Friday, May 22, 2009

pulsar 200



pulsar 200



The 200 is almost a prequel to what bikers can expect from the yet to be launched 220, except for the FI, off course. The 200 comes with Bajaj’s stock engine, bored to 198.8 cc. Power output maxes out at 18.01 PS at 8000 rpm, and the relatively short stroke of 56mm means that you get an engine that’s happy with high revs, and the exhuastec system ensures that you don’t fade out in the low and middle ranges.
As far as actual performance is concerned, the 200 is not blazingly fast with a top speed of around 126 kms per hour, but then this bike will get you from standstill to 60 in little less than six seconds. The joy of the pulsar 200 is not the top speed or the 0-60 acceleration, but cruising on the highway in 5th at about a round 100, knowing that a slight flick of the wrist will push this bike even faster, with no questions asked. That’s nice to know. The oil cooled engine means that the engine stays refined and does not harsh your buzz as the going gets rough, and for a relatively largish engine, is pretty fuel efficient too, giving you a mileage of about 45 kms to a litre of 93 octane.
Performance: 3.5 starsFit and finish: 3.5 starsDesign and Styling: 3.5 starsEngine And Gearbox: 3.5 stars
Now here’s a bike that’s got all this horsepower and great performance, but what disappointed us about the 200 was the handling. Sprung softly, this bike rides well in the city, handling most of the rigours of traffic and such, but out on the twisty highway, the rear suspension poops the party. Ok, its not as bad as I make it out to be, but then honestly, there were times while I was attempting a sharp turn where I thought I wouldn’t make it. Halfway through I was suddenly nervous – I’m going too fast or too low. This kind of riding excitement I really don’t need.. Ride is quite more than adequate – the handle bar-seat-footpeg dynamics is quite comfortable, though if you are not used to the aggressive stance that the pulsars are known for, you could get a bit of a cramp in the shoulders and wrists.
My first reaction to this bike was incredulousness. What were Bajaj thinking? Style-wise is was similar, if not the same as the 180, it's got the same streetfighter styling that’s a Pulsar trademark. The same phantom bikini fairing, bulbous booze nose gas tank and katana sharp rear panels of the 180. But that’s where the similarities end. The addition that hits you first are the scoops along the side of the tank, which add a good bit of definition, and the two piece grab rail that looks like it was painted on. And then there are the mechanical differences – a small graphic that says oil cooled, which leads you to the black radiator forward of the engine, and the big can brushed aluminium and chrome silencer that looks quite gorgeous.
Also, another place where the 200 is different from every other bike out there in India – Bajaj has completely done away with the kick-start, which does make you nervous, but then my Pulsar 180 classic has one and I’ve probably used it three times in five years. This bike also comes with all the goodies that now come with the Pulsar brand – the digital console, and the awesome looking backlit switchgear etc
The new Karizma gets new graphics and a new belly scoop and coloured mag alloy wheels. And then there’s the gaudy new yellow dials that make you feel a little jaundiced. But the Karizma also comes with signature CBR logo on the tank - hopefully a sign of things to come. Providing the muscle power for the “new” Karizma is a 223cc air-cooled engine with 16.7 bhp of power and 1.8 kgm of torque.
You can bemoan the absence of fuel injection and quickly write off the Karizma as a has been, but do so at your own peril. The Karizma was an absolutely yummy package when it was first launched and it is still one of the most potent bikes on Indian streets today. The Karizma’s power is obvious in the manner it manages to serve two opposing needs, such as stability and quick steering.
The standard MRF rubber and the firm suspension inspired enough confidence to get me to to use all the power that the engine deliveres effortlessly to slide around in the saddle, while attacking the twisties. Even when required to rapidly shed speed, the Karizma feels as steady as a rock, though the brakes do feel a little wooden.Bajaj Pulsar 200 DTSi was introduced in the market around 9 months back and it enthralled the Bajaj dealers by raking sales as well as the Indian bike enthusiasts. The bike has a 200cc engine and oil cooler, which is a self-adjustable one- it adjusts the viscosity of the lubricant oil so the overall performance of the bike is enhanced. The shock absorbing quality is enhanced by a large 33mm front forkPulsar 200 bike has other wooing features such as a stylish petrol tank flap along with an anti-scratch tank pad, ExausTEC technology in the silencer that maintains engine torque, comparatively light weight of the bike, the split seat with better seating space and excellent performance.
Looks: Bajaj Pulsar 200 DTSi is available in eye candy black, red and blue colors and looks deceive you like you got an international sports bike in front of you! The bike has aerodynamically designed petrol tank with tank flaps and beefy front. The bike has great indicator features such as choked air filter indicator, high oil temperature indicator, a low battery voltage indicator and a low engine level indicator…huh! A big long list right?
The sporty looks coupled with greater chassis rear inclination gives this variant of Bajaj Pulsar DTSi second glances be it in a parking lot or on roads! The bike has usual LED tail and brake lights and the main headlamps and parking lamps emit white light with blue-tinged bulbs instead of the yellow light of incandescent bulbs. These are certainly an improved stuff and more friendly to eyes!
Performance: Bajaj Pulsar 200 has a split seat architecture that provides better style and comfort for both rider and pilion. The bike has 200cc powerful engine and the telescopic fork provides better control. The display panel can detect failure in components. Both front and rear wheels have tubeless tyres that are first in the motorcycle market and the wheelbase is 1350mm. The triple rate spring NitroX shockers provide cushion feel and telescopic fork suspension.
The torque of the bike has been improved by ExhausTEC technology and the bike also has an improved clutch system. The gear can be changed easily and it is capable of taking more loads. The presence of oil cooler enhances the engine performance.
The engine has a maximum power of 18ps and you will get an average of 40 km per liter of petrol. The fuel tank has a capacity of 15 liters and has a capacity to store 2 liters of reserve petrol. The oil cooler improves the performance of the engine at high speeds without overheating. Bajaj two wheelers, especially the battery, need low maintenance. Under test condition the fuel efficiency is 50kms/ltr.
Final Verdict: The 18ps pulsating power generated by the 200cc engine provides great riding excitement to bikers, echo all of the Bajaj dealers . It is the first bike in India with tubeless tyres both in front and rear in this segment. The tubeless tyres offer superior stability that is safer than the conventional tube tyres while adding to fuel economy. Better road grip and stability is ensured by the very broad rear tyre. The bike has new digital console with Digital Odometer, Digital Speedo meter, Digital Fuel Gauge and two Digital Trio Meters. This Bajaj bike is the first one with electric start. And needless to say it is very convenient for a city rider. After all, we know the traffic jams right?
Ask me downside of this bike… Well, it doesn’t have a kick-start facility. So when the battery is down (keep looking at the indicator off and on my friend!) or fused out, God save you or you got to push it to a recharge facility!