2017 Bajaj Pulsar 135 LS: First Ride Review

Introduction

When launched, the Pulsar 135 LS was the most affordable way to enter the Pulsar club. It was aimed at the younger crowd who wanted more performance from a bike that packed in the dimensions of a 125cc motorcycle. The 135 LS delivered on that count and was a more performance-oriented motorcycle. Sadly, the mantra didn't catch up and Bajaj did not sell as many numbers as they hoped to. This led them to reduce the prices by Rs 5,000 to lure in customers. Now, with the BSIV update, Bajaj has changed its focus for the 135 LS from being a sporty youth-oriented bike to appeal to a wider and more mature audience, and has made changes to the bike to that effect.

The changes

Apart from the BSIV engine, there is a host of cosmetic updates aimed towards making the Pulsar 135 LS more commuter-oriented. The new graphics are part of the 2017 line-up update and does make the bike look more premium. The paint shades have changed on all Pulsar bikes now and also feature decals on the wheel rim. Based on prospective customer feedback, Bajaj has increased the height of the headlamp flyscreen. The shift lever now is a heel and toe unit. The split-seat has been replaced by a conventional single piece unit that is more pillion friendly as it has a low pillion seat height and is longer as well. The stylish grab rail has been given a miss for a more rounded single piece grab handle that is easy to hold on to even with my riding gloves. The instrumentation remains the same. The bike gets the Auto Headlamp On (AHO) feature that is a part of the BSIV update. The 134.6cc air-cooled single receives updates in the form of a new CDI ignition system, changes to the exhaust and intake plumbing, and the introduction of a fuel evaporation recovery unit. Power output remains unchanged and the bike still makes 13.56PS @ 9000rpm and 11.4Nm @ 7500rpm.

How is it to ride?

The new CDI ignition system on the 135cc engine now gets more ignition maps than the two of before. This allows for more precise control of the ignition spark and ultimately results in better performance, more efficiency and, more importantly, plays a major role in clearing BSIV emission norms. The bike now feels smoother to ride than before and pulls a tad faster from lower speeds in higher gears. The engine too feels more refined and sounds less strained at higher revs.

Bajaj hasn't released fuel efficiency figures for the 135LS at the time of writing this, and while the earlier bike returned 65kmpl, we expect the new one to deliver more. We will be conducting a more thorough test with the bike.

A major part of the 135 LS’s performance comes from the fact that it weighed just 122kgs, which gave it a power-to-weight ratio that was better than some 150cc bikes. The new bike seems to have lost a kilo in weight, though how much will it affect performance will have to be seen with a proper test later on. Bajaj claims a 0-60kmph time of 5.1 seconds for the bike.

The ride and handling remain unchanged as there are no revisions to the telescopic front forks and Nitrox rear dampers. The bike remains a sprightly performer and nimble on its feet and is plush enough for the daily grind. The bike gets a 240mm disc brake upfront that has a good bite but front fork dive during braking felt a tad excessive for my liking.

The lowdown

The 135 LS was a fantastic option for those who wanted the performance of a 150cc bike in a 125cc package. It still retains those traits but now appeals to a wider audience. All these changes come at a Rs 2,100 premium over the earlier bike, and for Rs 60,178 (ex-Delhi) you get a more refined, more premium looking motorcycle that is light, nimble and offers best of both worlds. The performance of a 150cc and dynamics of a 125cc bike.