Bajaj Pulsar 220F: Same Price Other Options

The thriving two-wheeler segment in India has a lot to offer. Here’s what else you can buy if the Pulsar 220F doesn’t quite cut it for you

The Bajaj Pulsar 220 was once the pinnacle of performance for the masses in India. However, with time, the competition moved on to better, more versatile bikes within the same price range. So, if the Bajaj Pulsar 220 doesn’t cut it for you anymore, you could have a look at the following options without burning a hole in your pocket.

Yamaha FZS-Fi: Rs 98,180

Admittedly, FZS-Fi is a smaller, less powerful bike compared to the Pulsar 220F, however, it makes up for it with its distinctive looks and the inclusion of fuel-injection. Besides, it looks fresh and modern compared to the dated 220F. The latest iteration of the FZS-Fi gets a new LED headlight which looks like a mix between the FZ25 and the M-Slaz sold in the Indonesian market. Other notable features include a negative LCD instrument console which looks pretty chic, a rear monoshock and fat radial tyres. The riding posture on the FZS-Fi is upright, thanks to its taller set handlebars as opposed to the slightly sporty riding posture on the Pulsar 220F. Plus, you save around Rs 8,000 over the Pulsar 220F. Oh, and single-channel ABS comes as standard.

Avenger Cruise 220 ABS: Rs 1.03 lakh

If you love a laid back ride, the Avenger Cruise 220 could be the perfect buy. It offers comfortable ergonomics with well-padded seats, a backrest, tall handlebars and stretched out footpegs. In addition to this, it gets a low saddle height which is perfect for shorter riders. The bike features a tall windscreen that helps deflect windblasts out on the highways and the same 220cc engine seen on the Pulsar 220 with decent highway performance. That’s not all, the Cruise 220 comes with a multifunction digital instrument console, a redesigned headlight with LED DRLs and single-channel ABS for added safety. All this comes for a price of Rs 1.03 lakh which undercuts the Pulsar 220F by around Rs 3,000. On the flipside, at 159kg (kerb), the Avenger Cruise 220 is slightly heavier than its sibling 155kg (kerb) and looks rather flashy, thanks to the substantial use of chrome.  

Hero XPulse 200 Fi: Rs 1.05 lakh 

Adventure on your mind? How about the most affordable ADV in the Indian market - the Hero XPulse 220? For just Rs 1,000 less, you could get a bike that’s capable of offroading and as an everyday commuter too. To aid its off-road prowess, the XPluse 200 features long-travel suspension, large 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels wrapped in dual-purpose tyres, a sump guard and a high-mounted exhaust for better water wading capabilities. Single-channel ABS comes as standard.

In terms of features, the XPulse 200 comes equipped with an LED headlight and tail light, a Bluetooth enabled instrument console with turn-by-turn navigation, a windscreen and knuckle guards. On the downside, the bike’s 200cc engine feels strained when pushed hard which also eats into its fun factor off the beaten path.

Suzuki Gixxer SF: Rs 1.09 lakh

If you stretch your budget by just Rs 3,000, you could get your hands on a fully faired Japanese motorcycle. The Suzuki Gixxer SF looks sleeker and sharper than ever before and features a full LED headlight setup. Its digital instrument console is also all new with legible readouts. The Gixxer SF’s new clip-on handlebars and slightly rear set footpegs offer a sporty, but comfortable riding posture. It handles pretty well too! On the downside, the Gixxer SF’s smaller displacement motor doesn’t pack the same kind of performance as the Pulsar 220F. 

TVS Apache RTR 200 4V: Rs 1.11 lakh

TVS’ top-of-the-line naked streetfighter is just a stone’s throw away from the Pulsar 220F in terms of price. For a premium of around Rs 5,000, the Apache RTR 200 4V offers a slipper clutch, dual-channel ABS, a double barrel exhaust, and one of the most feature-packed digital instrument consoles in its segment. The bike looks the part too with its aggressive styling courtesy of a sleek-looking headlamp with LED DRLs, an LED tail light and a split seat. The Apache RTR 200 4V is known for its handling prowess and a refined 200cc motor. TVS also offers sticky optional Pirelli tyres to go along with the RTR 200 4V which further improves its handling.