Styling – Design of the Pulsar has been a hit or a miss with the masses. While some of them can’t get over the lack of muscle, many of them appraise its clean and proportionate stance. Evolved from the Bajaj XCD 125, the sizeable headlight unit houses twin pilot lamps flanked by sleek tank shrouds.
Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – Instrumentation on the 2017 Pulsar 135 LS makes use of faux carbon fibre treatment and revised font for the speedometer dial. Though we’ve been seeing essentially the same console for past 8 years now, there’s no denying the fact that it still holds relevance in front of the competition.
Ergonomics – Commuter motorcycles are expected to provide a comfortable and relaxed riding position. Besides providing ample room for movement, the well-padded single piece seat is comfortable but the positioning of the footpegs and clip-on handlebars doesn’t allow for an exactly relaxed posture.
Performance – In simple terms, the 4-valve DTS-i engine of the Pulsar 135 LS punches way above its weight. Fed by a carburettor, the 134.66cc air-cooled motor takes the motorcycle’s low kerb weight in its stride to outperform even some of the 150cc motorcycles out there(including the Pulsar 150) when it comes to power-to-weight ratio.
Riding Dynamics – Sitting on a cradle frame with a traditional suspension setup(telescopic forks and twin-shock absorbers), the Pulsar 135 LS provides nimble handling by commuter-motorcycle standards. While the nitrox-filled rear shocks offer 5-step adjustment, the front end is so soft that it dives in an intimidating manner.
Verdict – Marketed as a sportier alternative to the crowd of 125cc commuters initially, Bajaj has now made the positioning of the 2017 Pulsar 135 LS clear with the changing aesthetics. Apart from the step-motherly treatment from Bajaj, cannibalisation from the established Pulsar 150 has ensured that the baby Pulsar never made it to the top-seller’s list.
However, when we consider the overall package – 4-valve engine, DC electricals, features, improved refinement, neutral silhouette and sorted ergonomics – and the asking price(a cool Rs. 15, 000/- cheaper than its 150cc sibling), the Pulsar 135 LS makes a strong case for itself. Keeping a few shortcomings aside, this one fills the shoes of a city runabout and a premium motorcycle equally well.
What’s Cool
Charming design wrapped in an attractive paint scheme.
Value for money pricing.
Peppy performance, good mileage and improved refinement levels.
Comfortable seating position and absorbent ride quality.
Neutral dynamics, handles and brakes as expected.
What’s Not So Cool
Small fuel tank limits riding the range.
Gearshifts are notchy and clutch action isn’t light.
Power fades out at high RPMs.
Trades in the sporty appearance of earlier models for practicality.
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