Evolution : Bajaj Pulsar - Igniting the Youth Since 2001

It would be shameful and weird to ask “Have you heard the name of Bajaj Pulsar?”

Reason?

Sure, here you go.

The bike has truly rushed adrenaline in almost every biker in the country for more than a decade and is still going strong. Bajaj Pulsar is not just a name, it has become a style statement for many. Titled as the best selling sportbike of the nation, this Pune-borne show stopper has seen many cosmetic and mechanical upgrades right since its inception and that is the reason why it is still the first choice of numerous people when it comes to buying a good looking entry-level performance motorcycle.

Bajaj Pulsar was introduced back in 2001 and has gone through various stages of development since then. In this section, we will re-live the Pulsar era and throw a light on its evolution over the years.

1. Pulsar Classic (2000-01): When Indians were deprived of a worthy and punchy 150cc machine, Bajaj put a smile on their face by gifting them its best product so far, the Pulsar. The bike then used to come with a traditional rounded headlamp and analogue instrumentation. Launched in 150cc and 180cc variants, the “Definitely Male” was a muscular, stylish and tough motorcycle that the country had ever seen. The 240mm ventilated disc brake integrated at the front proved a complimentary delight.

2. Pulsar UG-1 (2002-03): Pulsar was upgraded for the first time and needless to say, it looked even more appealing and punchier than ever. The front fascia got a whole new and refreshing headlamp section that came integrated with twin pilot lamps, making the bike the first Indian two-wheeler to sport such predatory lights. Besides this, the DTS-i technology was introduced in this one along with an increase in power output. An engine kill switch was also added to the package to further pump up the sporty feel.

3. Pulsar UG-2 (2004-05): The upgrade number two brought some more premiumness for the Pulsar maniacs. The addition of 17-inch wider tyres cherished the youth and the integration of tyre hugger in the 180cc version stepped up the excitement even more. Furthermore, ExhausTEC came into picture and Nitrox gas-charged twin shock absorbers were also introduced during this upgrade. The 180cc Pulsar finally received an all-black theme.

4. Pulsar UG-3 (2006): Witnessing the most impressive and advanced technical upgrade ever, the third enhancement stage introduced some majestic features which the bike still uses today. Primarily, a digital speedometer was introduced in this, making Pulsar the first ever bike in India to show speed in numbers, instead of needles. The switches were now backlit to support riding in dark. Sharp twin wolf-eyed lamps were added that made the bike’s presence indispensable in dark. The indicators were also upgraded as they were now self-cancelling and super flexible. On the dashboard, an over rev indicator was provided that blinks in case the bike screams over the predefined rpm range. Besides all this, the body styling was also altered a bit and the Pulsar now became more edgy and sharp.

5. Pulsar 200 DTS-i and Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi (2007-08): The show stopping player of Bajaj now got even more muscles and bones in its flesh. Taking the engine capacity beyond 180cc, the bike was launched in two new versions viz. 200cc and 220cc. While the 200cc Pulsar got an oil-cooler, the 220cc avatar was blessed with a fuel injected motor. In this period, the bike received stepup seats and split rear body grab rails. Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi was given a fascinating semi fairing that still holds a powerful projector headlight. Disc brakes were fitted at both ends and the tyres went tubeless to cherish the rider even more with every passing kilometre.

6. Pulsar UG-4 (2009): Quite a number of upgrades so far, isn’t it! But don’t you think thats the only key point that kept the Pulsar going. Lets see what upgrade number four came along with. The 180cc Pulsar was given the styling of previously mentioned Pulsar 200. The wider 120mm rear tyre and step up seats were inherited from its elder mate. Some new features like DC lighting and clip-on handlebar were added to keep the adrenaline rush and excitement up to the mark. Kick start option was removed and the Pulsar now roared with the press of an electric start button only.

7. Pulsar 220S (2010): The 220cc of Pulsar now got a street fighter variant christened as the Pulsar 220S. Bajaj firmly believed that the Pulsar apart from fulfilling sport biking needs of the youth, is capable of satisfying some street riding freaks as well. Tank flaps like the ones in Pulsar 200 were introduced in this while rest of the elements remained the same.

8. Pulsar 200 NS Launched (2012): The streetfighting image of Pulsar was further strengthened with the release of Pulsar 200NS where the suffix stands for Naked Sports. The bike boasts of twin positioning light tucked just below the sharp headlamp section. The fuel tank design was made even more edgy and appealing. In terms of mechanicals, the Pulsar family now got a liquid-cooled powerplant for the first time under the hood. One year later in 2013, new dual tone colour scheme was introduced to maintain the charm.

9. Dual Toned Pulsar 220, 180 and 150 Released: Inspired by Pulsar 200NS, the baby versions also received a cosmetic makeover and were now being sold in impressive dual tone colours.

10. Pulsar SS 400 and Pulsar CS 400 Unveiled at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo (February 2015): The Pulsar is now getting bigger and bolder. The latest edition of Auto Expo held at Greater Noida last year witnessed the most powerful Pulsars till date that were named as Pulsar SS 400 and Pulsar CS 400. While the SS 400 was built on racing platform, the CS 400 conveyed a message of high-end futuristic street biking.

11. The “Fastest Pulsar Yet” Pulsar RS 200 Launched (March 2015): Dressed up in a full fairing, the most power-packed and handsome Pulsar was born. The RS 200 gets Daytime Running Lights, Optional Anti-Lock Braking System, twin projector headlamps and a refreshed instrument console as its major pros. The floating tail light at the rear, however, came across a bit controversial to many and fascinating to the remaining. Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 clocks a top speed of 141kmph, which is the best attained by any Pulsar till now.

12. Adventure Styled Pulsar AS 200/150 Rolls Out (April 2015): After treating the racing and street bike freaks with equal importance, Bajaj Auto decided to move its eyeballs toward the adventure loving youth of the country. With this aim, Pulsar AS 200 and AS 150 were launched. Long travel suspension, larger and clear windshield and a taller stance made the bike a true companion to conquer the terrains with ease. The recent offering by the Pune based manufacturer, the adventure sport version of Pulsar is doing well and the company has started exporting it to other parts of the world too.

So, that was the “worth remembering” history of the most iconic sportbike India has ever got. And as they say, “Change is the only permanent thing in the World”, Bajaj truly believed this and delivered its legendary Pulsar lineup that got immensely successful on the basis of above said statement only. The bike got impressive makeovers time to time and emerged as one of the best selling motorcycles across the Globe.

What you guys think about the iconic Pulsar family. Share your experiences and views in the comments section below.