• Published On: 7 April 2017
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Is the entry-level Pulsar thrilling enough for its 'Light Sports' badge?

Back in early 2009, Bajaj added a downsized version of the Discover 135 DTS-I, the 94.38cc Discover 100 DTS-Si and it did the same thing with the Pulsar family with this bike - the Pulsar 135 LS (Light Sports). The smaller bike isn’t as muscular as its bigger sibling, but it’s instantly recognizable as a Pulsar.

On the outside
Its front five-spoke alloy wheel sits beneath a smart two-tone mudguard. The tiny arrow-shaped bikini fairing crowns the low-set, DC-powered conical headlight, which has a good spread in the night. The instrument bay is dominated by its large tachometer with redline marked over 10000rpm. This tacho is flanked by a clearly legible amber backlit LCD readout for the speedometer, odometer, tripmeter and fuel gauge. The 135 also uses twin horns like its larger siblings.

This bike isn’t too heavy on the graphics front - small ‘4-valve’ logos on the latest Pulsar’s nifty tank extensions are the only indicators of the advanced valve-train underneath. An aircraft-style hinged fuel filler sits prominently on the bike’s well sculpted fuel tank, offering adequate support to your thighs. There’s a handy rubber tank protector in the region of the rider’s belt buckle and the tank region. Getting used to the kick-lever position on the new Pulsar is tricky -  it tends to constantly nudge your right leg when riding.

The Pulsar features split seats, with the pillion seated slightly higher than the rider. The bike’s upswept, tapering silencer that shears off midway at the rear wheel is a stylish touch. At the tail, there’s an alloy split grab-rail and a chic LED-equipped tail-light.

Power Torque
The Pulsar 135LS uses a new four-stroke engine, that’s heavily tuned to enhance efficiency and performance. The engine’s Pulsar-typical snarl is less prominent on the LS than on other Pulsars. It’s really smooth at low rpms, offers quick throttle responses and is free-revving. The bike revs cleanly, while barely fussing, to its 10500rpm limiter. The clutch is nicely weighted and the light, precise-shifting gearbox operates in a one-down-four-up pattern.

The LS weighs just 122kg and has an enviable power-to-weight figure of 112hp per tonne. It can hit 60kph barrier in just 5.16sec, with 100kph taking 23.26sec. It also registered a true top speed of 108kph flat-out in fifth.

From the saddle
This bike comes with seventeen-inch wheels and the Bajaj is light and nimble in crowded city traffic. The riding position is a tad sporty but is essentially commuter-focussed, with the rider seated in an upright posture on its firm saddle, reaching into the handlebars. The bike takes corners decently, it steers with neutral feel and changing direction is effortless and enjoyable. Straightline stability is adequate for a bike this light. The 240mm single disc in front and a 130mm drum unit at the rear offer good, progressive feel and the stopping performance is aided by the LS’s nice tyres. From 60kph to rest, the bike stopped in 16.7 metres.

This frugal motorcycle will not hurt your wallet in any way, despite it being a fairly sporty performer. It goes a healthy 52.2kpl in city riding conditions, and 55.2kpl when out on the highway.

Is it worth the money?This bike is the smallest Pulsar to date and it’s packed with enough features to give its rivals a run for their money. The 135’s four-valve powerplant performs well enough to put it at par with a few 150cc bikes. The bike is a good package overall - it handles really well, is well priced and its features make it feel like good value for money.