Bajaj Pulsar future plans explained

Though commuter bikes like the Discover help Bajaj Auto to rake in the numbers, it’s the more sporty Pulsar range, which has helped the company carve a niche for itself. Moreover, the new-age Discover series has got its rugged, performance-commuter characteristics due to the rub-off effect of the Pulsar.

The Bajaj Pulsar began its journey in 2001 with the first model – the Pulsar 150, and in the last 13 years several models under the brand have made an appearance stayed on while some disappeared. From single-cylinder, single spark, to the introduction of twin spark plugs on a single-cylinder and more recently the three-spark technology, the Pulsar range has evolved.

This year the company is set to do another major redesign and the signs are already visible. At the beginning of the year, during the 2014 Auto Expo, Bajaj unveiled the much anticipated Pulsar 400SS and much to everyone’s surprise even the 400CS. According to people close to the project, these big boys will not be launched anytime soon, as the bikes displayed were near-production prototypes. There’s still tons of testing to be done, especially for the rear-half setup.  So we don’t expect to see the Bajaj Pulsar 400 twins before end of 2014 or beginning of next year. Now, the good news.

New Bajaj Pulsar 150NS
Bajaj moved away from the past where there was just one engine platform for the Pulsar which had an upper limit of 220cc. Now the Pune-based company has a wider range of engines. It works on two sets of modern engine families, which has been developed with the help of KTM. The first code-named ‘Family One’ satisfies the needs of the lower capacity segment upto 200cc like on the Bajaj Pulsar 200NS; while ‘Family Two’ can be expanded up to 375cc, as seen on the Bajaj Pulsar 400SS prototype.

With greater bandwidth to play with, Bajaj will not be segregating its new Pulsar range by 20-30cc as it did on older models like the Pulsar 150, Pulsar 180 or the Pulsar 200 and Pulsar 220. Moreover, the Indian market and motorcycle buyers have evolved, and the segment segregation is more distinct.

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Contrary to the news circulating online, our sources have confirmed that there will be no Bajaj 180NS because it would be too close to the Pulsar 200NS in terms of performance and price. We have got confirmation that by mid-2014 the company will be giving the Pulsar 150 a major makeover, as the aging model has been losing its sheen to newer models from the competition. To attract new buyers, especially ones who like the 200NS styling, Bajaj will be giving this old soldier a new lease on life.

The new version will be christened Bajaj Pulsar 150NS, and as the name suggests the bike will adopt its styling cues from the Bajaj Pulsar 200NS. It will have a street-fighter design and will carry forward NS-type headlight, indicators, handlebar and street-fighter’s well chiseled tank. Other parts such as the alloy wheel design, foot pegs and the clocks will also be similar to the 200NS. However, it isn’t identical to its elder sibling and will have visible differences like a single seat (unlike 200NS’ split step-seat), different crank case cover, thinner tyres, no rear disc brake and less chunky front forks.

The Bajaj Pulsar 150NS isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade, but as the new crank case cover suggests, it will get a new engine too. The new motor will be derived from the 200NS’ 199.5cc mill and will boast of 4-valve and liquid cooling. This downsized unit will be mated with a 5-speed transmission and is expect to produce close to 17PS using the three spark technology. The new Bajaj Pulsar 150NS could be priced around Rs 68,000 (ex-showroom Mumbai) and is expected to be launched in the next couple of months before the introduction of the new Bajaj Pulsar 200SS.

New Bajaj Pulsar 200SS
Though the Bajaj Pulsar 400SS was unveiled this year, a smaller Bajaj Pulsar 200SS will be launched first till the larger capacity bike gets its act together (read: tested and Govt. approved). The bike will sport similar front styling as seen on the Pulsar 400SS, and will be the first full-fairing motorcycle to rollout of Bajaj’s stable. In flesh the 200SS looks quite striking with the multi-layered fairing and mean looking projector headlights. The rear design will be closer to the Bajaj 200NS with similar split grab-rails, tyre hugger and a mono-shock. The 200SS borrows its cycle parts from its naked counterpart and will use similar front forks, alloy wheels, clip-on handlebar and footpegs.

Sources say that mechanically the Bajaj Pulsar 200SS will be more advanced than the 200NS. The SS will use the same 199.5cc motor but will come equipped with fuel injection and a six-speed gearbox. The 200NS currently produces 23.52PS of peak power at 9,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 18.3NM at 8,000rpm. But on the Bajaj Pulsar 200SS there would be a slight increase in power improving rideablity. Unlike the 200NS’ underbelly exhaust the new 200SS is said to have a more conventional upswept side exhaust, which is more acceptable in India. Hopefully, the much needed ABS will also be offered as optional extra. The new Bajaj Pulsar 200SS will be priced above the 200NS which currently retails for Rs 83,377 (ex-showroom Mumbai). So expect it to be closer to Rs 1 lakh. The Bajaj Pulsar 200SS is expected to hit the showrooms in time for this Diwali to cash on the festive season.

To make way for the next generation of Pulsars, it is speculated that the current Bajaj Pulsar 150, 180 and the 220 will be gradually discontinued. Till the new breed of Pulsars arrive, the company hopes to add some excitement to the current generation by introducing three new dual-tone colour schemes for the Pulsar 180 and 220, namely - metallic white, sapphire blue and cocktail wine red. Similar dual-tone colors are also offered on the Bajaj Pulsar 200NS.

Spy photo courtesy: PixelWorks.in, Team Duke and Yogesh Naik.