Bajaj Pulsar F250 vs Pulsar 220F: Differences Explained

The Bajaj Pulsar F250 may have the Pulsar 220F’s sporty genes, but is all new in several ways. We explain the details:

Bajaj Auto has started a new chapter in the quarter-litre segment with the launch of the Bajaj Pulsar F250 and the Pulsar N250. The former serves as the spiritual successor to the Bajaj Pulsar 220F (that said, the Pulsar 220F will not be discontinued). While it retains the 220F’s sporty genes, it is a completely different motorcycle in several aspects. We explain the nitty-gritties.

Familiar Yet Sharper Design:

The Bajaj Pulsar F250 retains the Pulsar 220F’s iconic silhouette but dials it up a notch with much sharper bodywork design. The half fairing flows cohesively from the headlight to the tank, and the signature air vent is a lot sleeker than before. The split seats have been slightly tweaked to accommodate the new bodywork, including the side panels. That said, the seat height remains unchanged at 795mm. 

The tail panels certainly look slimmer than before, and this is complemented by split grab rails and a pair of angular LED tail lamp strips. Another major difference is that unlike the large end can in the Pulsar 220F, the new Pulsar F250 comes with a short, stubby twin-outlet exhaust with premium brushed metal finish. The license plate mounts with integrated indicators look much sportier than the one in the Pulsar 220F. Even the engine cowl is a bit more wholesome in the new bike compared to the old one. 

Modern Features:

The Bajaj Pulsar F250 comes with a modern LED projector unit with twin reverse-boomerang (that’s what Bajaj calls them) LED DRLs flanking the sides. This looks more aggressive than the twin stacked halogen projector headlamps with pilot lamps in the Pulsar 220F. The indicators are LED too, unlike the bulb units in the 220F. 

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Bajaj has equipped the Pulsar F250 with an old-school semi-digital instrument cluster with an analogue tachometer. It looks more modern than the semi-digital unit in the Pulsar 220F, thanks to the minimal bezels. Both bikes have a range indicator but the gear position indicator is present only in the Pulsar F250. The two motorcycles do not come with smartphone connectivity, but the Pulsar F250 does get a USB port near the tank flap to keep your electronic devices charged. That said, you’ll still have to invest in an aftermarket smartphone holder if you were to make use of the USB port properly. 

More Powerful Engine:

The Bajaj Pulsar F250 is powered by a new 250cc single-cylinder air-cooled, fuel-injected engine with an oil cooler. Take a look at the specifications in the table below:

The Pulsar F250 obviously enjoys having slightly higher output figures owing to its bigger-displacement engine. It also gets a slip-and-assist clutch so that the lever action is effortless, and rear wheel lock is minimised during aggressive downshifting. 

Modern Underpinnings:

The Bajaj Pulsar F250 is built on a new tubular frame chassis linked to a 37mm telescopic front fork and a rear monoshock. On the other hand, the Pulsar 220F gets a twin-downtube frame linked to the same 37mm telescopic fork as the F250, but the rear gets a pair of gas-charged shock absorbers. 

The extra firepower in the Pulsar F250 commands the need for better braking. To this effect, Bajaj has equipped the bike with a 300mm front and a 230mm rear disc. In comparison, the Pulsar 220F features a 280mm front and 230mm rear disc. Both bikes get single-channel ABS as standard.

Bajaj seems to have borrowed the wheels and tyres from the Pulsar NS200 / RS200, as they measure the same as the liquid-cooled Pulsar twins:  100/80-17 front and 130/70-17 rear. On the other hand, the Pulsar 220F rolls on 17-inch alloys wrapped with a 90/90 tyre up front and a 120/80 unit at the rear. The new engine, chassis and bodywork have resulted in the Pulsar F250 weighing 164kg kerb, whereas the Pulsar 220F tips the scales at 160kg kerb. 

The new Pulsar F250 retails at Rs 1,40,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi), making it Rs 6,093 dearer than the Pulsar 220F. All in all, Bajaj seems to have perfected the Pulsar 220F’s formula with familiar yet contemporary looks, along with modern mechanicals in the Pulsar F250.