Posts Tagged ‘pulsar’

Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTSi or TVS Apache RTR 180 – which is better bike between the two?

Monday, January 18th, 2010

Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTSi or TVS Apache RTR 180 – which is better bike between the two?

The two biggies of the auto market and Bajaj and TVS are head-to-head to strengthen their position in the two-wheeler market and so do the two models; Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTSi and TVS Apache RTR 180, seem to go neck to neck when it comes market share and they seem to be going in the right direction of changing the perspective of bike riding.

In terms of sales Pulsar 180 DTSI is much ahead of the Apache RTR 180 but TVS has left no stone unturned and has been a strong competitor to Bajaj. One of the important differences between the machines is that Apache is a modified version of Apache 160 and Pulsar 180 has many similarities to Pulsar 200. The two manufacturers have been not been spoilsports despite the legal entanglement they have managed to sustain in the market with not much of a mud slinging. A comparative analysis of the Pulsar 180 DTSi and Apache RTR 180 will help the reader choose their hottie.

Engine
The TVS Apache RTR sports a 177.4 cc four-stroke air-cooled single cylinder engine along with a SOHC 2 valve mill. The power generation is close to 17.3 PS at 8500 rpm and the maximum torque is 15.5 NM at 6500 rpm. The engine is supported with the Mikuni BS-29 carburettor.

The Pulsar 180 DTSi is braced with 178.6cc 4-stroke air-cooled single cylinder with SOHC 2 valve mill, which is very similar to the Apache 180. The power output is 17.2 PS @ 8500 rpm and the torque is 14.2 NM. Pulsar goes with the UCD 29 carburettor.

The engine capacity of the two bikes is more or less the same but the difference lies with vibration effect; Pulsar is far more superior in this regard and in Apache 180 the vibrations is quite evident despite the fact that it is has been considerably reduced but this drawback gives a minus point to Apache RTR 180. But Apache compensates this disadvantage with the smooth performance of the clutch, which feels quite heavy in Pulsar and the brand has hardly learnt any lessons to improve the assembly of the clutch.

Handling and comfort
With regard to handling definitely Apache RTR 180 deserves thumbs up, and it is certainly ahead of the Bajaj Pulsar 180. Apache RTR 180’s new wheelbase of 1326mm makes it rather comfortable and stable while cornering. The Apache RTR 180 gives a smooth handling even at great speeds and steering the vehicle at steep turns is awesome and will motivate you to ride for a few more extra miles.

Do not worry about the potholes while you are riding Apache 180, as the bike is a smoothie in this regard and your ride will not be all that bumpy at all.

Pulsar DTSi 180 is not bad in terms of handling and of course they have improved tremendously as compared to its predecessors and it still finishes off as the last contender in the league. Pulsar though scores a brownie point here with its MRF nylogrip zappers and TVS Apache RTR sports the Srichakra tyres. Adorned with MRF tyres and the upgraded swing arm it makes a huge difference to the handling of the Pulsar 180….hmm.

Performance
Talking about performance Pulsar DTSi 180 is a heavier machine when compared to the previous version and that affects quite a lot to the performance of the vehicle. The heavy tyres at the rear and the decrease of torque by 1 Nm has certainly brought down the performance level. Despite these drawbacks Pulsar 180 is still ranked as one of the top performing bikes; it can touch up to 123 kmph speed, which is quite a feat by the manufacturers.

TVS RTR 180 is as light as feather when compared to Pulsar 180; the tyres are slimmer and the torque is simply amazing, which takes the bike a few steps ahead of Pulsar DTSi 180 in terms of performance. Apache touches a top speed of 124 kmph @ 12000 rpm and at that speed you can zip, zap and zoom.

Mileage
TVS Apache RTR 180 gives a mileage of 39-44 Kmpl for that city riding and a little higher around 43-48 kmpl on the long drive or highway ride. Pulsar on the other hand, consumes less fuel; it gives around 41-46 kmpl mileage in the city and up to 46-51 kmpl on the highway riding.

Color choice and price
The Bajaj Pulsar DTSi 180 is available in four colors; Black, Red, Blue and Silver and Apache comes in White, yellow, Gray and Black.

Bajaj Pulsar DTSi 180 is around Rs. 68,600 and the TVS Apache RTR 180 comes on little expensive side at Rs. 72,000. The price differences between the two bikes maybe just a few thousand rupees but in all honesty it is hard to say which one is the better bike to choose.

Both Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTSi and TVS Apache RTR 180 bikes almost equal and it is better to leave the decision to the reader; so choose the one that suits you needs and one that meets your requirements and budget.

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Posted in Bike Comparison | 90 Comments »

New Bajaj Pulsar 180cc Review

Friday, April 24th, 2009

Bajaj has given a new look to its 180cc variant of the Pulsar and christened it as ‘The Phantom,’ with the support of online pulsar fans. The new Bajaj Pulsar 180cc is rolled to give a competition to the new TVS Apache RTR Menace 180. Surprising the Pulsar fans the news of the new Bajaj Pulsar 180cc comes in less than a week’s time after the TVS pronounced of the Apache Menace launch.

Pulsars has always been a hit in the market, and this time the new-look Pulsar 180cc is available in blue and limited editions of orange color with lots of similarities to its sibling Pulsar 200cc. The orange color; however is an inspiration picked from the Kawasaki models.

The changes in this upgraded version of the new Bajaj Pulsar 180cc mentioned hereunder:


In terms of looks, all parts right from forks to engine reflect black matte finish, carrying the legacy of the successful black theme. However, the fork assembly at the front measures 37mm and is stouter than the earlier version. The handle bar is clip on, a feature quite resembling that of Apache RTR. The side panels of the bike are redesigned to reflect sleeker look with more aggressive rear end. The LED tail lamps in the new Bajaj Pulsar 180 cc are the latest in the Indian Bike industry. Additionally, an orange colored digital instrument console will appeal the bikers. There is an analog tachometer dash, an easy-to-read speedometer.

What’s more? Backlit switches and self-turn cancel indicators, which are new features in the 180cc segment of bikes in India.

In terms of performance, the power is a little upped as compared to the earlier version. The new Bajaj Pulsar 180cc model generates 17.02PS at 8500 rpm. The clutch system is improved further and the acceleration is great. The gear system is unchanged, but the engine is equipped with an all-new airbox, and retuned exhaust TEC and new cam timings.

The ignition in this new Pulsar 180cc model is through battery with no kick lever. However, the model gets a new O-ring chain and sprocket. The fuel efficiency is close to 48-52kms/liter even in high traffic zones, a small improvement from the 45 to 50kms per liter mileage given by its forerunner.

The new Pulsar 180cc reflects a similar look with the 200cc variant in terms of the split grab rail and split seats. The wheelbase is 25mm longer than the existent one implying there will be greater stability on twists and turns of the road and also makes the bike more agile than its earlier model.

The box section swing arm of the new pulsar 180cc is similar to the one in Bajaj 220cc with larger forks in the front. However, the kerb weight has gone up by 4 kgs from 143 to 147. Again, the tank has not gotten any modifications and does not sync with the aggressive rear end. Maybe it should have been more edgy. The model does not have rear disc brakes and it should have come as an option. Additionally the engine must have been a DTS-Fi.

All in all, the new Bajaj Pulsar 180cc will be great if you take value for money. This is because you get all new additional features packaged together at same price.

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Posted in Bike Reviews | 100 Comments »

Bajaj slashes prices of bikes up to Rs 2100

Tuesday, December 9th, 2008

NEW DELHI: Pune-based Bajaj Auto on Tuesday cut prices of its vehicles by up to Rs 4,400 on account of four per cent reduction in CENVAT.

The prices of two-wheelers have been reduced by up to Rs 2,100, while that of three-wheelers have been cut by up to Rs 4,400, Bajaj Auto Ltd (BAL) said in a statement.


“Bajaj Auto has passed on the benefit of the excise reduction in the CENVAT rate reduction to its customers. The prices have been reduced on vehicles billed to dealers with immediate effect,” it added.

Without specifying details, the company said it was in touch with dealers to “understand and resolve” the implications arising out of existing inventories with them

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Bajaj redraws bike platform strategy

Friday, August 1st, 2008

Bajaj Auto has drawn up a new, aggressive strategy for its motorcycles, which will involve a specific platform approach to generate big numbers.

As part of this effort, it has also decided to launch a 125 cc version of the Platina that will co-exist with its 100 cc sibling.


Managing director of Bajaj Auto, Rajiv Bajaj told  that three distinct platforms would form part of the plan.

The top tier comprises the Discover, Pulsar and Avenger while the XCD represents the mid-platform.

The 100cc range rolls out of the basic platform which includes the Platina as well as export models like the Boxer and CT 100.

“Our plan is in place with the last bike from the XCD platform due to debut in February next year, by which time the three platforms will account for combined sales of 225,000 to 240,000 bikes each month both for the local and international markets,” he said. Put simply, each platform will churn out 75,000 to 80,000 bikes every month as part of a new, uncluttered approach.

According to Bajaj, the company had also altered its 125cc bike strategy from the originally planned XCD Sprint. “We are now prioritising another product that will be out in September, followed by one in November and finally in February to complete the picture for the XCD,” he added.

The strategy for the 125 cc version of the Platina is interesting in this context, especially when Bajaj Auto has maintained that the bike does not represent a brand and is only a product by the end of the day which hardly yields any money. However, its numbers still make it relevant to both suppliers and dealers.

In the price segment it operates in, the 100cc Platina is ahead of models from Hero Honda and TVS with a 44 % market share.

“We had earlier kicked off with the Boxer and CT 100 in this segment but they were easy to imitate and competing models quickly joined the arena. Even when we added interesting features to the Platina, it was only a matter of months before competition followed suit,” Bajaj said.

The company then decided that it was time to do something which would not be imitated so quickly. The solution lay in changing the engine. “An electric start 125cc would positively take two years to imitate quite unlike the past where we saw competing models emerge in six months,” he said.

The engineering done on the XCD platform has resulted in some “terrific costing and high mileage” for a 125cc bike. Taking advantage of that feature, Bajaj Auto has now decided to go in for the Platina 125 which can hold its own in the market and insulates the company from any similar product in a hurry.

“This motorcycle is a premium to the 100cc Platina and will give us more money. It could also help build the bike’s brand and wean 100cc customers gradually away to this better option,” Bajaj said.

He reiterated that the top priority was to defend the company’s leadership in the 125 cc plus segment while constantly upgrading products. This was the rationale for the launch of the sportier Discover 135 DTS-i last week.

“The Pulsar lineups are being upgraded every 18 months and the time has now come for the Discover which has been untouched for two years. The new features make it sharper and more aggressive to fit in with the image of our bikes in this product category. This becomes harmonious with the DTS-i portfolio that stands for sporty, hi-tech bikes,” Bajaj said.

This change in the Discover makes it dearer by Rs 2,500 and the least expensive option at Rs 47,000 (ex-showroom) is still Rs 6,000 costlier than the top-end electric start XCD. “It is in this price gap that we are creating more bikes which will improve profitability and create a stronger brand,” he added.

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Royal Enfield: ‘Our design doesn’t infringe on Bajaj’s patent’

Monday, July 14th, 2008

Royal Enfield has reacted to Bajaj’s contention against its Thunderbird Twinspark 350 cc saying that “it is Royal Enfield’s own design and it does not infringe on Bajaj Auto’s patent”.

Mr Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Auto, had said that he and his R&D team would try and find out if the latest Enfiled model infringed their digital twin-spark ignition (DTSi) patent.


“Enfield has also put in a twin spark. We are exploring whether this is a case of infringement of our patent. We don’t intend to let them get away with it,” Mr Bajaj said.

Royal Enfield, a division of Eicher Motors, launched Thunderbird TwinSpark 350cc at Chennai in June.

“We would like to reiterate that the twin spark ignition being used in our new Thunderbird’s unit construction engine (UCE) is Royal Enfield’s own design and it does not infringe on Bajaj Auto’s patent, in any which way,” said a statement from Royal Enfield.

“We understand that Bajaj Auto’s patent is for an engine displacement between 75cc to 250cc. The engine displacement on the Thunderbird Twinspark is in the range of 350cc and above,” the statement clarified. It also said there are several other differences in construction of the engine and spark plugs.

Bajaj has already been engaged in a legal battle with TVS Motors over allegations that it infringed Bajaj’s patent over the digital twin-spark ignition technology.

Source: www.blonnet.com

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Chrome Pulsar 220 Photos

Sunday, June 1st, 2008

bajaj pulsar 220 wallpaper chrome

bajaj pulsar 220 wallpaper chrome

bajaj pulsar 220 wallpaper chrome

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