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The Pulse beats stronger

Bajaj takes performance biking in India to a new level with its new, fuel injected Pulsar. Wheels rides the new machine

TOUR DE FORCE The Pulsar DTS-Fi's got it all new and all correct - from a fuel injected engine to fresh styling, techie bits and bobs and outright performance

The Pulsar has always been a winner in terms of looks, but the Pulsar DTs-Fi takes styling to a whole new level. While visual cues have been retained to identify it with its smaller siblings, Bajaj has cleverly woven an all-new, signature package for the new bike. For a start, the DTS-Fi's front fairing is larger than the older Pulsar, packs better weather protection and mounts a pair of attractive and angular mirrors. The fairing additionally supports a unique brace of vertically stacked headlights - while we haven't yet taken the DTS-Fi out at night, the twin 55W projector low beam and 70mm parabolic high beam assemblies scream potency — with the Pulsar-trademark twin pilot lights making up the rest of the illumination package up front. Bajaj hasn't stopped with this - the twin tail-lamps mounted on the tip of the waspish tailpiece are stylish and extremely contemporary - you get LEDs here too!

Tech injection

Bajaj have given the bike a unique and extremely high-tech instrument panel. While road speed is displayed on a sophisticated electronic speedometer, which also employs a contact-free digital pick-up. The handsome, large rev counter is analogue though, as rev meters should rightly be. Meanwhile, the array of warning lamps is huge - you get as many indicators as a car, if not more. What makes a difference now is that all those little bulbs have been replaced by fuse-free and bright LEDs. You also get a fuel gauge with reserve warning flasher and twin tripmeters - much like a car. Instruments on the new Pulsar are intelligently set up to vary intensity - they light up brighter during day and a tone down their illumination at night.

Performance injection

The DTS-Fi is not all about show though - it's got ample go-power, with all of 20 bhp generated at 8,500 rpm. You also get a relatively meaty 1.95 kgm of torque at 6,500 rpm. Thumb the starter and its motor clears its throat, immediately settling into a quiet and steady idle. You get a standard five-speed, one-down-four-up gearbox - while the clutch feels spot-on, each gear clicks home with a positive and refined shift action.

The bike goes through its performance motions in a smooth, linear and torque laden manner, its happily light throttle delivering responsive power low in the band. And this is what makes the whole experience exciting - you just don't want to go easy on the bike as the numbers start aggressively counting up on the speedometer.

Dynamics injection

And for the first time in Indian motorcycling history, you get tubeless tyres on a bike as standard - MRF has specially developed this rubber for the DTS-Fi. Which brings us to the brakes - you get sure and progressive hydraulic disc brakes on both business ends - yes, the rear features an India-first disc too. While the front features a slightly larger 265 mm rotor, the rear wheel is kitted out with a pleasantly well-modulated 230 mm disc.

The riding position on the Pulsar DTS-Fi is quite sporty, with damped clip-on bars, footrest pegs and stepped seat, all falling neatly into position. This is a bike that doesn't feel its 150kg — it feels light and nimble while cornering on its 17-inch wheels. While 37mm, pinched clamp telescopic forks bring up the front, the rear uses adjustable, dual gas-charged shock absorbers and an elliptical swingarm that mounts on slick needle roller bearings. The new Pulsar surely promises sparkling ride and handling, although our brief and wet ride forces us to reserve comment till later.

Archrival, Hero Honda should be very worried as the Pulsar DTS-Fi poses an immediate threat to their Karizma. This bike should manage to take the meaning of performance to a whole new level and being a fuel-injected engine should provide decent mileage as well - Bajaj claims a 135kph top speed and 50kpl as fuel economy. And if you consider that Bajaj prices their products keenly, you know why we believe the bike is a winner already.

TECHNICAL DATA

BAJAJ PULSAR DTS-Fi

How much?

Rs 80,000-90,000 (estimated)

On sale: September 2006

How big?

L/W/H: 2,035/ 750/ 1,140 mm

Wheelbase: 1,350 mm

Ground clearance: 177 mm

Fuel tank capacity: 15 litres

Kerb weight: 150 kg

Engine

Layout: Single-cylinder, air and oil-cooled, four-stroke, 220cc

Power: 20 bhp at 8,500 rpm

Torque: 1.95 kgm at 6,500 rpm

Specific output: 91 bhp per litre

Power to weight: 133.3 bhp per tonne

Gearbox

5-speed, 1-down, 4-up

Suspension

Suspension

Front: Telescopic forks

Rear: Dual gas-charged shock absorbers, elliptical swingarm

Brakes

Front: 260 mm disc

Rear: 230 mm disc

Wheels

(F/R): Six-spoke alloys, 1.85 x 17/ 2.5 x 17 inches

Tyres

(F/R): Tubeless, 90/90 x 17/ 120/80 x 17 inches

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