Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-i

Bajaj’s ideology behind the revised 220 is straightforward, billing it as “the fastest Indian “with typical sports-bike allure – sheer power and straight line performance. Does it live up to the hype? AutoCar (July ’09) finds out…

Design wise the only major visible change is a black theme that coats much of the new 220’s lower section. The digital instruments sport a slightly altered face, retaining clever functions such as a contact – free speedometer, bold rev-counter, digital fuel gauge, engine revs red-lining indicator as well as a trip-counter. Also available are warnings for a choked air filter, low engine oil and fuel levels, side stand down, as also a ‘ battery needs charging’ indication. The new 220 enjoys superb paint luster as well as decent levels of overall quality and fit-finish. Its battery is maintenance-free.

The key change to the new Pulsar 220DTS-I is Bajaj moving a step further away from fuel-injection technology marks AutoCar (July ’09). The new 220 adopts a UCAL, UCD 32 venturi carburetor, while otherwise retaining a four – stroke, twin-valve engine in slightly tweaked guise. The camshaft is altered to provide higher lift. This is still among the few motorcycles in India to use an oil-cooler to help its air-cooled single cylinder stay cool, and continues to deploy twin-plug DTS-i technology for good efficiency. Although carbureted, expect cold starts to pose little trouble on this bike thanks to an auto choke and thermal ignition mapping. The piston skirt has been kept as friction-free as possible, thanks to being screen-printed with a graphite-based coat. The piston also enjoys improved cooling via oil jets that fire inside it from crankshaft big end. Also the exhausTEC resonance chamber is larger on the 2009 edition 220, and the silencer houses a bigger catalytic converter to help keep emissions in check.

Power output has been bumped up, now 21.04bhp at 8500rpm, with 1.95kgm of torque maxing out at 700rpm. The Pulsar 220DTS-i uses an adequate one-down-and-four-up, toe-shifted gearbox, which works in conjunction with a smooth clutch. Throttle response continues to be good with a strong surge of power available through the bike’s power band.

AutoCar (July ’09) tested the 2009 Pulsar 220 DTS-I for acceleration and came away with figures that easily beat the outgoing model. Zero to 60kph in 3.77 seconds and 0-100kph in 12.15sec are the fastest numbers, with top speed also slightly higher at 133kph.

The 220 remains a stable bike to pilot with well turned-out cornering abilities and nice ride quality. Braking feels just the same – strong and with nice feel, thanks to a single disc brake both in front and at the rear.

Bajaj tells us the new 220 is not only faster than the old bike, but also bests the fuel-injected version on fuel economy. This however remains a claim one can verify only after a full road test is conducted on the bike.

A lot more was expected to change on the new 220 and it’s a big letdown to find the ‘Fi’ tag omitted from the new 220. Still the latest Bajaj acquits itself on the road, thanks to a significant power and performance gain. And of course one cannot omit mentioning the price which Rs. 70,000 undercuts the outgoing model by Rs. 5000.