Bajaj Pulsar BS6 Family Explained

From sporty commuters to performance machines, the Pulsar family has one for every rider 

Bajaj Auto was well known for its commuter-oriented two-wheelers, particularly the Chetak. It was only after the arrival of the first Pulsar that people's perception of the brand changed. Following the Pulsar 150 and Pulsar 180, the lineup extended to a range of motorcycles designed to cater to the needs of diverse enthusiasts under different budgets. Here’s what the bikes in this family are all about:

Bajaj Pulsar 125:

The Bajaj Pulsar 125 is the smallest and most affordable motorcycle under the Pulsar family. Earlier, Bajaj had decided against a 125cc bike in the Pulsar family, but changing trends demanded its inclusion. And it’s proved to be a great decision for the brand with sales consistently above expectations. 

The motorcycle is powered by a 124.4cc single-cylinder engine that’s good for 12PS and 11Nm. In a bid to make the baby Pulsar look as mean and sporty as its elder brothers, Bajaj has designed it to look a lot like the Pulsar 150. The only visual distinction comes in the form of colours. The Bajaj Pulsar 125 retails for a starting price of Rs 70,995 for the front drum brake variant and Rs 75,994 for the front disc brake version. The Pulsar 125 is ideal for those who want to get into the Pulsar bandwagon without spending a bomb.

Bajaj Pulsar 150:

The Bajaj Pulsar 150 is the quintessential Pulsar that started it all. Over the years, it has received minor updates but the overall design has remained instantly recognisable. In fact, the familiarity factor has been an integral part of its identity. The motorcycle is available in three broad versions: Pulsar 150, Pulsar 150 Neon, and Pulsar 150 Twin Disc.

The Pulsar 150 Neon is exactly like the regular Pulsar, but it sports different colours and graphics. It is also the most affordable variant costing Rs 90,003. The standard Pulsar 150 will set you back by Rs 96,960. On the other hand, the Pulsar 150 Twin Disc carries forward the chassis from the now-discontinued Pulsar 180 and as its name suggests, it features a 280mm front and 230mm rear disc. This motorcycle is priced at Rs 1,00,838, making it the most expensive 150cc Pulsar. All the bikes employ a 149.5cc single-cylinder air-cooled fuel-injected engine, which churns out 14PS and 13.4Nm. This motorcycle is ideal for those who want a no-nonsense timelessly classic Pulsar.

Bajaj Pulsar NS160:

Thanks to the Yamaha FZ range, the 160cc segment started gaining popularity rather quickly. The FZ was followed by the Suzuki Gixxer and the Honda CB Hornet 160R. Back in 2017, Bajaj realised there was a lucrative space for bikes between 150cc and 180cc and came up with the Pulsar NS160. In keeping with its history of part-sharing, the Pune-based bikemaker designed the motorcycle with cues from the Pulsar NS200. The sporty mass-forward look with a muscular fuel tank is complemented by a sleek high-set tail section with split seats. 

The motorcycle is powered by an all-new 160.3cc single-cylinder fuel-injected air-cooled engine with an oil cooler. It churns out 17.2PS and 14.6Nm, making it the most powerful 160cc motorcycle in the country at present. Bajaj has priced the Pulsar NS160 at Rs 1,05,901, making it just about Rs 5,000 dearer than the Pulsar 150 Twin Disc. This bike is perfect for those who want a true-blue performance-oriented 160cc motorcycle.

Bajaj Pulsar 180F:

The Bajaj Pulsar 180F is the successor to the popular Pulsar 180. Bajaj chose to give it the same looks as the bigger-engined Pulsar 220F. Consequently, it comes with a quarter fairing, projector headlamps, and raised clip-on handlebars for a sporty-yet-comfortable riding position.

The motorcycle employs a 178.6cc single-cylinder air-cooled fuel-injected engine generating 17.02PS and 14.52Nm. Despite packing more cee-cees, this motor is less powerful and torquey than the Pulsar NS160’s heart. Bajaj has priced the bike at Rs 1,10,330. It is a great choice for those who want the Pulsar 220F’s goodness in a smaller package.

Bajaj Pulsar 220F:

The Bajaj Pulsar 220F has a huge fan following thanks to its unique design and performance that’s good enough for spirited rides on the highway. In fact, even amidst all the competition, the Pulsar 220F has been tallying steady sales numbers. At one point, it was the most expensive and most powerful motorcycle under the Pulsar family until the all-new NS200 came along.

The Pulsar 220F’s heart is a 220cc fuel-injected air-cooled engine with an oil cooler. It makes 20.4PS and 18.55Nm. Bajaj has priced this motorcycle at Rs 1,19,789, around Rs 9,500 more than the Bajaj Pulsar 180F.

Bajaj Pulsar NS200:

Bajaj’s partnership with KTM gave birth to the Pulsar NS200. Back when it was launched in 2012, it came across as an object of awe thanks to the all-new design language that was a radical departure from the run-of-the-mill Pulsars. Armed with a 199.5cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, producing 24.5PS and 18.5Nm, it has got quite the punch, performance-wise too. Back then, its sub-one lakh-rupee pricing made it the most affordable liquid-cooled motorcycle in India.

But now, the stringent emission and safety norms have pushed its price to Rs 1,28,531. Even at this price point, it remains one of the most value-for-money liquid-cooled motorcycles in India, undercutting the smaller-engined Yamaha MT-15 by a massive Rs 10,369. That’s maximum performance at minimum cost!

Bajaj Pulsar RS200:

The Bajaj Pulsar RS200 priced at Rs 1,48,467 is the flagship motorcycle under the Pulsar family. The faired bodywork and futuristic design will appeal to those looking for the meanest, sportiest-looking Pulsar. And it has got performance to boot too, thanks to the 199.5cc single-cylinder fuel-injected liquid-cooled engine based on the KTM 200 Duke. 

In the faired Pulsar, this motor churns out 24.5PS and 18.7Nm. It is also the only bike under the Pulsar range to be equipped with a proper dual-channel ABS acting on the front 300mm petal disc and a 230mm unit at the rear. Other notable features include twin-projector headlamps, LED tail lamp and indicators, and raised clip-on handlebars which offer sporty-yet-comfortable ergonomics.

All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.