Debut

It debuted in November 2001. The first model featured conventional single spark plug technology, standard spring shocks, the popular round headlamp dome and a short wheel base. Both the 150 cc and 180 cc models featured disc brakes as standard equipment - something that was a novelty in India at that time. Discs continued to be the standard equipment on all other variants of the Pulsar - both for 150 cc and 180 cc . The 180 cc came factory fitted with Electric Start (ES) and twin tone horns while these two features were optional equipment on the 150 cc.

Soon after Bajaj Auto Limited (BAL) decided to upgrade some items on the bike and rolled out the second generation Pulsar twins - they would feature DTSi technology along with an extended swing-arm which increased the wheelbase significantly ), twin horns as standard equipment on both 150 cc and 180 cc, the front end got a fairing with twin pilot lamps, and gas shocks were introduced. At this point - BAL gave a few options - the standard items on both the 150 and 180 were the gas shocks, twin horns and disc brakes. Only the electric start versions of either capacity bike would get a fairing for the headlamp.

During both the first and second generation the 180 featured a 100/90 MRF rear tyre while the smaller 150 had 3.00 x 18". Both styles had steel rims and spokes.

Current

The third generation of the Pulsar twins now have the following items as standard equipment:

alloy wheels
electric start
twin horns
headlight fairing
Bajaj also standardized the size of the tires between both models at 100/90, 18".

The 180 cc also was available with a black paint scheme. The 150 cc was not offered in black.

The latest version of the 180 also has an engine kill switch.

DTS-i stands for Digital Twin Spark ignition, which uses two spark plugs to achieve optimum combustion of fuel. This system provides better efficiency and power (as claimed by Bajaj). The difference due to this technology is apparent in the bike, as it does give extraordinary fuel efficiency.

The Bajaj Pulsar is acclaimed for its very low price (among the cheapest in the 150 cc class) and lots of features which have been ingeniously designed. The Bajaj Pulsars are now the most popular bike in their class due to their combination of power, performance and price. The company has been making constant minor, usually visual, alterations to the bike, making it look fresh.

In its latest 2006 avatar it will be fuel injected.

BAJAJ PULSAR DTS-Fi 220 CC

Bajaj Auto is all set to re-launch its popular 'male' bike Bajaj Pulsar DTS-i bike with a souped up 220 CC and air-cooled, four-stroke SOHC engine.

The new version of the bike, to be called DTS-Fi, will boast one of the first four-stroke engines in the world employing DTS-Fi technology with automatically-controlled ignition timing for each plug.

The new Pulsar has a fuel injection mechanism which should give it a quick throttle and a linear power curve. Pulsar DTS-Fi will be the first Indian motorcycle with an oil-cooled engine. It is expected to reach a top speed of 135kph. A longer wheelbase, factory-fitted rear and front disc brakes, a front-facing and all-digital meters are the additional features in the forthcoming bike. The LCD speedometer on the DTS-Fi is orange in colour and the complete speedometer mechanism has been beautified.

The new Pulsar will return 21 bhp with maximum torque of 1.95 kg. It will have 90/90-17 tubeless tyres in front and 120/80-17 tubeless in rear. Plus, it is the first vehicle in India to employ a hydraulically actuated 230 mm rear disc brake.

It will be 2,035 mm in length, 750 mm in width and 1,140 mm in overall height. The curb weight will be 140 kg.