Bajaj Pulsar P150 Single Disc Road Test Review: Likes & Dislikes

Has Bajaj hit the mark with the entry-level P150?

Bajaj took a leap of faith launching another 150cc bike without discontinuing the ‘original’ Bajaj Pulsar 150. And credit where it’s due, the Bajaj Pulsar P150 is an all-new offering from the ground up. But does it capture the original bike’s “Pulsarmania”? Let’s find out…

Likes

Refinement at city speeds

You’ll realise how well-behaved the Pulsar P150’s engine is almost right off the bat. Whether it’s setting off the line or cruising through fast-moving traffic, the engine note is a sedate hum, which may even fool you into thinking you’re on a smaller-capacity machine. 

In fact, you’ll have to work the throttle (and the gearbox) all the way to at least 85kmph before… Well, you’ll get to know soon enough.

Nimble handling

At 140kg, the Bajaj Pulsar P150 isn’t a conventionally heavy bike. And the point is driven home by how agile it feels even at pedestrian speeds. Turning lock to lock even in confined spaces is possible with both feet on the footpegs, which makes gliding through traffic a breeze. 

Moreover, with some saddle time, even riders of middling skill will be able execute mid-corner corrections, that too on slightly bumpy surfaces! 

Sprightly, without being a fuel-guzzler

Along with being a light handler, the single disc variant’s slightly less weight means it accelerates a bit faster than the twin disc variant.

But that’s not all, as the skinnier tyres (and hence less rolling resistance) helps it cover more ground with every litre of fuel too!

Comfortable ergonomics

The Pulsar P150 single disc’s slightly front-biased footpegs and slightly higher one-piece handlebar put you in a more upright riding stance than the decidedly sporty twin disc variant. However, considering the single-piece seat and adequate tank recesses (a clear improvement over the ‘original’ Pulsar 150’s bulbous tank), your lower body isn’t locked in place. The overall rider’s triangle is a good balance between slightly sporty and everyday usable, making the Pulsar P150 the most comfortable one among the various 150 and 160cc Pulsar iterations.

Reassuring brakes

The Pulsar P150’s reassuring braking behaviour is the final aspect rounding off its list of pros. The brakes feel consistently strong – and thankfully the lever does not have the initial sponginess we saw on the Pulsar N160. ANd yet, they don’t at all feel sharp, so the customary two fingers on the lever keeps you tension-free in most traffic scenarios. 

Moreover, this selfsame progressive nature of the disc up front (and even the rear drum, in most cases) makes calculating braking distances a simple task, which will be a boon on unfamiliar terrain, or even during the rain. 

Dislikes

High-speed manners (or lack thereof)

Yes, the Bajaj Pulsar P150 works like a charm in the confines of the city streets, but out on the open roads, the experience turns distinctly unsavoury. 

Beyond 85kmph – or more precisely above 8000-8500rpm – the mild buzz thus far hardly worth your attention becomes an irritating vibration. It starts off from the tank and footpegs, and as you wring the throttle further, spreads to the seat and handlebar. Add to that the engine note, which seems gruff, almost rattly; enough for you to dial down the excitement.

Besides, your woes aren’t restricted to just how the bike feels. The progress above 90kmph slows down decidedly as well. Thus, overtaking (or even matching speeds with) faster bikes on weekend jaunts will compulsorily need you to shift down a gear. But then the vibes will make their presence felt even more; a vicious circle indeed!

Weak headlight

The Pulsar P150 gets a projector headlight that should, on paper, offer adequate illumination. However in the real world it seems comically underpowered, with even the high beam offering very restricted throw as well as spread. Additionally, there’s a visible blue-green tinge on the edges of the beam, which imparts a cheap, aftermarket feel.

And in any case, the solid feel from the rest of the bike, including the tactile feel from the switchgear, makes the weak headlight stick out like a sore thumb.

Unsettled ride quality

Considering the neutral, quick handling it offers, we didn’t expect the Pulsar P150 to be completely plush. So while the suspension setup can handle the odd undulation well enough, the sharper potholes or speedbreaker give you a slight ‘kick’ from the rear suspension. 

Now, though the suspension quality of the P150 is a marked improvement from that on the Pulsar N160, the relatively upright riding position puts marginally more strain on the rider’s (and even the pillion’s) back, something that’s undesirable on a bike positioned as a commuter.   

Verdict

The Pulsar P150 Single Disc variant retails at Rs 1,16,755 (ex-showroom Delhi), which is identical to that of the original Pulsar 150. But spending Rs 3000 more gets you the twin-seat, twin-disc variant which offers sportier ergos and stronger brakes. And further up the ‘sporty’ ladder is also the Bajaj Pulsar N160, which can be had for another Rs 3,000. 

However, those are decidedly sportier options, and won’t be the first choice of those looking for a dependable everyday ride. And as such, the Pulsar P150 – despite its few flaws – still does most of what it advertises. Hence, the Pulsar P150 will be a good buy for those looking for a premium commuter offering – and a slice of the famed Pulsar pie – without dealing with the original Pulsar’s idiosyncrasies.