Bajaj Pulsar
Encyclopedia
Bajaj Pulsar is a motorcycle
brand owned by Bajaj Auto
in India. The two wheeler was developed by the product engineering division of Bajaj Auto in association with motorcycle designer Glynn Kerr Tokyo R&D. Currently there are four variants available -with engine capacities of 135 cc, 150 cc, 180 cc and 220 cc. Previously it was also offered with a 200 cc DTS-i oil cooled engine, which now has been discontinued. More than a million units of Pulsar were sold by November 2005. With monthly sales of more than 48,000 units in June 2009, Pulsar is the leader in the 150 cc segment in India with a market share of 43%.
Before the introduction of the Pulsar, the Indian motorcycle market trend was towards fuel efficient, small capacity motorcycles (that formed the 80-125 cc class). Bigger motorcycles with higher capacity virtually did not exist (except for Enfield Bullet
). The launch and success of Hero Honda CBZ
in 1999 showed that there was demand for performance bikes. Bajaj took the cue from there on and launched the Pulsar twins in India on November 24, 2001. Since the introduction and success of Bajaj Pulsar, Indian youth began expecting high power and other features from affordable motorcycles.
The project was faced with internal resistance, reservations by Mckinsey and doubts on its effects on Bajaj's relation with Kawasaki
. The project required approximately 36 months for completion and cost Bajaj Rs 1 billion.
to ignite the air-fuel mixture fed from a carburetor
, simple spring shock absorbers, round headlamp dome and 1,265 mm wheelbase
. Disc brakes as standard equipment was a novelty in Indian motorcycles of the early 2000s. Other standard features were parking lights and an aircraft-type fuel tank lid. The design of the motorcycle was inspired by a wide open muscular human arm.
The 180 cc version made 15 HP of maximum power and came with a twin-tone horn, which was optional equipment on the 150 cc version. Electric Start (ES) was offered as standard feature in the 180 cc model and optional on the 150 cc model.
and Pulsar 200 DTS-i, the former featuring fuel injection
and oil cooled engines, a digital dash, and modern styling. This bike has some features which are totally new to the Indian market, like the fuel injection itself, rear disc brake and clip-on handlebars (the first two only available in the 220 model).
It’s also the first bike in India to feature both front and rear tubeless tires, which besides offering superior stability are safer than conventional tube types and in sync with the offerings abroad for similar applications. The rear tire is the broadest in its category to ensure better road grip and stability.
The new digital console is an advanced version of the latest Pulsar family. Apart from the Digital Odometer, Digital Speedo Meter, Digital Fuel Gauge and two Digital Trip Meters, the console on the 200 cc Pulsar DTS-I has indicators for the air filter condition, engine temperature, battery voltage and oil level, all of which contribute to enhancing rider information for trouble-free riding.
Electrical enhancements like auto head light switch-off after few seconds of turning the engine off to protect the battery, self cancelling turn signals ,icon illumination (horn icon, indicator icon, engine cut off icon, etc.), side stand warning light, duel digital trip meter, low fuel warning light (which also flashes when the engine is revved too hard), and low battery indicator are common features among all the variants.
The Pulsar 180 received upgrades like wider tyres, split seat, tank scoops, clip-on handlebars, 3D Pulsar logo, swing arm suspension borrowed from Pulsar 200, and thicker forks. The power was increased to 17 PS.
Bajaj launched a carbureted version of Pulsar 220 on June 2009, tagging it as "the fastest bike in India". It also discontinued the production of Pulsar 200 on July 2009.
Bajaj also introduced a new Light Sports version of Pulsar named as Pulsar 135LS. It is the first bike in India to contain 4-valve DTS-i technology. It consists 4 smaller valves rather than 2 standard bigger valves, styling also is changed and looks become more aggressive. The bike is ARAI certified for 68.5 km/l and weights only 122 kg.
A naked version of Pulsar 220 is also launched, named as Pulsar 220S (Street Fighter) which retains everything from Pulsar 220 except the front fairing. Front fairing is similar to Pulsar 180/150. Old Pulsar 220 is now named as Pulsar 220F.
which was sold in India from 1995 to 1997 also had a twin-spark plug technology, and the Rotax motorcycle engines,more recently Honda's iDSI Vehicle engines use a similar arrangement of two spark-plugs. However very few small capacity engines did eventually implement such a scheme in their production prototypes.
was in violation of their patent for DTS-I.
TVS Motors
countered by threatening to sue Bajaj Auto for libel.
On February 2008, the Madras High Court
in Chennai restrained TVS from launching it with the twin spark plug technology.
TVS appealed against this decision, claiming that crucial evidence was not taken into account
and in March 2008, launched the Flame with a modified engine containing one spark plug. The DTSi idea is a simple one to understand - it involved usage of two spark plugs (instead of one) per engine cylinder. On September 16, 2009 the Supreme Court of India
permitted TVS
motors to manufacture and sell the 125 cc TVS Flame
with Twin Spark Technology.
The 'Tomahawk' motorcycle manufactured by Hong Kong based Giantco Limited, 'YB200' motorcycle manufactured by China based Taizhou City Kaitong Motorcycle Manufacture Co., Limited (the company which made a clone of Piaggio MP3), 'ZX200-7(G) and ZX200-7(II)' motorcycles manufactured by China based Jiangsu Zhongxing Motor Group Co., Limited, 'RT150-8' motorcycle manufactured by China based Chongqing Rato Power Co., Limited, 'SM150-GB’ motorcycle manufactured by China based Pantera Motorcycle Co.,Limited, 'HJ200-23' motorcycle manufactured by China based Guangzhou Panyu Haojian Motorcycle Industry Co.,Limited, 'YG200-7A' motorcycle manufactured by China based Chongqing Yingang Sci.&Tech.(Group)Co.,Limited and 'YX200-C5' motorcycle manufactured by China based Chongqing YInxiang Motorcycle(Group) Co., Limited are some famous replica of Pulsar brand motorcycles.
Bike of the Year - UTV Bloomberg - AutoCar (For Pulsar 135 DTS-Fi)
Technology of the Year - 4Valve - ET NOW - Zigwheels (For Pulsar 135 DTS-Fi)
Bike of the Year - ET NOW - Zigwheels (For Pulsar 135 DTS-Fi)
Less than 150 cc Bike of the Year - ET NOW - Zigwheels (For Pulsar 135 DTS-Fi)
Bike of the Year 2008 - NDTV Profit Car India and Bike India Awards (For Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi)
Bike of the Year 2008 - Overdrive (For Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi)
Ranked First in ' TOP 30 AUTOMOBILE BRANDS OF INDIA ' 2008 - 4Ps Power Brand Awards
Bike of the Year - ICICI Bank OVERDRIVE Awards 2004
BBC World Wheels Award for Best Two Wheeler between Rs. 55,000 to Rs. 70,000 - IBBC World Wheels (For Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTS-i)
Motorcycle Total Customer Satisfaction Study 2003 - NFO Automotive
Bike of the Year 2003 - ICICI Bank OVERDRIVE Awards 2003
Bike of the Year 2002 - Business Standard Motoring
Most Exciting Bike of the Year 2003 - By OVERDRIVE
Motorcycle
A motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions.Motorcycles are one of the most...
brand owned by Bajaj Auto
Bajaj Auto
Bajaj Auto is a major Indian vehicle manufacturer started by Jamnalal Bajaj from Rajasthan in the 1930s. It is based in Pune, Maharashtra, with plants in Chakan , Waluj and Pantnagar in Uttaranchal. The oldest plant at Akurdi now houses the R&D centre Ahead...
in India. The two wheeler was developed by the product engineering division of Bajaj Auto in association with motorcycle designer Glynn Kerr Tokyo R&D. Currently there are four variants available -with engine capacities of 135 cc, 150 cc, 180 cc and 220 cc. Previously it was also offered with a 200 cc DTS-i oil cooled engine, which now has been discontinued. More than a million units of Pulsar were sold by November 2005. With monthly sales of more than 48,000 units in June 2009, Pulsar is the leader in the 150 cc segment in India with a market share of 43%.
Before the introduction of the Pulsar, the Indian motorcycle market trend was towards fuel efficient, small capacity motorcycles (that formed the 80-125 cc class). Bigger motorcycles with higher capacity virtually did not exist (except for Enfield Bullet
Royal Enfield
Royal Enfield was the name under which the Enfield Cycle Company made motorcycles, bicycles, lawnmowers and stationary engines. This legacy of weapons manufacture is reflected in the logo, a cannon, and their motto "Made like a gun, goes like a bullet". Use of the brand name Royal Enfield was...
). The launch and success of Hero Honda CBZ
Hero Honda CBZ
Hero Honda CBZ, launched in early 1999 by Hero Honda Motors, with an original Honda 156.8 cc engine. The styling of the bike was a scaled version of the famous Honda CB series....
in 1999 showed that there was demand for performance bikes. Bajaj took the cue from there on and launched the Pulsar twins in India on November 24, 2001. Since the introduction and success of Bajaj Pulsar, Indian youth began expecting high power and other features from affordable motorcycles.
The project was faced with internal resistance, reservations by Mckinsey and doubts on its effects on Bajaj's relation with Kawasaki
Kawasaki Heavy Industries
is an international corporation based in Japan. It has headquarters in both Chūō-ku, Kobe and Minato, Tokyo.The company is named after its founder Shōzō Kawasaki and has no connection with the city of Kawasaki, Kanagawa....
. The project required approximately 36 months for completion and cost Bajaj Rs 1 billion.
Specifications
| Pulsar 135LS DTS-i | Pulsar 150 DTS-i | Pulsar 180 DTS-i | Pulsar 200 DTS-i | Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi | Pulsar 220F DTS-i | Pulsar 220S DTS-i | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power (HP) | 8.35 | 15.06 | 17.02 | 18.01 | 19.79 | 21.04 | 21.04 |
| Torque (N·m) | 11.4 | 12.5 | 14.22 | 17.68 | 19.12 | 19.12 | 19.12 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1325 | 1320 | 1350 | 1345 | 1350 | 1350 | 1350 |
| Weight (kg) | 122 | 143 | 147 | 145 | 150 | 150 | 150 |
| Top Speed (km/h) | 115 | 116 | 118 | 120 | 127 | 142 | 142 |
2001
The original Pulsar came with a 150 cc air-cooled, single-cylinder, petrol, spark-ignited four-stroke engine which made 13 HP of maximum power. They featured a single spark plugSpark plug
A spark plug is an electrical device that fits into the cylinder head of some internal combustion engines and ignites compressed fuels such as aerosol, gasoline, ethanol, and liquefied petroleum gas by means of an electric spark.Spark plugs have an insulated central electrode which is connected by...
to ignite the air-fuel mixture fed from a carburetor
Carburetor
A carburetor , carburettor, or carburetter is a device that blends air and fuel for an internal combustion engine. It is sometimes shortened to carb in North America and the United Kingdom....
, simple spring shock absorbers, round headlamp dome and 1,265 mm wheelbase
Wheelbase
In both road and rail vehicles, the wheelbase is the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels.- Road :In automobiles, the wheelbase is the horizontal distance between the center of the front wheel and the center of the rear wheel...
. Disc brakes as standard equipment was a novelty in Indian motorcycles of the early 2000s. Other standard features were parking lights and an aircraft-type fuel tank lid. The design of the motorcycle was inspired by a wide open muscular human arm.
The 180 cc version made 15 HP of maximum power and came with a twin-tone horn, which was optional equipment on the 150 cc version. Electric Start (ES) was offered as standard feature in the 180 cc model and optional on the 150 cc model.
2003
The second generation Pulsars featured Bajaj Auto's newly developed DTSi technology, which increased the power rating of both versions by 1 HP each and also increased fuel economy. This model also introduce a new headlamp assembly, 1,320 mm wheelbase, and standard twin-tone horn and trip meter.2005
In 2005, Bajaj launched another upgrade of the Pulsar. The bike was offered with 17 inches (431.8 mm) alloy wheels as standard option, and the stance was also lowered by about 12 mm. It was the first time any bike maker in India had offered 17 inches (431.8 mm) profile wheels at the rear. The fuel tank now had a capacity of only 18 litres. The power output was now further increased to 13.5 HP @ 8500 rpm for the 150 while it increased to 16.5 HP @ 8500 rpm for the 180. The rear shock absorbers were now gas-filled Nitrox absorbers.2006
Bajaj introduced another version of Pulsar (UG III). New features included: pilot lamps separated from the main headlamp, turn indicators with clear lenses and amber bulb, self-cancelling turn indicator switch, flush LCD screen with digital read-out of key vehicle data, non-contact speed sensor, non-contact backlit switches, twin-stripe LED tail-light assembly and side panels altered for a sharp, tapering-towards-the-rear look. The engine had increased torque availability, reduced vibration and improved gear shift feel. cc variants.2007
In July 2007, Bajaj began selling the Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-FiBajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi
The Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi from Pulsar family of motorcycles from Bajaj Auto was produced between 2007 and 2009 when it was replaced by the Pulsar 220 DTS-i...
and Pulsar 200 DTS-i, the former featuring fuel injection
Fuel injection
Fuel injection is a system for admitting fuel into an internal combustion engine. It has become the primary fuel delivery system used in automotive petrol engines, having almost completely replaced carburetors in the late 1980s....
and oil cooled engines, a digital dash, and modern styling. This bike has some features which are totally new to the Indian market, like the fuel injection itself, rear disc brake and clip-on handlebars (the first two only available in the 220 model).
2008
The new Pulsar has many firsts to its credit. It comes equipped with an oil cooler, which helps control engine oil temperatures at sustained high speeds and rpms, thus ensuring more stable engine oil viscosity. The 200 cc DTS-I engine generates 18 HP of raw pulsating power to provide riding excitement to performance hungry bikers. This makes the Pulsar 200 the most sporty and stylish powerhouse on two wheels to pace the Indian roads.It’s also the first bike in India to feature both front and rear tubeless tires, which besides offering superior stability are safer than conventional tube types and in sync with the offerings abroad for similar applications. The rear tire is the broadest in its category to ensure better road grip and stability.
The new digital console is an advanced version of the latest Pulsar family. Apart from the Digital Odometer, Digital Speedo Meter, Digital Fuel Gauge and two Digital Trip Meters, the console on the 200 cc Pulsar DTS-I has indicators for the air filter condition, engine temperature, battery voltage and oil level, all of which contribute to enhancing rider information for trouble-free riding.
2009
Bajaj released the UG IV (fourth upgrade) versions of the Pulsar 150 and Pulsar 180 in April 2009. The upgrades for the Pulsar 150 included an all-black theme, tank scoops similar to those on the Pulsar 200, a 3D Pulsar logo, and a changed electrical system (full DC). Power also increased from 13.5 HP to 14.09 HP (at 8,500 rpm).Electrical enhancements like auto head light switch-off after few seconds of turning the engine off to protect the battery, self cancelling turn signals ,icon illumination (horn icon, indicator icon, engine cut off icon, etc.), side stand warning light, duel digital trip meter, low fuel warning light (which also flashes when the engine is revved too hard), and low battery indicator are common features among all the variants.
The Pulsar 180 received upgrades like wider tyres, split seat, tank scoops, clip-on handlebars, 3D Pulsar logo, swing arm suspension borrowed from Pulsar 200, and thicker forks. The power was increased to 17 PS.
Bajaj launched a carbureted version of Pulsar 220 on June 2009, tagging it as "the fastest bike in India". It also discontinued the production of Pulsar 200 on July 2009.
Bajaj also introduced a new Light Sports version of Pulsar named as Pulsar 135LS. It is the first bike in India to contain 4-valve DTS-i technology. It consists 4 smaller valves rather than 2 standard bigger valves, styling also is changed and looks become more aggressive. The bike is ARAI certified for 68.5 km/l and weights only 122 kg.
2010
Bajaj released the UG 4.5 (fifth upgrade) versions of the Pulsar 150. The upgrades for the Pulsar 150 included an clip-on handlebars like those in Pulsar 135LS. Power also increased from 14.09 HP to 15.06 HP (at 9,000 rpm).A naked version of Pulsar 220 is also launched, named as Pulsar 220S (Street Fighter) which retains everything from Pulsar 220 except the front fairing. Front fairing is similar to Pulsar 180/150. Old Pulsar 220 is now named as Pulsar 220F.
2011
Bajaj released Pulsar 150,180 and 220F with new colour combinations. New combinations were Blue-Black and Red-Black.DTSi
DTSi stands for Digital Twin Spark Ignition, a Bajaj Auto trademark. Bajaj Auto holds an Indian patent for the DTSi technology. The Alfa Romeo Twin-Spark engines, the BMW F650 FunduroBMW F650 single
The BMW F650 is a family of single-cylinder motorcycles that was produced by BMW Motorrad beginning in 1993. Models include the F650ST Strada, F650 Funduro, F650GS, F650GS Dakar and latterly the G650GS...
which was sold in India from 1995 to 1997 also had a twin-spark plug technology, and the Rotax motorcycle engines,more recently Honda's iDSI Vehicle engines use a similar arrangement of two spark-plugs. However very few small capacity engines did eventually implement such a scheme in their production prototypes.
Patent infringement allegations
In September 2007, Bajaj Auto filed a claim accusing that the development of TVS FlameTVS Flame
TVS Flame is a 125 cc motorcycle developed by TVS Motors. It was launched in the Indian market in January 2008. The Flame was launched at a price of Rs 48,000 for the disc brake version...
was in violation of their patent for DTS-I.
TVS Motors
TVS Motors
TVS Motor Company is the third largest two-wheeler manufacturer in India.It is the flagship company of the parent TVS Group employing over 40,000 people with an estimated 15 million customers. It manufactures motorcycles, scooters, mopeds and auto rickshaws...
countered by threatening to sue Bajaj Auto for libel.
On February 2008, the Madras High Court
Madras High Court
The Madras High Court is a senior court located at Chennai , in India. The court buildings, which are believed to be the second largest judicial complex in the world, are located near the beach, in one of the city's major business districts....
in Chennai restrained TVS from launching it with the twin spark plug technology.
TVS appealed against this decision, claiming that crucial evidence was not taken into account
and in March 2008, launched the Flame with a modified engine containing one spark plug. The DTSi idea is a simple one to understand - it involved usage of two spark plugs (instead of one) per engine cylinder. On September 16, 2009 the Supreme Court of India
Supreme Court of India
The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial forum and final court of appeal as established by Part V, Chapter IV of the Constitution of India...
permitted TVS
TVS
-Television, Tele-Networking:* TVS Electronics, Computer peripherals manufacturing company from India* TVS Motors, motor manufacturing company from India* TVS, aka Television Sydney, free TV channel in Sydney, Australia...
motors to manufacture and sell the 125 cc TVS Flame
TVS Flame
TVS Flame is a 125 cc motorcycle developed by TVS Motors. It was launched in the Indian market in January 2008. The Flame was launched at a price of Rs 48,000 for the disc brake version...
with Twin Spark Technology.
ExhausTEC
ExhausTEC stands for Exhaust Torque Expansion Chamber, a technology patented by Bajaj. The technology involves use of a small chamber connected to the exhaust pipe of the engine to modify the back-pressure and the swirl characteristics, with an aim to improve the low-end performance of the bikes. The ExhausTEC technology is claimed to be highly effective in improving the low- and mid-range torque.Copy of Pulsar brand motorcycles
There were several allegations of IPR infringement by Chinese manufacturers in Sri Lankan and South American markets. Pulsar clone versions are sold in Bangladesh also.The 'Tomahawk' motorcycle manufactured by Hong Kong based Giantco Limited, 'YB200' motorcycle manufactured by China based Taizhou City Kaitong Motorcycle Manufacture Co., Limited (the company which made a clone of Piaggio MP3), 'ZX200-7(G) and ZX200-7(II)' motorcycles manufactured by China based Jiangsu Zhongxing Motor Group Co., Limited, 'RT150-8' motorcycle manufactured by China based Chongqing Rato Power Co., Limited, 'SM150-GB’ motorcycle manufactured by China based Pantera Motorcycle Co.,Limited, 'HJ200-23' motorcycle manufactured by China based Guangzhou Panyu Haojian Motorcycle Industry Co.,Limited, 'YG200-7A' motorcycle manufactured by China based Chongqing Yingang Sci.&Tech.(Group)Co.,Limited and 'YX200-C5' motorcycle manufactured by China based Chongqing YInxiang Motorcycle(Group) Co., Limited are some famous replica of Pulsar brand motorcycles.
2009 - 2010
Viewer's Choice Bike of the Year - UTV Bloomberg - AutoCar (For Pulsar 135 DTS-Fi)Bike of the Year - UTV Bloomberg - AutoCar (For Pulsar 135 DTS-Fi)
Technology of the Year - 4Valve - ET NOW - Zigwheels (For Pulsar 135 DTS-Fi)
Bike of the Year - ET NOW - Zigwheels (For Pulsar 135 DTS-Fi)
Less than 150 cc Bike of the Year - ET NOW - Zigwheels (For Pulsar 135 DTS-Fi)
2007 - 2008
IMOTY Award - Indian Motorcycle of the Year 2008 - All Auto Mags - Overdrive, AutoCar, BS, Bike, Top Gear (For Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi)Bike of the Year 2008 - NDTV Profit Car India and Bike India Awards (For Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi)
Bike of the Year 2008 - Overdrive (For Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi)
Ranked First in ' TOP 30 AUTOMOBILE BRANDS OF INDIA ' 2008 - 4Ps Power Brand Awards
2003 - 2004
Auto Tech of the year - ICICI Bank OVERDRIVE Awards 2004 (For DTS-i Technology)Bike of the Year - ICICI Bank OVERDRIVE Awards 2004
2002 - 2003
BBC World Wheels Viewers Choice Two Wheeler of the Year 2003 - IBBC World Wheels (For Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTS-i)BBC World Wheels Award for Best Two Wheeler between Rs. 55,000 to Rs. 70,000 - IBBC World Wheels (For Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTS-i)
Motorcycle Total Customer Satisfaction Study 2003 - NFO Automotive
Bike of the Year 2003 - ICICI Bank OVERDRIVE Awards 2003
Bike of the Year 2002 - Business Standard Motoring
Most Exciting Bike of the Year 2003 - By OVERDRIVE