Bajaj Pulsar 180F Vs Pulsar 220F: 5 Things To Know

Here’s all you need to know about these two bikes

The new Bajaj Pulsar 180F has already reached showrooms and while the prices have been revealed, we expect a formal announcement about the launch soon. It seems Bajaj is set to cash in on the larger Pulsar 220F’s popularity by adding a fairing on the 180F. It is a smart move in our opinion as it offers the typical Pulsar customer a larger bike at a lower price. Here’s what the smaller Pulsar 180F compares to the Pulsar 220F.

Also read: Bajaj Pulsar 180F: All You Need To Know

Both look the same:
That is because the Pulsar 180F gets the Pulsar 220F’s bodywork, including the front fairing and headlamp setup. It, however, gets subtle cosmetic updates to differentiate it from the 220F. For instance, the Pulsar 180F gets a plastic belly pan fairing which the 220F misses out on. Also, the graphics on the bodywork are more subtle on the 180F though the Pulsar logo on the fuel tank and even the grab handles get a vibrant red finish (chrome and black on the Pulsar 220F).

But perform differently:
That's a given considering the Pulsar 180F sports a smaller 178.6cc air-cooled motor that produces 17PS and 14.22Nm of torque. In comparison, the Pulsar 220F gets a 220cc air and oil-cooled motor that makes 20.93PS and 18.55Nm of torque, making it quicker than the 180F. Given the added weight of the fairing and the headlamp assembly, we expect the Pulsar 180F to be slower than the stock Pulsar 180. 

Both have the same features and underpinnings:
As with most Bajaj Pulsar models, the smaller bikes come with features that are usually reserved for larger models. The 180F gets features such as a semi-digital instrument console and LED tail lamps. It also gets the 220F’s projector headlamp setup, which is among the best headlamps we have tested. Thanks to platform sharing, both sport a dual-cradle frame and similar front forks and rear twin gas-charged monoshock. Fuel tank capacity is similar on both the bikes at 15-litres. Braking hardware on the duo consist of a 260mm front disc and 230mm rear disc. However, the 180F has a lower ground clearance due to the addition of a belly pan fairing. Even the 180F’s wheelbase is 5mm shorter than the 220F. We expect it to be marginally lighter than its larger sibling too. 

No ABS on the Pulsar 180F!
Bajaj seems to have found a loophole in the law that requires all new bikes to be equipped with ABS as standard fitment. Technically, the Pulsar 180F qualifies as a Pulsar 180 variant. So it isn’t exactly a new model according to the rule book and can do without ABS. For now. But with ABS set to become mandatory on all bikes post April 1, all Pulsar models (including the 180F) will have to be equipped with the essential safety net. so expect the 180F to get the 220F’s single-channel ABS unit soon.

It is more affordable than the Pulsar 220F:
The new Bajaj Pulsar 180F is priced at Rs 86,500 (ex-showroom Pune), which is just Rs 1,500 more than the naked Pulsar 180 that retails for Rs 85,011 (ex-showroom Pune). It is also Rs 11,170 more affordable than the Pulsar 220F that costs Rs 97,670 (ex-showroom Pune). So for Rs 11,000 less, you miss out on the performance of the larger Pulsar 220F but get the same design and features, a strategy that might work in Bajaj’s favour.