self-cancelling turn indicators which are still a novelty in this segment.
Balanced riding position makes the Pulsar 220 a tourer’s delight!
Ergonomics – When it comes to seating, the Pulsar 220 has split seats, split grab rails, mildly rear-set footpegs and clip-on handlebars at its disposal. This results in an athletic stance for the rider without compromising on comfort at all. The Pulsar 220’s saddle is fairly accomodating and even taller riders won’t be complaining. Perched at a manageable height, the pillion seat is quite practical and roomy with sturdy grab rails to compliment. Bajaj Auto claims to have improved the seat cushioning which will come in handy on longer runs. The shaky rear view mirrors don’t jut out enough and are the only shortcoming we can think of on an otherwise formidable arrangement.
Power and torque figures see a marginal drop of 0.12 BHP & 0.57 Nm respectively
Performance – The Bajaj Pulsar 220’s most far-reaching change is incorporated in the 220cc oil-cooled engine and enthusiasts were skeptical about the detrimental effects on outright performance that might have ensued. To meet BS4 norms, Bajaj Auto has affixed a secondary air intake and EVAP system, revised the intake and exhaust manifold and plugged in a new CDI which gets a total of 5 maps (as compared to 2). This exercise has resulted in improved refinement, softer exhaust note and smoother power delivery. Those who were kindled by the erstwhile 220’s wild character are in for a dissapointment, but we believe that this slight performance drop is a fair trade-off for the enhanced smoothness in the usable RPM range.
Getting your knee down requires a fair bit of proficiency and experience
The Pulsar 220’s torque surge gives a feeling of being faster than it actually is!
Thanks in no small part to the 18.55 Nm of torque, the Bajaj Pulsar 220 feels decidedly superior in the low-end than its 150 kg kerb weight would have you believe. Power is everywhere, right from the initial part of the mid-range to the final bits near the redline, which means that downshifts aren’t bothersome while attempting fast overtakes. A mediocre gearbox paired to the smooth clutch action makes the motorcycle as confident in urban traffic as it feels on the highway. The company has replaced auto choke with a manual one but that said, the electric starter (or no kick starter, to put it in a better way) is bound to create problems, say on a rainy winter morning. Fuel efficiency, at 36 odd kms to a litre, isn’t its forte yet the Pulsar doesn’t disappoint in touring range with its 15-litre fuel tank.
Beware, the main stand hangs low enough to catch you out on corners!
Riding Dynamics – Compare it to its Perimeter frame-equipped rivals and the Pulsar 220’s handling will leave a lot to be desired. Mated to the cradle chassis is an equally inept suspension setup, comprising of telescopic forks at the front and nitrox-filled shock absorbers at the rear, which rob the Pulsar of the handling prowess required to exploit the engine’s output. Bajaj Auto has stiffened both the chassis and the suspension over the years but the hardware is such that it can’t hold a candle to the modern alternatives in terms of stiffness or cornering stability. While straight-line stability is par for the course, it is on the corners where the Pulsar 220 feels a bit clumsy. However, this translates to a pliant and absorbent ride quality over potholes and other road imperfections. Disc brakes are upto the task of shedding speeds but the lack of ABS is a downside.
Though not the best in terms of grip, MRF Zappers are quite econical
Verdict – Bajaj Pulsar 220 is the one that started it all and, more importantly, carried it along the years while surviving against all odds. It might not be ‘The Fastest Indian’ anymore but the millions of admirers that this motorcycle has across the globe swear by it. Why not? For a tourer, there is no better alternative which offers a comparable amalgamation of comfort, performance, practicality, value and now refinement as well. Sure, there are better choices in the market for the average joe which offer a lot more equipment for the same moolah. But it would be inappropriate to say that the Pulsar 220 has lost its charm. Rather, it presents it in apple-pie order now which, directly or indirectly, widens its appeal.
Even after so many years, the rear view mirrors are plagued with vibrations
What’s Cool
* Torquey 220cc oil-cooled motor has ample grunt for most occassions
* Head-turner even after so many years
* Refinement levels have improved, throaty exhaust note
* Loaded with features – self-cancelling blinkers, LED tail lamp, projector headlight, backlit switchgear and more
* Outstanding value for money
What’s Not So Cool
* Chassis and suspension setup tuned for ride quality at the cost of handling
* Carburettor and no kick starter isn’t a great combo to have
* Mirrors vibrate at varying RPMs and are positioned poorly
* No ABS, even as an option
Alternatives: TVS Apache 200, Bajaj Pulsar NS 200, Yamaha Fazer 25
Even now, the Pulsar 220 offers tremendous value for money!
Bajaj Pulsar 220 Specifications
* Engine: 220cc, Oil-Cooled, 4-Stroke, Single-Cylinder
* Power: 20.64 BHP @ 8500 RPM
* Torque: 18.55 Nm @ 7000 RPM
* Transmission: 5-speed Manual
* 0-100 km/hr: 11.31 seconds
* Top Speed: 131 km/hr
* Fuel Consumption: 34-38 km/l
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Frame: Cradle
* Suspension: Telescopic Forks (Front), Nitrox Shock Absorbers (Rear)
* Tyres: 90/90/17 (Front), 120/80/17 (Rear), MRF Zapper
* Brakes: 260 mm Disc (Front), 230 mm Disc (Rear)
Bajaj Pulsar 220 Dimensions
* Length x Width x Height: 2035 mm x 750 mm x 1165 mm
* Wheelbase: 1350 mm
* Ground Clearance: 165 mm
* Seat Height: 801 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 15-litres
* Kerb Weight: 150 kgs
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