After facing some fierce competition from its rivals in the two wheeler market such as Suzuki, Honda and Yamaha, Bajaj, the India’s second largest motorcycle company, intends to utilize the full potential of its highly successful ‘Pulsar’ nameplate in the entry level performance segment of motorcycles. The Pulsar series is the most successful in all series of bikes and also the best performers in India.
Recently, the Pulsar series has received various non-stop upgrades, which certainly grab the attention of million bikers in the country. All bikes in Pulsar series ensure high performance and stunning looks for pretty much affordable prices.
The automaker has now tried to create an altogether different segment of affordable ‘Adventure Sports’ bikes with the launch of AS 150 which amalgamates the technical credentials of a 150cc bikes with those of superior sport tourers placed one-two segments above. The Pulsar AS150 is Bajaj’s smaller 150cc adventure-tourer which is based on the Pulsar AS 20, its bigger sibling and shares various components with it. AS150 is the second 150cc engine but brings new four valve technology to the mix. It is a bike that brings a dash of style as well as oomph along.
While talking about the target audience, the automaker says that AS 150 targets the young working segment who desires a city sports bike in affordable price, which can also easily tackle long-distance weekend trips.
Here’s a quick look on Bajaj Auto’s latest and highly powerful onslaught in the 150cc segment, the Pulsar AS 150.
Mechanical Specifications
The Pulsar AS 150’s technically advanced engine sets up new benchmarks in the 150cc bike segment, in terms of performance output, making it one of the powerful machines in this space. The all-new, freshly tuned and refined engine delivers linear acceleration and brings some attractive figures to the 150cc class.
This adventure tourer is powered by a 150cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, twin-spark, 4-valve, DTS-i engine which can churn out 16.8bhp of power along with 13nm of torque. Its 16.8bhp power output is equal to the Yamaha R15 and second only to the 18.5PS CBR150R.
The AS 150 can cross the 100kmph mark in merely 21.85s with a top speed over 125kmph. It’s quite efficient too, returning a remarkable 52.8kmpl mileage in combined city and highway run.
Design and Styling
This adventure sports motorcycle has got smooth handling, good stability, efficient braking comfortable seating and above all, amazing looks. Available in three different colors – Red, Blue and Black, this 150cc adventure-tourer’s body kit is similar to the Pulsar AS200. The bike shares its fuel tank, side body cowls, front fender, rear view mirrors, rear side body panels, clip-on handlebars, underbelly exhaust, split seats as well as LED tail lamps with the Pulsar 200 NS.
Riding & Performance
The automaker was quite clear at the launch of AS 150 & AS 200 that the bikes are only to introduce the buyers to the ‘adventure’ tagline coupled with adventure styling. The riding position and suspension setup of AS 150 is more of sportier street bike than the smooth ride quality of an adventure sport. Bajaj has softened the setup with AS 150 as they want the buyers of the Pulsar brand to feel comfortable. Its seating position is similar to that of 200NS having a good balance between comfortable and sporty. However, its handlebars are not quite as high as an adventure motorcycle. The powerful adventure sports (AS) bikes features a new semi-fairing, a tall windscreen, a projector headlamp, tail lamps, the speedometer, clip-on handlebars, OVRMs and various other elements similar to the Pulsar AS200 and Pulsar NS200.
Top Rivals
Since the bike is positioned in the upper segment of premium 150cc motorcycles, the closest competitors of Pulsar AS 150 are Yamaha Fazer V2.0, Hero Impulse and the Gixxer SF, Suzuki’s flagship motorcycle in the mass market segment,.
The Bajaj Pulsar bike will definitely attract customers who cannot necessarily afford a true-blue adventure bike but are happy with a reliable and affordable tourer.