eveloped by the product engineering division of Bajaj Auto in association with famous Japanese design house Tokyo R&D.History
Before the introduction of the Pulsar, the Indian motorcycle market trend was towards fuel efficient, small capacity motorcycles (that formed the 80-125 cc class). Bigger motorcycles with higher capacity virtually did not exist (except for Enfield Bullet). The launch and success of Hero Honda CBZ in 1999 showed that there was demand for performance bikes. Bajaj took the cue from there on and launched the Pulsar twins in India on November 24, 2001. [2] Since the introduction and success of Hero Honda CBZ, the Indian youth began expecting high power and other features from affordable motorcycles.
The project was faced with internal resistance, reservations by Mckinsey and doubts on its effects on Bajaj's relation with Kawasaki. The project required approximately 36 months for completion and cost Bajaj Rs 1 billion[3]
Market position
As of 2006, the Bajaj Pulsars form the most popular motorbike product in the newly emerging 150+ cc class of Indian two wheeler market.[4] Bajaj have been regularly making alterations to it to make the motorbike look fresh at all times.
Variants
2001
The original Pulsar came with a 150 cc or 180 cc air-cooled, single-cylinder, petrol, spark-ignited four-stroke engine. They featured a single spark plug to ignite the air-fuel mixture fed from a carburetor, simple spring shock absorbers, round headlamp dome and 1,235 mm wheelbase. Disc brakes as standard equipment was a novelty in Indian motorcycles of the early 2000s. Other standard features were parking lights and an aircraft-type fuel tank lid. The 180 cc version came with Electric Start (ES) and twin-tone horn, both of which were optional equipment on the 150 cc version.
2003
The second generation Pulsars featured Bajaj Auto's newly developed DTSi technology[5], which increased the power rating of both versions by 1 bhp (0.75 kW) each and also increased fuel economy[6]. This model also sported a new headlamp assembly, 1,320 mm wheelbase[7], and standard twin-tone horn and trip meter.
2005
In 2005, Bajaj launched another upgrade of the Pulsar. The bike was offered with 17-inch (430 mm) alloy wheels as standard option, and the stance was also lowered by about 12 mm. It was the first time any bike maker in India had offered 17-inch (430 mm) profile wheels at the rear. The fuel tank now had a capacity of only 15 litres[8]. The power output was now further increased to 13.5 bhp (10.1 kW) @ 8500 rpm for the 150 while it increased to 16.5 bhp (12.3 kW) @ 8500 rpm for the 180[9]. The rear shock absorbers were now gas-filled Nitrox absorbers.
2006
Bajaj introduced another version of Pulsar. New features included: pilot lamps separated from the main headlamp, turn indicators with clear lenses and amber bulb, self-cancelling turn indicator switch, flush LCD screen with digital read-out of key vehicle data, non-contact speed sensor, non-contact backlit switches, twin-stripe LED tail-light assembly and side panels altered for a sharp, tapering-towards-the-rear look. The engine had increased torque availability, reduced vibration and improved gear shift feel. They also introduced the 1 Down 4 Up variant of the Gear box for the first time on sub 150 cc variants.[10].
2007
In July 2007, Bajaj began selling the Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi and Pulsar 200 DTS-i, featuring fuel injection and oil cooled engines, a digital dash, and modern styling. This bike has some features which are totally new to the Indian market, like the fuel injection itself, rear disc brake and clip-on handlebars (the last two only available in the 220 model).
Technology
DTSi
DTSi stands for Digital Twin Spark Ignition, a Bajaj Auto trademark. The DTSi idea is a simple one to understand - it involved usage of two spark plugs (instead of the usual choice of one) per engine cylinder.
Bajaj Auto holds an Indian patent for the DTSi technology. The Alfa Romeo Twin-Spark engines, the BMW F650 Funduro which was sold in India from 1995 to 1997 also had a twin-spark plug technology, and the Rotax motorcycle engines,more recently Honda's iDSI Vehicle engines use a similar arrangement of two spark-plugs. However very few small capacity engines did eventually implement such a scheme in their production prototypes. This may be the case because the idea was perhaps not observed to yield any significant or noticeable performance benefit that could be justified against the additional investment of an extra spark plug. This may well be the reason behind very few Indian motorcycles offering products based
While Bajaj claims that the Pulsar is a complete in house product, it should also be known that they had learnt a considerable know-how of building motorcycles from their erstwhile technology partner Kawasaki. Take for instance the original Kawasaki-Bajaj Eliminator, (now sold as the Bajaj Avenger) that had a different engine design than that of the current 180/200 cc Avenger series.
ExhausTEC
ExhausTEC stands for Exhaust Torque Expansion Chamber, a Bajaj Auto trademark. The technology involves use of a small chamber connected to the exhaust pipe of the engine to modify the back-pressure and the swirl characteristics, with an aim to improve the low-end performance of the bikes. This was attempted in response to the issue of a reported lack of low-end response in Bajaj's single-cylinder four-stroke engines. The ExhausTEC technology is claimed to be highly effective in improving the overall engine response, especially the low-end torque characteristics. This enhanced performance is claimed to come at no loss of top-end performance or engine smoothness.
Criticisms
Ergonomics and quality
This section may contain original research or unverified claims. Please improve the article by adding references. See the talk page for details. (September 2007)
Taller riders often find it difficult to 'tuck in', due to the lack of knee recesses. The 2006 Pulsar also faces numerous defects. The LED Tail Lights, Electronic Fuel gauge and Auto Start malfunctions frequently. But Bajaj has been proactive in changing the faulty components of the bikes at no cost. Bajaj has also replaced the tyre provided in 3rd upgrade model from MRF Zapper to Eurogrip which many riders feel is comparitively of inferior quality and see it as a cost cutting step. But Bajaj is making continuous efforts in order to improve the overall quality of vehicles and squeeze in more features at similar prices.
Patent infringement allegations
In september 2007, Bajaj Auto filed a claim accusing that the development of TVS Flame was in violation of their patent for DTS-I.[11] TVS Motors countered by threatening to sue Bajaj Auto for libel.[12][13] On February 2008, the Chennai High Court restrained TVS from launching it with the twin spark plug technology.[14] TVS appealed against this decision, claiming that crucial evidence was not taken into account [15] and in March 2008, launched the Flame with a modified engine containing one spark plug.[16]
Awards
The different variants of Pulsar have won the following awards.[17]
2008
Bike India awards- Bike of the year- upto 250 cc [18]Indian Motorcycle of the Year [19]
2007
CNBC-TV18 Autocar Auto Awards- Bike of the Year
2004
ICICI Bank OVERDRIVE Awards -Bike of the Year
2003
BBC World Wheels Award-Viewers Choice Two Wheeler of YearBBC World Wheels Award-Best Two Wheeler between Rs 55,000 to Rs 70,000BBC World Wheels Award-Best Two Wheeler between Rs 45,000 to Rs 50,000NFO Automotive- Motorcycle Total Customer Satisfaction StudyICICI Bank OVERDRIVE Awards -Bike of the year
2002
OVERDRIVE Awards- Most exciting bike of the year
Before the introduction of the Pulsar, the Indian motorcycle market trend was towards fuel efficient, small capacity motorcycles (that formed the 80-125 cc class). Bigger motorcycles with higher capacity virtually did not exist (except for Enfield Bullet). The launch and success of Hero Honda CBZ in 1999 showed that there was demand for performance bikes. Bajaj took the cue from there on and launched the Pulsar twins in India on November 24, 2001. [2] Since the introduction and success of Hero Honda CBZ, the Indian youth began expecting high power and other features from affordable motorcycles.
The project was faced with internal resistance, reservations by Mckinsey and doubts on its effects on Bajaj's relation with Kawasaki. The project required approximately 36 months for completion and cost Bajaj Rs 1 billion[3]
Market position
As of 2006, the Bajaj Pulsars form the most popular motorbike product in the newly emerging 150+ cc class of Indian two wheeler market.[4] Bajaj have been regularly making alterations to it to make the motorbike look fresh at all times.
Variants
2001
The original Pulsar came with a 150 cc or 180 cc air-cooled, single-cylinder, petrol, spark-ignited four-stroke engine. They featured a single spark plug to ignite the air-fuel mixture fed from a carburetor, simple spring shock absorbers, round headlamp dome and 1,235 mm wheelbase. Disc brakes as standard equipment was a novelty in Indian motorcycles of the early 2000s. Other standard features were parking lights and an aircraft-type fuel tank lid. The 180 cc version came with Electric Start (ES) and twin-tone horn, both of which were optional equipment on the 150 cc version.
2003
The second generation Pulsars featured Bajaj Auto's newly developed DTSi technology[5], which increased the power rating of both versions by 1 bhp (0.75 kW) each and also increased fuel economy[6]. This model also sported a new headlamp assembly, 1,320 mm wheelbase[7], and standard twin-tone horn and trip meter.
2005
In 2005, Bajaj launched another upgrade of the Pulsar. The bike was offered with 17-inch (430 mm) alloy wheels as standard option, and the stance was also lowered by about 12 mm. It was the first time any bike maker in India had offered 17-inch (430 mm) profile wheels at the rear. The fuel tank now had a capacity of only 15 litres[8]. The power output was now further increased to 13.5 bhp (10.1 kW) @ 8500 rpm for the 150 while it increased to 16.5 bhp (12.3 kW) @ 8500 rpm for the 180[9]. The rear shock absorbers were now gas-filled Nitrox absorbers.
2006
Bajaj introduced another version of Pulsar. New features included: pilot lamps separated from the main headlamp, turn indicators with clear lenses and amber bulb, self-cancelling turn indicator switch, flush LCD screen with digital read-out of key vehicle data, non-contact speed sensor, non-contact backlit switches, twin-stripe LED tail-light assembly and side panels altered for a sharp, tapering-towards-the-rear look. The engine had increased torque availability, reduced vibration and improved gear shift feel. They also introduced the 1 Down 4 Up variant of the Gear box for the first time on sub 150 cc variants.[10].
2007
In July 2007, Bajaj began selling the Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi and Pulsar 200 DTS-i, featuring fuel injection and oil cooled engines, a digital dash, and modern styling. This bike has some features which are totally new to the Indian market, like the fuel injection itself, rear disc brake and clip-on handlebars (the last two only available in the 220 model).
Technology
DTSi
DTSi stands for Digital Twin Spark Ignition, a Bajaj Auto trademark. The DTSi idea is a simple one to understand - it involved usage of two spark plugs (instead of the usual choice of one) per engine cylinder.
Bajaj Auto holds an Indian patent for the DTSi technology. The Alfa Romeo Twin-Spark engines, the BMW F650 Funduro which was sold in India from 1995 to 1997 also had a twin-spark plug technology, and the Rotax motorcycle engines,more recently Honda's iDSI Vehicle engines use a similar arrangement of two spark-plugs. However very few small capacity engines did eventually implement such a scheme in their production prototypes. This may be the case because the idea was perhaps not observed to yield any significant or noticeable performance benefit that could be justified against the additional investment of an extra spark plug. This may well be the reason behind very few Indian motorcycles offering products based
While Bajaj claims that the Pulsar is a complete in house product, it should also be known that they had learnt a considerable know-how of building motorcycles from their erstwhile technology partner Kawasaki. Take for instance the original Kawasaki-Bajaj Eliminator, (now sold as the Bajaj Avenger) that had a different engine design than that of the current 180/200 cc Avenger series.
ExhausTEC
ExhausTEC stands for Exhaust Torque Expansion Chamber, a Bajaj Auto trademark. The technology involves use of a small chamber connected to the exhaust pipe of the engine to modify the back-pressure and the swirl characteristics, with an aim to improve the low-end performance of the bikes. This was attempted in response to the issue of a reported lack of low-end response in Bajaj's single-cylinder four-stroke engines. The ExhausTEC technology is claimed to be highly effective in improving the overall engine response, especially the low-end torque characteristics. This enhanced performance is claimed to come at no loss of top-end performance or engine smoothness.
Criticisms
Ergonomics and quality
This section may contain original research or unverified claims. Please improve the article by adding references. See the talk page for details. (September 2007)
Taller riders often find it difficult to 'tuck in', due to the lack of knee recesses. The 2006 Pulsar also faces numerous defects. The LED Tail Lights, Electronic Fuel gauge and Auto Start malfunctions frequently. But Bajaj has been proactive in changing the faulty components of the bikes at no cost. Bajaj has also replaced the tyre provided in 3rd upgrade model from MRF Zapper to Eurogrip which many riders feel is comparitively of inferior quality and see it as a cost cutting step. But Bajaj is making continuous efforts in order to improve the overall quality of vehicles and squeeze in more features at similar prices.
Patent infringement allegations
In september 2007, Bajaj Auto filed a claim accusing that the development of TVS Flame was in violation of their patent for DTS-I.[11] TVS Motors countered by threatening to sue Bajaj Auto for libel.[12][13] On February 2008, the Chennai High Court restrained TVS from launching it with the twin spark plug technology.[14] TVS appealed against this decision, claiming that crucial evidence was not taken into account [15] and in March 2008, launched the Flame with a modified engine containing one spark plug.[16]
Awards
The different variants of Pulsar have won the following awards.[17]
2008
Bike India awards- Bike of the year- upto 250 cc [18]Indian Motorcycle of the Year [19]
2007
CNBC-TV18 Autocar Auto Awards- Bike of the Year
2004
ICICI Bank OVERDRIVE Awards -Bike of the Year
2003
BBC World Wheels Award-Viewers Choice Two Wheeler of YearBBC World Wheels Award-Best Two Wheeler between Rs 55,000 to Rs 70,000BBC World Wheels Award-Best Two Wheeler between Rs 45,000 to Rs 50,000NFO Automotive- Motorcycle Total Customer Satisfaction StudyICICI Bank OVERDRIVE Awards -Bike of the year
2002
OVERDRIVE Awards- Most exciting bike of the year
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