Bajaj Pulsar - choose a budget, but stylish and reliable motorcycle

Indian motorcycles of the brand Bajaj are gradually winning the hearts of Russian lovers of two-wheeled vehicles. The manufacturer was able to give our buyer exactly what he needs - reliability and budget.


The most popular Bajaj motorcycle in Russia is the Boxer. This is such a conditional analogue of the world famous Yamaha YBR, but almost two times cheaper. For the price of the Chinese model, the buyer gets the same simple and reliable small-capacity bike. By the way, Bajaj Boxer has more safety margin than Yamaha. "Ebrik" is unlikely to pull three people, but the Indian motorcycle copes with this easily.

By the way, the price of a "Boxer" with a cubic capacity of 125 cm3 starts from 125 thousand rubles. For Yamaha YBR, you will have to pay at least 250, that is, exactly twice as much. So the choice is obvious.


But the main problem of Bajaj Boxer is appearance. The motorcycle is somewhat reminiscent of the old Soviet "Minsk". It is just as rustic in nature. What about someone who wants a budget bike with a modern look? There is a solution - Bajaj Pulsar.

Two station wagons

In general, there are three models in the Pulsar family. But we will not take the "older" one with a 200 cm3 engine. It is not so budgetary - it costs 295 thousand rubles. There is a reason - the motor is there with liquid cooling. But the two "younger" motorcycles in the family are pleased with the price - 180 and 205 thousand for models of 125 and 180 cm3, respectively.


Despite the appearance of a city bike, both Bajaj Pulsar are versatile models. Motorcycles of this class have a number of advantages:

✅ Profitability
✅ Maneuverability
✅ The ability to move relatively comfortably on "forest" and "field" roads

In general, it turns out the same Boxer, but stylish and modern. Of course, not a Japanese-made sportbike, but beautiful.

Why did they appear at all?

At first glance, it is not clear why Bajaj brought three Pulsar to the Russian market. After all, initially the model was offered in a cubic capacity of 200 cm3. They bought it from us not bad, but at times less often than simple and budget Bajaj Boxer. That is why cheaper versions of motorcycles appeared.


Some confusion causes cubature. No, everything is clear with Bajaj Pulsar 125 - this is the A1 category and its own circle of customers. But why a 180 cm3 model? But if you look at the cost, everything becomes clear. "Dvuhsotka" is more expensive by 90 thousand - and this is a serious amount for those who want to save money.

Both "younger" motorcycles in the line appeared due to the simplification of the "older". Although, if you understand the nuances, it turns out that the bikes are generally different. And it's not about the engines - they even have different frames with a rear suspension. They just look like motorcycles - they were specially made that way.

Appearance

The design of both "Pulsars" is the same - it is a stylish city bike of the street class or naked. And everything is done with high quality, without a hint of the Asian origin of the brand. Of course, there are complaints about a certain lightness of appearance, but this is a small-capacity technique. For massiveness to models from 600 cm3.


The appearance of the Bajaj Pulsar is inspired by KTM. Not just like that, by the way - they are produced at the same plant in India. Of course, not all bikes of the Austrian brand, but only small cubic capacity, but the level is clear.

For those who do not believe in a word, you can simply advise to go to a motorcycle showroom and compare the Bajaj Pulsar there with some Chinese bike in the same cubic capacity. The difference will be visible to the naked eye even after a cursory glance.

Features

Immediately you need to figure out how the Bajaj Pulsar 125 and 180 differ. Already by the name it is clear that they will have engines with different sizes. Both power units are the simplest - air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engines. Carburetor power system.


Both engines are capable of running on any gasoline that you can get. In India, the quality of fuel in rural areas is in trouble, so the engines are "omnivorous".

Engine power 12 and 17 liters. With. respectively. Gearboxes - five-speed. Traction is shifted to low revs - this is good for a rural motorcycle, in the city it also allows you to keep up with cars at the start.


In principle, motorcycles have no more external differences. The difference of 25 thousand rubles so far seems quite fair - for the increased engine capacity and disc brakes on all wheels.

Bajaj Pulsar 125 on the move

It immediately gives the impression that the "younger" in the line of "Pulsars" are designed for the feeble inhabitants of India - they seem very compact. But with ergonomics, everything is in order here - with a height of 182 cm, it is convenient to move around on the Bajaj Pulsar 125. Of course, this concept is relative, but the steering wheel does not rest on the knees when cornering, the landing is comfortable - what else to demand from a budget model?


Surprisingly for this class, but the manufacturer has equipped the motorcycle with shock absorbers with compensation tanks. There is even the possibility of adjusting the stiffness by preloading the springs.

The engine is surprisingly quiet. And this despite the fact that the weight of the driver exceeded 100 kg. Acceleration for 125 cm3 is peppy up to about 80 km / h. The city doesn't need more.


Bajaj Pulsar 125 was able to accelerate to 100 km / h. During the trip, the motorcycle did not lag behind cars in city traffic. There is one secret - you just need to shift gears more often. Then up to 80 km / h the bike will move briskly.


Despite the budget, the Bajaj Pulsar 125 ride is strong and tough. No laxity was noticed at the maximum speeds for this small-capacity vehicle. The brakes were effective - the bike stops instantly.

Interestingly, the Bajaj Pulsar 125 can even make a stunt bike. It is easy to raise the rear wheel when braking in a “stoppy”. You will have to tinker with the "willie" - not the same cubic capacity. But if you move back a little and help with the clutch, then the front wheel also comes off the ground.

Bajaj Pulsar 180 on the move

And how will a motorcycle with a 180 cm3 engine perform? Landing here is identical to the "younger" model. No wonder - the chassis is the same. But moving on this bike is definitely more comfortable - a difference of 5 liters. With. felt.

You can click the gearbox less, and acceleration is more cheerful. It’s not even scary to go to the track, although dynamic overtaking is not about the Bajaj Pulsar 180.


The engine runs a little louder than the 125cc model. It is not entirely clear why this happened. More vibration at idle. It seems that the manufacturer simply modified the small-capacity engine by installing a new cylinder head.

For trips, the Bajaj Pulsar 180 is more suitable than the "younger" model in the line. The power reserve has never bothered anyone, especially in the class of small-capacity vehicles.

Which one to take

After comparing the two Pulsars, it becomes clear that the overpriced price of one of them is fully justified. Therefore, the Bajaj Pulsar 180 model should be considered for purchase.


Who is "little one" for? First-season riders, young riders with category A1, people who prefer to save money and move slowly. Although, the latter will not consider Pulsar - a budget Boxer will suffice for their tasks.

The Pulsar line demonstrates almost Japanese quality. The fact that KTM and Kawasaki are assembled at the plant speaks volumes.

The main thing to understand is what the motorcycle is for. Fans of high speeds will quickly get tired of the Pulsar line. But for those who need a stylish and at the same time budget transport, Bajaj Pulsar is suitable.