Why I would still buy a Pulsar 180 today!
It’s been almost 10 years since I bought my Bajaj Pulsar 180 Classic and a lot has change since I bought my motorcycle, and now the market is flooded with a plethora of choices in the “premium motorcycle segment” and yet, even today if I have to buy a motorcycle, it would likely be a brand new Bajaj Pulsar 180!
Why?
Well frankly speaking, at the moment there is no other motorcycle in the Indian market, which suits my requirement more than a Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTSi, and since the bike I buy next would likely end up becoming my primary motorcycle for touring in hills and even on the highways, it has to fulfill certain criteria and they are (in no particular order):
1. At least 500km tank range in hills.
2. More powerful than my current motorcycle.
3. Ability to easily mount tank and saddle bags.
4. Reliable.
5. Has ergonomics somewhat similar to what I am used to i.e. no split seats (needs to be fixed), no rear set foot pegs and absolutely no cruiser style ergonomics.
6. Comparatively good After Sales Service Network (have dealt enough with Bajaj Auto to know how to deal with them and plus have a good mechanic for my Pulsar)
7. Good and powerful headlight (Pulsar 180 does not have it, but after plonking a 55w halogen, it would be).
8. Longer wheelbase than my current bike (I hate the shorter wheelbase when the bike is fully loaded with luggage and on steep bad/off roads.)
9. Ability to install dual purpose tyres without any modification.
10. DC electrical i.e. headlight runs off the battery.
Of course there is a lot more to a bike and I do have other reasons. However, these are the primary ones which have lead me to believe that at least as of now, my next general purpose touring bike would be a Bajaj Pulsar 180 once again. Which at least based on my perception and requirements is the best touring motorcycle in India!
YS.. Even i owned and rode bajaj caliber for long 12 years.. it was good bike and yes… headlight was poor(i guess all bajaj vehicles suffer on that front..)
I am without any bike for good 3 years… and still have no idea about my new bike…..
lol, same here. The first time I rode to Manali, I had a helmet with black visor and a 35w bulb for headlight, couldn’t see a thing! Got the bulb changed to halogen when I came back and much later, got the Avenger coil plate fitted, which runs 55/60w halogen with ease.
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