23 Read this before buying the Pulsar 220 DTSFi + 2'nd Free Service Report + Wallpaper

My Pulsar 220 has completed 2500 Kms and been through the second free service. Anyone planning to buy the Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi should read this first..

Before the Fuel Injected Pulsar 220 was launched there were many disscussions (mainly on the internet) whether it was really worth to buy the Pulsar 220. Guys who had even not seen the bike in flesh were talking about its pros and cons like seasoned Pulsar 220 owners.

After completing 2,500 Kms on my Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi, I can probably tell you about its pros and cons with a bit of more conviction.

Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi Wallpaper

"After having seen Summer 30 times on this Earth, I now undertand that true love doesn't mean "a perfect love story.."

"True love also doesn't focus on the negatives but focuses on the positives instead.."

Before booking my Pulsar 220, I knew very well that there were a few issues with the Pulsar 220. I knew that the rear view mirrors did not provide a good view of the traffic behind you. Also that the rear disc brakes weren't that effective compared to the front discs. There were also reports of the main stand scraping on hard cornering. I also knew that quite a few owners have reported of vibrations in their Pulsar 220's.

So I knew that if I went for the Pulsar 220, then probably I would also have to visit the service center a bit more than required. Inspite of knowing this, I decided to book the Pulsar 220. After all I was in Love after taking test ride of the bike.


Ownership Experience so far:

• The Pulsar 220 is the King among the Indian bikes in terms of accleration and performance.. Period.





• The Pulsar 220 remains smooth till 90 Kmph.. after that, vibrations do appear but they are not unbearable. The vibes in fact tells you that the limit is being achieved and puts you in alert mode.





• I could reach 110 Kmph effortlessly. After that it took some effort to reach 120 Kmph.





• The bike displays impressive stability even at 120 Kmph. Attacking corners on the Pulsar 220 is a joy thanks to the well sorted out suspension and damping rates.





• The headlights are awesome and the brightest among any Indian bike. The beam is slightly tilted towards the left (the tilt is probably there in all Pulsar 220's.. but the slight tilt isn't an issue)





• The gearbox on the Pulsar 220 is the best among the other Pulsars. There hasn't been any false neutral and the shift quality is light and smooth. (But the feel through the gears could still improve)





• Just the day before the 2'nd service, the battery of my bike drained out completely. Luckily I was near my friends place at that time. During the second service it was found that the RR Coil had stopped functioning. The RR Coil (shown below in the photo) is responsible for charging the battery and was replaced free of cost.

Replaced RR Coil

Recently I went on a road trip along with a friend of mine Rahul Devnath (we met thanks to this blog). During the trip, Rahul rode my bike and said that it didn't quite give him a new bike like feel. He said it felt a bit rough while accelerating and did not quite give him the acceleration that he was expecting from a fuel injected bike.

Thanks to his comments I took the bike to the service center and told the guys about it. They took it for a test ride and said that the bike indeed had some roughness and sluggishness while accelerating. They checked the bike with an "Electronic Diagnostic Tool" which has been provided specifically for the 220. The tool did show some error on its digital display.

Diagnostic tool for the Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi

Utimately, It was found that a part called "Crank Position Sensor" has to be replaced. The part has still not arrived from Pune but is expected to be replaced soon for free.

Thanks Rahul..!!



Quick Points for anyone looking to buy the Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi:

A few blokes say that there is no exclusivity in the Pulsar 220 since it almost looks like the other Pulsars (150/180/200) at least from behind.

Well, I wouldn't know about that since I don't have eyes behind my head.

But from the front, the story is quite different..

• Vibrations appear after 90 Kmph.. but its not like its unbearable.





• The Rear View Mirrors do not give a proper view (I am waiting for Bajaj to change the design)





• The Headlight focus is slightly towards the felt (Probably in all P220s and isn't an issue)





• Mileage 35 Kmpl (City Ride), 35 Kmpl (Highway Ripping at above 100 Kmph), 50 Kmpl (at speeds of 55-60 Kmph on the highway)





• Expect to pay more attention to the bike and be prepared to pay more visits to the service station if required.

Positives about the Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi:

# Handling & Stability: Awesome

# Ride Quality: Great

# Power & Pick Up: Good

# Best Gear Box among Pulsars (Could still improve though)

# 5 Years Warranty on the Engine: Couldn't ask for more

# 35 Kmpl, even after hard ripping on the highway

# Heads Turning at traffic stops: PRICELESS

A few blokes say that there is no exclusivity in the Pulsar 220 since it almost looks like the other Pulsars (150/180/200) at least from behind. Well, I wouldn't know about that since I don't have eyes behind my head.

But what I can tell you for sure is that, at every traffic stop my bike gets stares from everywhere. Complete strangers have accosted me and inquired about the bike. Unknown persons pass complimentary remarks like "Super Bike", "Very Good looking bike". I have come across school kids who shout "220..!! 220..!!" whenever I pass them.



And believe it or not.. this sweet little incident happened to my bike the other day.

Day before yesterday (20'th Dec 2007) it was drizzling in Bangalore in the evening and I was on my way home from MG road on my Pulsar 220.. The Bangalore traffic was horrible as usual..

Just then, an attractive young girl who seemed to be in a hurry approached me asking if I knew the Bus route to Kempfort (its a shopping complex near Bangalore Airport). I said I didn't know the bus route but I could drop her there if she liked..!!


She gave a big smile and said: You can..?? And then she proceeded to climb on the rear seat of my P220.

Finally I dropped her near Kempfort..!! Must have been a 30 min ride thanks to the Bangalore Traffic.


[Hhmmm... It must have been the DSG Jacket and the Daijya Helmet that I was wearing..!!]

After having seen Summer 30 times on this Earth, I now undertand that true love doesn't mean "a perfect love story".. true love also doesn't focus on the negatives but focuses on the positives instead. There are bound to be differences, but what matters is how you work it out.


Therefore if you think you are worthy of true love, then go ahead book the Pulsar 220. But if you are of the "Wham - Bam - Not even a thank you Maam" type, then please look elsewhere.

Related Posts:

• An absolute Jack Ass on his motorcycle



• Fuel Efficiency Report of my Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi [Highway & City] + Wallpaper



• Ownership Review of my Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi [First 1000 Kms]

Disclaimer:

This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.