BLISTERING, WILLING Performance
DTS-i technology has proved its merits on the original Pulsar DTS-i 180 — hugely enhancing power and torque, while also improving mileage. The technology is two spark plugs of the same heat range, firing in the same instant, the second flash making for better combustion, born of faster and uniform flame transmission.
The new Pulsar retains cylinder dimensions, a total of 178.6cc from measurements of 63.5mm x 56.4mm and an identical gearbox with the only revisions being detail work on internals and timing. Needle roller bearings on the rocker arms now help the motor kill a little unwanted friction. Power output is up to 16.5bhp at 8000rpm and a 140kg kerb weight means the new 180 DTS-i is good for a power-to-weight ratio of a creditable 117.8bhp per ton. A throttle position sensing digital Capacitor Discharge Ignition (CDI) system offers accurate ignition and the engine breathes via a BS 29 CV carburettor. Torque has also been made more user-friendly thanks to the new Pulsar now using the same tuned exhaust system as first seen on the Discover. This unit uses a resonance chamber, visible under the bike, to alter back pressure for torque at lower speeds.
Our test ride revealed a new-found smoothness in throttle modulation and a welcome lightness in the clutch. Engine response and flexibility are available as always. The gearshift on this bike is thankfully the one-down, four-up pattern. Though one does not hit false neutrals, we felt there is room for improvement in terms of gearshift feel, which is a bit too smooth for our liking.
We started this story with the spectacular impression the new Pulsar 180 makes when nailing the throttle for power. That's the best part of this new machine. Shorter rims coupled with the new exhaust and technology are an experience best felt in person. The bike barrels its way to 60kph, slightly slower at 4.41 seconds than the older 180 DTS-i, yet it is far faster to 40kph and again posts faster times after 70kph to rocket past the 100kph marker at a flying 15.17 seconds.
Though these are the figures on paper, seat of the pants this bike feels far more fun with snappy and willing acceleration. Roll-on acceleration times are a far cry from the old bike, where the new Pulsar literally chews through with sparkling numbers improving with each gearshift. Top whack is now 117kph.