Bajaj-Pulsar : - 220

 Bajaj-Pulsar : - 220

It doesn’t happen every other month but at times, you just know when a bike is destined to strike a high note. Hero Honda did it with its CBZ a few years ago and we think Bajaj’s Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi has the trappings of becoming a similar landmark bike in India. We first sighted the 220 at the Auto Expo last year, rode it for a few laps for our August 2006 issue and since then couldn’t wait to get our hands on one for a road test. But does this much-awaited bike successfully translate strategy to become a sought-after motorcycle? :

DESIGN AND ENGINEERING

Pulsar ancestry is clearly visible in the new 220cc DTS-Fi. But what strikes the eye is how cleverly the bike hides its 150kg bulk. Bajaj’s latest creation is compact and will look just right to the average Indian rider. The voluminous front fairing packs away ample tuck-in area and houses a set of vertically stacked headlights that are clearly the best yet on any Indian bike. Twin 55W projector low beam and 70mm parabolic high beam transform inky nights into day, helping keep nasty surprises on the road at bay.

On the flip side, the attractive fairing-mounted mirrors reflect little other than the rider's elbows. The backlit switchgear feels perfect to the touch and is totally contact-free, also featuring self-cancelling turn indicators. Grips and brake and clutch levers are adequate. Look ma, no bulbs! Only amber-coloured LEDs are used for the instruments, dominated by a large analogue rev counter. A contact-free digital speedometer drive displays precise speeds in a digital read-out. An engine-redline flasher strobes out its communication when the bike is over-revved; the same light doubles up as a low-fuel warning icon.

Bajaj has persevered with the same tank on the 220, adding embossed decals and a tank pad. The stepped seat is adequately padded for both rider and pillion and ends in a smart two-piece grab bar. Angular side panels and a smooth tail fairing add panache, as do strips of nifty LED brake warning lights.

While a massive stainless steel and alloy silencer go a long way in adding zing to the 220’s presence, lightweight alloy is used liberally for its rims, steering head, footrest-mounts and fuel-filler lid. The new Pulsar offers a little under-seat storage cubby that can be unlocked via a cable release located under its lockable side panel.

PERFORMANCE, FUEL ECONOMY AND HANDLING
Turn the ignition and you instantly hear a typical twin-spark hum. This 220cc motor lives sans a kick-starter and is Bajaj’s first fuel-injected bike. A battery-saving feature trips a circuit when the self-starter is engaged for too long. Also, the headlamp shuts by default when the starter engages.

DTS-Fi, an acronym for Digital Twin Spark-Fuel injected, implies the marriage of twin spark plugs and fuel-injection within its four-stroke cycle engine. Running two valves, the Pulsar DTS-Fi engine is air-cooled and circulates oil to an oil-cooler to further control temperature. Bajaj's largest powerplant employs roller bearings for the rocker arm pivots and camshaft interfaces, as well as an ExhausTEC chamber to beef up low-down power. This bike is amongst India’s most powerful with a healthy 20bhp developed at 8500rpm. Maximum torque of 1.95kgm twists out at 6500rpm.

The Pulsar DTS-Fi uses a sweet-shifting five-speed, one-down-and-four-up gearbox complemented by a well-weighted clutch. Feel through the sporty toe gear-change lever — which may not go down well with commuters — offers just the right resistance. A significant feature on the DTS-Fi is an exposed ‘O’ ring sealed drive chain that comes with all links pre-lubed and sealed for good reliability and long life.

Fuel injection technology is the raison d’etre for the bike’s fabulous throttle response and wafer-crisp power-delivery throughout the power band. The exhaust note is soft, yet throaty near idle, but can get alarmingly raucous when revved hard. Engine flexibility is fantastic, the bike pulling cleanly away in top gear from speeds as low as 23-25kph. Not that many riders will be able to ride at those speeds for the Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi is a bike that constantly tempts you to pull out a whip and whack it hard.

The Pulsar DTS-Fi can thunder past 60kph in 4.42 seconds and whiz past 110kph in only 18.79sec. Top whack is an impressive true 131kph. It’s a bike that comes into its element the moment rpm climbs over 6K and is at ease cruising between 100-115kph. Speedometer error is negligible.

The DTS-Fi’ got an unabashedly sporty riding position with low clip-on handlebars and decidedly rear-set footrests. And, it’s built to seat a rider high that will please shorter riders. The DTS-Fi uses substantial forks, a twin-member tubular frame and an elliptical swingarm mounted on needle roller bearings. Gas-charged twin shocks are used at the rear. Chunky MRF tubeless tyres —90/90 x 17 inches in front and 120/80 x 17 inches at the rear — are as good as they get.

The bike belies its 150kg kerb weight, flicking through tight corners with ease. It’s planted and stable even around the 100kph mark. Ride quality is pleasantly plush without any sign of wallowing, while cornering manners remain neutral and safely predictable at all times. Which brings us to the super brakes — a potent front 260mm disc complemented by a 230mm rear disc.

Fuel economy and performance never go hand in hand. So one cannot expect to own a bike as quick as the Pulsar 220cc DTS-Fi and yet expect wallet-friendly behaviour. Nevertheless, the latest Pulsar delivers 37.7kpl in crowded city-riding conditions. At speeds around 80kph on the highway, the bike returned 36.2kpl.

Verdict
Striking styling, more features than we could imagine, a crisp and potent 220cc fuel-injected 20bhp motor, as well as solid handling make the new Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi a bike that only happens once in a while in India. The Pulsar DTS-Fi offers it all, and then some more, with only one question tucked away for now. Reliability is this question to which only time holds the key. Bajaj’s latest creation is priced well too and earns India’s most desirable motorcycle tag.