• Published On: 17 March 2017
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The Pulsar 180 DTS-i picked up where the original left off

The refreshed 180 has that typical Pulsar styling - it’s still a handsome motorcycle. Bajaj borrowed some cues from the Pulsar 200 and adapted them to this bike. What remains unchanged though is the use of black for this bike’s lower cycle parts. Sleeker alloy rims would have done this bike good.

The digital instruments, with a bold analog and white-set tachometer, which is easy to read, and a similarly large digital speedometer sits in a commanding position on the fascia. The instrument console includes an engine redline beacon and twin-trip gauges that can be independently reset to zero via a button.

The sporty clip-on handlebars, and the switches feel solid. The switches have self-canceling indicators that ensure you won’t forget to leave them on after completing a turn. The rear-view mirrors on this bike are large and clear.

You'll also notice the mini-tank extensions (first seen on the Pulsar 200), as well as smart, upmarket raised letter decals. The same aircraft-style fuel-filler from the older bike remains. The split seat and grab-bar are welcome new additions.

What really makes the bike stand out are the flush-fitted LED tail and brake light strips on the sharp rear section. The 180 DTS-i sticks to the earlier tried-and-tested powerplant. This single-cylinder, air-cooled unit displaces 178.6cc. Bajaj’s DTS-i tech ensures the bike delivers a higher power output as well as improved fuel economy, plus with the 2017 update, it's also BSIV compliant. The bike delivers 17.02bp at 8500rpm and 14.22Nm of torque at 6500rpm. In a straight line, performance is identical to the previous bike.

The bike goes from 0-60kph in 4.83 seconds, going on to pass 100kph in 14.18sec en route to a creditable true top speed of 120kph.  The 180 even delivers 43.3kpl in the city, and 46kpl on the highway. The riding position remains unchanged and the bike feels quite stable in a straight line. Ride quality is impressive too - the bike soaks up the worst of our roads with ease.

The new Pulsar 180 DTS-i is an improvement on an already decent bike. Borrowing a raft of features from its 200cc sibling, the 180 now gets fresh appeal. Ride and handling on the new 180 are better than before. The Pulsar’s paint quality is nice, fit and finish is good, and the high level of attention to detail are this bike’s highlights.