Bajaj Auto has recently added a new variant to its extensive Pulsar series. Using the form of the Pulsar 220F and the underpinnings of the Pulsar 180, the Chakan-based two-wheeler manufacturer has introduced the Pulsar 180F. For its asking price, the motorcycle has few close competitors besides the several other options in the market. However, within the brand, the 180F shares its space with the very same bikes it is based upon, the 220F and the 180. On that note, let’s find out how this sibling rivalry turns out.
Design
In turns of design, the 180F and the 220F looks exactly identical to each other. The only differences are the matte grey paint scheme with orange neon highlights, 180F badging on the tail and the exhaust muffler. The 220F and the 180 are offered in four colour shades Chrome black, Laser black, Dyno Red and Nuclear Blue. The 220F and 180F sport a half-fairing which houses the vertically-stacked projector headlamp with fairing-mounted side mirrors. In the case of the 180, the motorcycle continues to follow a streetbike look with its iconic bikini type fairing housing the halogen headlamp flanked by the twin pilot lamps. The design is accentuated by the tank extensions mounted on the fuel tank. All three bikes feature a split-seat design and an identical tail section.
Engine
Over here, the standard 180 and the 180F share the same powertrain, a 178cc air-cooled single-cylinder motor with Digital Twin Spark Ignition. The motor is capable of producing 17bhp of max power and 14Nm of peak torque. The 220F, on the other hand, is powered by a larger 220cc air-cooled single-pot mill with the same Digital Twin Spark Ignition that is capable of producing 21bhp and 19Nm of peak torque. All three bikes feature a 5-speed constant mesh gearbox for transmission duties.
Cycle parts
Since all the three bikes share the same platform, they also come equipped with the same cycle parts. All three Pulsars are sprung by telescopic forks up front and a 5-way adjustable gas-charged monoshock at the rear. For shedding speed, all three bikes employ 260mm disc with a floating 2-piston Bybre caliper for the front and a 230mm disc with a single-piston caliper at the back. Notably, the 220F and standard 180 come equipped with single-channel ABS while 180F in spite of being the newest in the lot is yet to receive the safety update.
Pricing
In terms of pricing, the standard Pulsar 180 (ABS) is priced at Rs 92,563 while the 220F (ABS) is priced at Rs 1.05 lakh. The 180F is currently available without ABS and retails at Rs 86,490. We expect the 180F to receive a similar price hike once Bajaj launches the ABS-equipped variant by 1 April. (All prices are ex-showroom, Mumbai)
