Dewayne Paul
08-06-2009, 11:32 AM
One man's loss is another's gain. So true in the case of the Bajaj Pulsar. The CBZ was the bike with all the panache for its time, but priced at more than sixty grand it was expensive. Enter the Bajaj Pulsar. When launched in 2001, the Pulsar was all rippling muscle, brandishing a sword of raw performance, out to conquer one and all coming in its path. II possessed everything that the 21st century Indian youth could ask for and more. Bajaj launched not one but two motorcycles that captured the performance end of Indian motorcycling. The Pulsar 180 rode straight into the hearts of those looking for absolute performance, but it was the ISO that struck gold. It was fast, well equipped and didn't require a fat wallet to take home. In record time the bike catapulted to where it aspired to be. The Pulsar was not flawless, though. The gearbox was notchy and build quality became an issue. Bajaj addressed the issues and upped the ante with a makeover, refining the mechanicals and updating the styling. With the second generation came twin spark ignition which raised power and economy at the same time. Bajaj eventually also introduced 17-inch alloy wheels and a resonance chamber on the next generation. Finally, there were gas-charged dampers as well. Perhaps the only criticism you can aim at the motorcycle is that Bajaj became 'obsessed' with the look of the Pulsar and in the process it became identifiable but ultimately unchanging. The Pulsar, thus, looks familiar while the competition has moved its designs forward. Bajaj was apprehensive about fidgeting with a successful formula.
Eight years later, the Pulsar must fend off the attentions of a slew of well equipped competitors and yet keep public attention glued to it, which certainly is a big ask. But like the CBZ, only to a lesser extent, the Pulsar's feel, ride and handling have changed but not significantly. Today the Pulsar isn't the best 150 in the class any more. It might yet be the sales leader thanks to a strong price point. However the gap has narrowed considerably. We suspect that the latest 150s tank flanks and decals are only going to slow the erosion of sales and Bajaj will have to launch a far more comprehensively upgraded 150 to reignite the sales curve again soon. So if the CBZ woke every other manufacturer from slumber, the Pulsar made sure they would never ever fall asleep again. And until a comprehensively stronger 150 comes out, the Pulsar's legend is taking a breather. Its fans are keeping fingers crossed.
3867
Eight years later, the Pulsar must fend off the attentions of a slew of well equipped competitors and yet keep public attention glued to it, which certainly is a big ask. But like the CBZ, only to a lesser extent, the Pulsar's feel, ride and handling have changed but not significantly. Today the Pulsar isn't the best 150 in the class any more. It might yet be the sales leader thanks to a strong price point. However the gap has narrowed considerably. We suspect that the latest 150s tank flanks and decals are only going to slow the erosion of sales and Bajaj will have to launch a far more comprehensively upgraded 150 to reignite the sales curve again soon. So if the CBZ woke every other manufacturer from slumber, the Pulsar made sure they would never ever fall asleep again. And until a comprehensively stronger 150 comes out, the Pulsar's legend is taking a breather. Its fans are keeping fingers crossed.
3867