Bajaj bikes are very popular in India due to their bold designs and competitive fuel efficiency. The Bajaj Pulsar originally introduced in 2001 with 150 and 180 cc models has undergone many renovations. In 2007 a compact 220 cc sports car was launched. The sports model was revamped and launched as the Bajaj Pulsar 220F in 2011. This bike is the cheapest sports bike available in India priced at Rs 82,023 before the showroom.
The Pulsar 220 comes in beautiful plasma blue, cocktail wine red, and midnight black. The console has a digital speedometer, an analog tachometer, 2 digital trip gauges, a digital fuel gauge, and low fuel, low oil, and low battery indications. Electrics include a 12V MF battery, 55-watt projector headlights, LED tail and brake lights, and glass turn and turn signals. There is also a start button, a kill switch, an auto-cancel indicator, and an alarm on the side stand.
The engine is the best part of the Pulsar 220. The 220cc single cylinder engine, 67mm bore, 62mm stroke, oil cooled, has 4 valves and twin spark plugs. The fuel system is carburettor type and the ignition is digital double spark. The engine develops 21 hp and a maximum torque of 19.2 NM and offers a mileage of 68 kmpl, which is quite high for a 220 cc bike. The 5-speed manual transmission has a wet clutch and chain drive. The Pulsar 220 takes 3.9 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 km / h and the maximum speed is approximately 134 km / h.
The Pulsar 220’s chassis is double cradle and the suspensions are telescopic with an anti-friction bush at the front and 5-way adjustable nitrox shocks at the rear. Wheels are 17 “alloy wheels with tubeless tires. Front tire is spec 90 / 90-17 and rear tire 120 / 80-17. Brakes are 260mm solid disc up front and solid 60mm disc. 230mm at the rear.
The physical dimensions of the Bajaj Pulsar 220 are 2035mm long, 750mm wide, 1165mm high and 795mm in seat height. The bike with a good 1350mm wheelbase has a 165mm ground clearance. This slightly heavy bike weighs 150 kg and has a 15-liter fuel tank with 3 liters of reserve.
The Bajaj Pulsar 220 F has a good design, a well-tuned engine, reasonable mileage, and good maneuverability with an effective braking system. The awkward riding position and vibrations at higher speeds are the bike’s weak points. The competition comes from bikes like the Hero Karizma and the Yamaha R15.