I bought the Pulsar200 earlier this year in June. Now the bike has done over 6000 km and I found it prefect to write a review so as to help the guys who might be going (or not going) for this bike.
Performance :- The bike has a great pick up. On signals the bike wont disappoint you in zipping past other bikes. Vibrations are minimum for the city ride.Once you hit the highway, you wont even know when it reaches 100. But after 100/105 the bike drags a bit to reach to the higher speeds. The max I did was 124 on NH4. Bike vibrates a bit after rpm crosses 7000rpm. Pick up in 3rd and 4th gears are better than in 1st or 2nd which helps in overtaking a slowly moving vehicle in front of you. The engine isnt as refined as Karizma though.
Looks :- I think no comments are required in this dept. P200 is easily one of the best looking bikes on Indian roads. The total black theme with an Aluminium coated silencer gives it a really sporty look. It always seems ready to pounce upon roads and munch kilometers.
Mileage :- We cant expect a good mileage from any 200cc bike. The highest I have got was 48 during my running in when the top speed didn’t exceed 55. Otherwise in normal city riding it hardly reaches 40 wherein I do not race the accelerator excessively and average speed is 50-60. On highways, if you really want to rip apart, you better forget the mileage. During my 1000 km trip I never came below 100kmph and the mileage dipped to 35. Decent highway mileage can be obtained only at max 70-75 kmph.
Handling :- The bike is really stable at all speeds. The wide rear tyre gives you the confidence to keep moving at high speeds. Even the cross winds on highways are not an issue. The turning radius,however, is very large and the bike cant even make a decent U-turn. (Reminds me of the old Premier Padmini). Its very bulky and while parking in the highly crowded parking lots of Pune, its really a damn pain. Pillion is surely gonna complain. The rear saree guard doesnt have a footrest. So your mom will be complaining. The split grab rail -- The more gorgeous it looks, the lesser it is of any significance. The pillion just cant hold on to it. He/she either has to hold you or pray that you drive slowly.
Braking :- Front Disc Brake is capable enough to manage this beast. However I feel rear drum brake could have been made more powerful. Mind you, whenever braking at high speeds, apply both brakes especially on straights. Otherwise the bike wont stop where you want it to. When both brakes applied, the braking becomes awesome or even front brake is fine if you can manage it.
Chain :- The chain is uncovered and requires some special attention. You need to oil it every 1000km. The Bajaj Pro-Biking guys suggest you should clean the chain seperately which costs you 75 bucks. I would be doing it after 10000km. Planning to do that every 5000 km afterwards.
Gear-Shift :- The Gear shifting has thankfully been improved by Bajaj. No more false neutrals. Shifting becomes smoother as the bike becomes older. Yeah! Sometimes you can find it difficult to find the neutral due to the toe shifter(It is more of my problem than the bike’s).
Reliability :- I have made one 1000 km trip and scores of 200-300 kms trip. I have never encountered a single problem. You can happily cruise along at 100 without worrying about engine sieze up. Plus the tubeless tyres give the confidence that you can go on longer trips without worrying about punctures. The seating position is quite sporty. You might feel a bit elbow pain after some hours. But elbow rests (kinda we get at medical stores for 30 bucks) are a good solution for that.
Maintainence :- This baby is a bit costly affair. You should change the oil as receommended. Get proper servicings typically after every 2500km (either from Pro-bking or your trusted local ones) without fail and this bike will never ever let you down. The bike has only electric start. So its of utmost important to keep the battery in proper condition. Although there is an indicator in console which flashes once battery is low like the ones you have in cars. Standard battery is Exide Low Maintianence one.
Others :- Headlights are decent. I have done a few night rides on highways and am satisfied with the quality. They are way better than karizma. Horn is excellent. The digital speedo console has hell lot of goodies. All the switches are provided with backlight so that they are easier to spot in the night.
So if you want a sleek, sporty tourer with acknowledging glances in city.. this is the bike for you...
Price :- 74740/- On Road
Model :- June 2008
Dealer :- Bajaj Pro-Biking, Pune
No comments:
Post a Comment