Next-Gen Bajaj Pulsar Spotted On Test, Based On Pulsar 250 Platform

The bike is likely to be powered by a new 150cc or 180cc engine

A development mule of the next-generation Bajaj Pulsar has been spotted on test in the country. Spotted in Chakan, where Bajaj has its manufacturing plant, the upcoming new generation Pulsar will be a smaller bike based on the Bajaj Pulsar N250 and the F250 quarter-litre twins. 

Bajaj will be taking a top-down approach, with the 250cc Pulsars perched at the apex. So naturally, the next choice would be to cater either to the 150cc or the 180cc market, and we believe it would either be the next-generation Bajaj Pulsar 150 or the Pulsar 180.

Moreover, the 150cc segment is a cash cow and it would make perfect sense for Bajaj to tackle that after the quarter-litre segment. The Pulsar 150 has been loved by enthusiasts, but, let’s face it, the motorcycle has become too long in the tooth and this upcoming iteration will be just what the enthusiasts are craving for. Additionally, the 180cc segment has been quite dry for a while, with only two active players in the space: Bajaj Pulsar 180 and the TVS Apache RTR 180. Sure, the Apache RTR 180 received a nifty low-rpm assist along with the BS6 update, but the Pulsar 180 remained as is, except that it was greener. So it’s high time this motorcycle receives a major overhaul, and the next-generation Pulsar 180 will be the perfect candidate.

The test mule gets the Pulsar’s distinctive bikini faired face, as Bajaj knows not to tinker with the winning design formula. That said, the Pune-based bikemaker has tweaked it to look fresher, courtesy the projector LED headlamp, likely to have been borrowed from the Pulsar 250. The indicators are mounted high up the headlight cowl, and they’re bulbs to keep the costs in check.

Interestingly, the fuel tank extensions are eerily reminiscent of thesame part on the erstwhile Bajaj Pulsar 135LS, and the bike gets a single-piece seat with a single-piece grab rail. You can also see other road-friendly elements including a saree-guard with pillion footrest, and a chain cover. 

Bajaj Pulsar N250's engine shown for representation

The new-gen engine is an air-cooled unit, likely to be either a 150cc or a 180cc mill. Expect it to be more refined, and perhaps produce a little more power and torque compared to the current generation versions. For perspective, the Pulsar 150 churns out 14PS and 13.25Nm, whereas the Pulsar 180 makes 17PS and 14.52Nm. The test mule also comes with the new chassis based on the Pulsar 250s, but rolls on skinnier tyres. The alloy wheel design looks quite different from the other Pulsars, but it looks sporty nonetheless. 

The Bajaj Pulsar 150 and the 180 have always been like two peas in a pod. Having a similar looking bike with a slightly bigger engine gives the customer more options, and also makes the line-up even more versatile for buyers with different budgets. So from a legacy point of view we expect them to be launched together.

That said, from the current market perspective, we’ll have to see if the Pulsar 180 really makes sense, as the segment itself is quite niche now. Interestingly, our dealer sources have revealed the Pulsar 180 is currently no longer on sale. Moreover, the bike has been taken off the bikemaker’s website as well. 

Expect Bajaj to launch the updated Pulsar 150 and 180 in mid 2022. While the new generation Pulsar 150 will likely cost around Rs 1.1 lakh (ex-showroom), the 180cc variant, if at all it arrives, could command a premium of Rs 10,000 over the 150. The updated bikes will go up against the TVS Apache RTR 160, Apache RTR 180, and Honda Unicorn.

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