Bajaj Pulsar P150 may be the answer for that lightweight, comfortable ride

Though the bike resembles Pulsar N160 and the N250, we break down the differences for you

The Indian automobile market is challenging for numerous reasons, one of which is people do not wish to move on. It is one of the reasons why so many versions of cars were left unsold, despite being launched with improved replacements.

It is the same with motorcycles too, with some of the best ones being in the 150-160cc space. For instance, Honda had to put significant effort into making the new-gen Unicorn look just like the old one because customers refused to accept the Unicorn 160 when it was first launched. Another prime example is how successful the old Apache RTR 160 2V remains in the northern and eastern markets, which led to its sale alongside the vastly improved RTR 160 4V.

It is a similar story with Bajaj and its new-gen Pulsar N160, which is on sale. The market demand meant that the company also had to create a new Pulsar 150. It gets a new chassis and engine, all in the effort to create a bike that is more commuter friendly compared to the N160, and yet, be sporty.  

This Pulsar looks similar to the Pulsar N160 and the N250 as it shares the same body panels as those two bikes, with the only difference being the headlamp design (an LED projector headlamp, which is nice). There is also a small cowl that shades the simple, but good-looking ‘infinity’ instrument console that debuted on the 250 Pulsars. 

The primary objective with the Pulsar P150 was to make it an easier, more comfort-oriented motorcycle compared to N160, which Bajaj seems to have gone all out to achieve. The chassis has a new design with the specific intention of lowering weight. At 140 kg (141kg for the dual-disc model) this bike weighs 9kg less than the older Pulsar 150 and up to 14kg less than the new Pulsar N160. Some of this weight reduction comes from the chassis, engine and the fact that this 14-litre fuel tank holds one litre lesser than the old 150.

On the move, the P150 feels light and agile, but not nervous or skittish. This means that manoeuvrability in traffic is excellent but if you do decide to take on some corners, you will notice it has a much better handler. It is not sharp and sporty, but the heavy and somewhat disconnected feeling of the old Pulsars has been consigned to the history books. The braking performance is adequate as well, with a dull initial bite at the front (typical of bikes in this category) but reassuring performance once you pull the lever in further. 

What is interesting is Bajaj’s decision with rider ergonomics. The split-seat variant comes with a set of clip-on handlebars and rather rear-set foot pegs that put the rider in a more committed riding position than expected. This feels odd, given the bike’s positioning as a more comfort-oriented machine. Especially since the suspension on this bike is softer and plusher over bad roads compared to the N160, which happens to have a one-piece handlebar.