Bajaj Pulsar P150 Review: Does It Have The Pulsarmania?

We see if the Bajaj Pulsar P150 has enough cred to take on its competitors, given the modern day and age. 

• The P150’s 150cc motor makes a solid 14.5PS and 13.5Nm.
• Underpinnings on the P150 include a telescopic fork along with a mono-shock at the rear. 
• At 140kg, the P150 is a whole 10kg lighter than the Pulsar 150. 

They say that the birth of a new Pulsar is always memorable. That would indicate that we are indeed living in extraordinary times, as we have received four new Pulsars in less than a year. But the Pulsar P150 is the most unique Pulsar yet, because it replaces the most popular Pulsar of all time, the masses favourite “Bajaj Pulsar 150”. 

In fact, this is the first completely new Pulsar 150 since the original debuted two decades ago. Because, for the first time since 2002, Bajaj has completely revamped the Pulsar 150's engine, chassis, and design. So you've got a lot to live up to, right? Right! 

Bajaj Pulsar P150: Design & Features

The P150 also gets the same infinity-style semi-digital instrument cluster as the Pulsar 250s, with a gear position indicator, instantaneous fuel efficiency, and distance-to-empty indicators. 

This is a nice-looking screen, but the visor over the headlight obscures the infinity effect of the instrument cluster. Fortunately, a well-placed USB charger is located directly south of the instrument cluster. But it's the P150's LED projector headlight that really sets it apart - a first in this segment!

Bajaj Pulsar P150: Engine Specs

The P150's 150cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine is the first thing that distinguishes it. However, this motor is not "new new," as it is derived from the Bajaj Pulsar N160, which has been bored and stroked down to match the bore x stroke figures of the previous generation Pulsar 150. It's not the most powerful motor in the segment, with 14.5PS and 13.5Nm on tap. But it's all about usable torque, with 95 percent of its peak torque available between 3500 and 8500rpm.

This allows the Bajaj Pulsar P150 to pull from speeds as low as 25kmph in fifth gear, and if you're riding in city traffic, you can easily stay in fifth gear all the time. If you do need to shift, the smooth gearbox and light clutch make quick work of it. While all of this makes the P150 a joy to drive in town, it isn't as good on the highway. Sure, it can cruise at 80kmph and top out at a little more than 100kmph. However, at that speed, the engine sounds quite screamy.

Bajaj Pulsar P150: Chassis

The Bajaj Pulsar P150’s handling benefits greatly from its lightweight. Although its 1352mm wheelbase isn't particularly short for a bike in this class, the P150 feels extremely nimble when tossed from side to side. This ability comes in handy when navigating through congested city streets, and it's also useful around corners. 

Its soft suspension, however, prevents it from being a great cornering machine. It's not a major issue in any case, and it absorbs mid-corner bumps exceptionally well. 

Bajaj Pulsar P150: Dimensions

The frame, which has not been borrowed from the N160 or any other Pulsar, is another new feature on the P150. With the new chassis, new wheels, new engine, and slightly smaller fuel tank, the P150 is about 9-10 kg lighter than the previous generation Pulsar, weighing in at 140kg for the Single Disc variant and 141kg for the Twin Disc.

Bajaj Pulsar P150: Variants & Price

To be honest, this P150 feels like a huge step up from the previous generation Pulsar 150. And, at Rs 1,16,755 for the Single Disc and Rs 1,19,757 for the Twin Disc, it's only about Rs 5,500 more expensive than the same Pulsar 150 variants. Furthermore, it undercuts the majority of its competitors, making it an excellent value proposition.

Conclusion

While the P150 sounds fantastic, there's a problem here. The Twin Disc P150 costs Rs 3,500 less than the Pulsar N160's Single Channel ABS version. With a riding position as sporty as the N160, the P150 Twin Disc becomes difficult to justify. 

Those looking for a sporty little bike may be better off paying the extra money and getting the N160's extra performance. However, for most people looking for a great-looking, slightly sporty 150cc commuter that's easy to ride and easy on the wallet, we recommend the Pulsar P150 Single Disc.