Me and my friend Navjot were able to find some time and have our hands on both the Pulsars and took them to Chandigarh. Had fun on the way. I am posting some pictures we took on the way to Chandigarh. We were able to push both bikes hard on the way and reached the speeds of 131 kmph on Pulsar 220 and Navjot was able to get 119 kmph out of Pulsar 180 with still going strong readings.. It was a great time. I cannot forget the tea time at Ahuja sweet shop, Khamanon.
I had my bike serviced a day before. My bike now speaking 11000 kms on the odometer.
Changes and expenditure on the bike are as follows ;
Chain Locks changed
Chain cover and sprocket opened and cleaned (A lot of sludge because of oil had deposited)
New tyre (Now I put IRC 130/17" Tyre instead of 120 MRF Zappers) Hardly any difference in looks)
Costed me around 2700 Rs with all these and a new rear tyre.
Self start opened and cleaned.
Regular Paid 7th service costed me around Rs 450 (including oil,spark plug, air filter and a regular wash)
I had taken the membership with Dada Motors in Ludhiana worth Rs 500 in 5th service in which free 5 washes a year and no labour charges were included for each service, But, they still charged me for Labour Rs 60 for cleaning the chain and oiling it and included the tax on top of it. It was not fair. Moreover the service incharge did not knew which oil to put in the bike. He was going to put 20W40 oil in my bike when I stopped him and told him to put 20W50. Also, the washing guys just washed the bike and did not cleaned the water and left it like that. I strongly felt Bajaj service is still very down compared to the market and needs improvement. The technology is improving day by day and staff training is very important for the people working and handling such bikes. If you have spent Rs 75000 on a bike and not getting up to date service then, this is a pity situation. Bajaj bikes are real good but, to a certain extent lacks service standards.
Now coming back to the journey, we started at about 9:30 in the morning and reached Chandigarh in about one and a half hour. I took over Pulsar 220 while Navjot wanted to ride my bike. The first thing he said when we started was " Is your bike a 250 cc or 180? " He felt the smoothness of well run and polished 11000 km bike. There is not much difference in the posture and seating position and feel of Pulsar 180 and 220 but, Pulsar 220 is much more punchy and feels powerful on the whick. I noticed you don't need to twist the accelerator of Pulsar 220 much to get the performance and acceleration out of the bike. In 180 you get the equal performance and acceleration out but you will have to twist the accelerator more. While we managed to attain 131 on 220 and 119 kmph on 180.
The only down time I can remember was when we tried to race a Toyota Corolla on the way. There were guys seating inside back of the car looking at us and giving a huge smile to us when we were trying to catch the car. They noticed us and started making a race faster and faster, After our RPMs touched red line and we saw 115 on our speedos they were able to get away ahead of us we felt the need of a Ninja on our country roads. Cars are still out of hands of a common average Biker. Well, No, we were not upset and caught them after some time when we crossed Morinda and then we crossed them from both sides and reached Kharar ahead of them. It was a fun ride.
We stopped two times on the way and had tea and breakfast. Zimindara Dhaba was very nice. I posted a picture where I mentioned Two beauties at far end. When we stopped for the tea at Khamanon, the guy at Ahuja sweets was real nice guy. He helped us shoot photograph of us both and made a nice tea too.
Distance and km run on Ludhiana - Chandigarh highway is about 96 kms. It is not long distance. So, there is not much to write ,I can think.
August 20th, 2010 at 9:22 am
fact that you dumped old pulser after 23000 km prooves that it had become “khatara”.tell us how much you spent on maintaining old pulser.you say TVS apache 180 RTR has resale value then bajaj and you forgot hero honda?you have spent almost half of your review explaining technologies like DTS-i,trics,ExhausTEC etc like a bajaj salesman.as for style all pulsers look same.
August 21st, 2010 at 8:30 am
I did not sold my Black Pulsar because it had become “Khatra”. I only sold it to buy the New Model. I rode it for 23000 kms and I had never any problem with it. I am not rich to keep two bikes at the same time, So, I had to sell one to buy another. Regarding how much I had spent on the previous bike, I have already mentioned it in the blog that other than regular services, I have never spent anything on it. Not even on the sticker jobs. I kept it as company gave it to me.
Another thing, I am not a Bajaj Sales man. I have already written on the top that, I am writing on my experience. I have also mentioned that the Technology part is taken from Bajaj Website. I need to include it in the blog to tell the readers what is included in the engine package of the Pulsar. So, relax bro.
August 21st, 2010 at 8:50 am
Pulsars look same because New models have emerged from the previous models. If you say why the NEW Apache and OLD Apache look same, I suppose that will be a ridiculous question. I love the fact that they look same with more aggressive looks. They look same but have reformed dynamics and fresh appeal. Next year Bajaj will take off its name from the Pulsars and Other bikes. PULSAR will become a brand name and it will be sold out not with BAJAJ Pulsar 180 but with Pulsar 180 itself. This shows how much the Pulsars have progressed..
August 21st, 2010 at 10:34 pm
you have mentioned that you had paid rs 500 for lamination.What type of lamination you have done ?
August 22nd, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Dear Harpreet, It is the TEFLON COATING. It protects again fading of colour and prevents surface damage. Although, it is not too much of the need, but, just for mind sake.
August 26th, 2010 at 10:31 am
I own a pulsar 180 ug4 for a month now..My experience with the bike has been good till now except for the gear shifts being a little “not smooth”.
BTW, this article dosent look real….it looks more like that done by a sales professional…
August 26th, 2010 at 8:08 pm
I think I have included some stuff from Bajaj website, That’s why you guys are feeling that like written by a sales professional. My fault I should not have included that part. I only needed to let people know about the technology used in pulsar engine. I am not a professional writer, I have written this article for the first time only. The gear shifts are smooth on my one.
August 26th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
I am toatlly agree with you Gurvinder. I am Pulsar 220 F (2010) owner and my Brother owns Pulsar 180 ug4, Both bikes are rock solid, durable and yes high performance bikes.
Rated 5 out of 5.
September 2nd, 2010 at 2:16 am
I also own a pulsar 180ug4 and i am happy with it. RTR180 can beat P180 performance wise but when it comes to ride comfort pulsars always win. I am a tourer and have done very long tours on it(more than 3000kms). Still no issues. One problem is there, do timely servicing with greasing all rotating parts and check/adjust the clutch load balancer along with the spring behind the one-way clutch plate(cause these two parts are the prime cause of the typical shrill noise of the engine, but those foolish mechanics always blame it on tappet noise, totally wrong). This is the best pulsar upgrade ever in accordance to most of the reviews. And one thing i must remind u guys, Oil cooler system and 200/220 silencer(exhaust) are direct fit for P180ug4. i have installed oil cooler in mine and its working fine. Just plug and play.
In a Mc Donald’s way I M LOVING IT…..
October 11th, 2010 at 9:28 am
hey nice post gurvinder….. i have a question d pics of this grey bike is dis 180???? when did it start comint in split seat???? i think this used to cum in 200…. nd i m planin on to buy pulsar 180 in jan 2011 so what do u suggest….:-) ny help will be great….:-)
October 11th, 2010 at 11:18 pm
Hey guys i have Blue Pulsar 180 UG4. I bought it on 22nd August. I have done 1400kms till now. Its an awesome bike with low maintaineance. I get mileage around 45 even though my average speed is around 55kph. Its value for money and safe bet. Performance and power is at its best. All that i can say is Go for a Test Drive and i’m sure you will end up buying it like me.
October 12th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Hey Bikram,
Yes the bike is 180. This is a UG4 that is upgrade 4. Bajaj stopped the production of 200 and upgraded 180 with 200 looks. It has almost same power as well with 17 PS at hand. Go for it brother, you will be amazed.
October 21st, 2010 at 3:25 am
@Tanendra
can u pls tell me what is the price of oil coolar kit? i’ve installed a 220′s silencer and its working just fine..
October 24th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
@SOMRAJ-can you tell me what does 220′s silencer costed to you, because m thinking to buy a UG4 a modifi it into 220F, what do you say and GURVINDER i want your comments too on my question….
please do reply guys
and thanx for such valuable information given above
October 24th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
Dear Pranav,
I was thinking of the same thing that you thought of before but dropped the plan.
Pulsar 220′s front fairing can be bought from any of bajaj pro-biking dealers, but, you will have to buy the entire projectors and lighting set separately. It will cost you around Rs 1800 for fairing and Rs 3000 – 4000 for the front light. Next fitting is the major problem. You will have to weld the front end of 180 at three different places. After doing this much you won’t be able to get original finishing. Not only this it will increase the bike’s weight to 3 kgs thus decrease in pickup of the bike.
Now come to 220′s silencer. It will have bad impact on bike’s performance and milage. It will lead to more back pressure and decrease the high end power. It will also lead to decreased average thus leading to reduction in fuel economy figures.
Rest is all upto you my friend. Even sometimes I wish to put 220′s silencer on my bike but it will loose its originality.
October 26th, 2010 at 1:37 am
m very thankful to u gurvinder for your advice buddy;
I am ready to spend 10,000 on my UG IV, n my new questions are :-
1 – will this fitting of fairing look odd ??
2 – and if i asks mechanics to increase the pick up, then ??
3 – what do u mean by ‘high end power’ ??
n buddy u know the main problem is that my father dont want to give me that original 220cc monster as according to his point of view – ‘more c.c. meanse more chances of accidents’, but he is ready to buy me a 180 ug iv, so i whished to modify it to 220, because i really dont want to have 180′s model as my 4 friends are having it…………….so what do u say buddy, n please give answers to my questions
and m again thanking u for helping me
October 26th, 2010 at 6:14 pm
nice research done on p180 gurvinder…i’ve a question from you & all the readers…..its been 70 days since i bought p180 ug4. On rough roads i feel sound coming from handle’s clip bars(joints at edge of handle) from both side, or whenever the bike is pushed down while standing on center stand…during serivce i talked abt it from mechanic, he told it is usual sound which comes as the bike gets older….i juss wanaa ask do u find same prob in ur bike??
one more ques…as my bike had done 1000 kms & after first service, it reached around 108-110 kmph on full acceleration with double passenger as its top speed….How much top speed u’ve gotten from ur bike?? I guess it to be increased after 3rd service.
All readers kindly reply to my query…
October 27th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Dear Pranav
If you are ready to compromise with Rs 10,000 and modifications with your bike then, I can tell you If done properly, The mods will not look odd. I have seen many pulsar 180s with 220 fairing recently. By “done properly” means lovingly and precisely and accurately done welding work” that should resemble Pulsar 220 so much that after changing 180 logo at the back to 220, nobody ill be able to notice that the bike actually is 180 and not 220. But, without changing the exhaust, do not go for changing only the fairing as it will be easy to notice the modification done. One thing I would like to mention is that if you did modifications and changed the exhaust, you will void the warranty of bike. I suggest you that Pulsar 180 is itself a loveable bike and does not need any mods. Every machine is different. I understand how badly you wanted 220 but, I am sure Pulsar 180 will not disappoint you.
For keeping your bike in good condition always put only that JASO/MA approved 20W50 Engine oil in your bike and not the regular any sort 20w40s as Pulsar’s engine tends to heat up more than any other bike. I prefer Valvoline Premium 4t or go for Motul 300V if possible. Also, oil your chain with Grade 90 oil regularly. Never clean your chain with Petrol or deasel as it will ruin the chain and worst sound will start coming from the chain. Clean the chain with soft brush regularly. You can get Castrol’s SAE 90 Gear oil. It will work nicely with the Pulsar’s chain. Open chains tend to get more dirty easily.
October 27th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
Dear Kapil
If you want longer life and better engine for your bike, do not take it to such high speeds before running it for atleast 2500 Kms. For the first 1000 kms you can push your bike in between 50 – 60 kms. After 1500 go for 60 – 80. After 2000, go for more. Read the manual that come with your bike. Pulsar 180 can easily manage around 125-130 kmph if maintained properly. With a pillion at the back, it will still manage 120+ but will take a bit longer to reach at that speed. The speeds are mentioned for every 1000 kms.
For the handle bar, make sure all the screws and nuts are tightened properly. There is a round washer type adjustment screw that you can set for tightening the handle bar or loosening it according to your requirement. Make sure it is just fine. If the problem still persists, it can be some other problem related to the front end such as suspension or the front forks etc. I can assure you, this does not happens as the bike grow older. The guy is just misguiding you. I never heard any such sound from my bike and it has done already 6400 kms. I had ridden P180 ug3 fr 24000 kms, it was very fine too. Take your bike to Bajaj dealer and if they give any worthless reason for the money you have spent on your bike, you can complaint about the problem faced by you on this email here : customerservice@bajajauto.co.in
You will surely have your problem fixed after that.
October 27th, 2010 at 9:56 pm
Thanx gurvinder……..m very thanxfull to u as u sorted all my porblems,
it wz very nyce to talk to u buddy
October 28th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
thnxx a lot brother for ur deep & worth advice….looking forward to upkeep it.
thanks once again for sparing ur precious time…
October 28th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
You are welcome guys…..
October 28th, 2010 at 9:17 pm
Hi, i am planning on buying pulsar 180ccug4 and its my 1st bike but i am worried which to chose from 180cc ug3 or ug4 because 180cc ug4 dont have kick start and i am in teans… do u think it is worth going for pulsar 180cc ug4 and it want disapoint me when i try starting it with self start after few 1or2 years please help me gys. TY
October 30th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
Dear Gurvinder
Can you explain the method how to clean the chain? Kerosene or diesel are used frequently to clean the chain before lubrication.What method do u prefer ???
October 30th, 2010 at 5:10 pm
In response to WHATtoDo,
Pulsar UG 4 comes with MF(maintaince free) battery,which is used in cars and that is/was also deployed in 220 CC as well.Considering its good performance in 220 and the fact that most of the sports bikes should be kickless, opting UG4 woudnt trouble you. Its a new trend being set by bajaj & yamaha bikes.
Further think abt a car,does it have a kick to start,but still it is driven on longer routes than bike….and you can’t perform push start urself,but being with a bike its possible.
Don’t think & just go ahead, i was also obsessed for kick,but finally bought UG4 and i think regular inspection of battery water level won’t let any prob to arise.
November 1st, 2010 at 12:14 am
Thanx for yor responce to me Kapil kaushal i realy appricate your advice and now i am finally in peace i will go for this bike and see how it gose anyway i wont regret buying it cuz i have always wish to have 1of thes pulsar bike as my 1st bike i am 16 now snd 17 in few months so i cant w8 to be 17:) Thannk U for your advice and Tackcare bro.
November 1st, 2010 at 6:41 pm
hey i am also going to buy a bike in december, thanks for the review Gurvinder and is the color Metal Grey still available now?……….
November 1st, 2010 at 8:22 pm
Dear Berlin,
This is why I have written this review to help you choose better option and yes, This colour is still available. However, Bajaj has come up with a new colour for Pulsar 180, that is Orange with Black combination and it looks awesome. You should also give it a look as well. This colour will only be available in Pulsar 180 and 220.
Dear Kapil,
Regarding chain, I cleaned it once with Kerosene, and it started making a weird noise. After taken to Bajaj Dealer, they suggested me two options.. Either go for Grade 90 oil or go for Chain Lube Spray. So, I now never clean chain with kerosene or deisel. After I oiled the chain for few days, the noise stopped coming. The spray is better option than oil but it is a bit expensive, One I saw on the shop was OKS CHAIN LUBE SPRAY that cost around Rs 300.
I clean the chain with a small brush and oil. I remove the sludge clotted by oil with cloth. It takes time but it is a work of self satisfaction… I like spending time with my bike anyway…lol
November 1st, 2010 at 8:28 pm
Guys please have a look here for some good photos of my bike..
pulsar180ug4.blogspot.com
November 2nd, 2010 at 4:02 pm
hai i heard that p180 has some problems in gears…. is it true? be honest. i need to buy one………
November 2nd, 2010 at 5:02 pm
If you use wrong engine oil for the Pulsar 180, surely there can be problem with gears, as, We have wet clutch in Indian Bikes, that is our clutches are also dipped in the same engine oil and we don’t have separate gear oil for our bikes. Many people do not know that Pulsars support 20W50 oil and not 20W40. Most of the oils available in India for bikes are only in 20W40 grade. 20W40 oil will only last for around 400 – 900 kms if used for continuous and medium to long rides. The gears become stiff too or it can lead to Mis-shifts. If proper grade oil as recommended by Bajaj is used (as mentioned in Manual) there should be no problems. Bajaj has brought up a new oil DTSi 10000 20W 50. Also other options are Motul 300v Factoryline, Valvoline 4t, Sprinta 2000, elf motogold, BP MAK.. all are available in 4t and are 20W 50 grade. Many people put wrong oils and later complaint about Pulsar’s gear quality. Get your bike proper timely serviced, you should face no problems. UG4 has no problems with gears as any other bike.
November 2nd, 2010 at 5:05 pm
Dear Kapil, I like the example you have given for Battery query of WHATtoDo.. Very true..
November 3rd, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Dear Gurvinder,i’m not much perceptive in terms of tech specs like you ,but that query was also obstacle between me & UG 4, gave all those reasons to dad & other contraries & found that i was right. Being different, there are few who dare to ride a kick less bike & i proud to be one of them breaking up all the conventions…thnxx 4 d compliment.
November 6th, 2010 at 12:26 am
HI ,
I just want to know if we can somehow use 135cc ls pulsar’s number plate style in pulsar 180cc ug4 by modifiying or anyway possible i just like the style of number plte holder of 135cc ls pulsar and want to replace it in my 180cc ug4 Please answer me back Thank u your advice will be appricated TAckcare.
November 6th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
hi,
with a kickless starter how will u start when u change from main to reserved fuel.. it will be difficult to start without kicker?
November 6th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
Dear CAN?
I do not know much about changing Rear No. Plate set of 180 with 135s but, I think it can be done easily. A good mechanic or the ones who do modifications will be able to tell you about this. A post on a forum somewhere I found over the internet someone had the same issue, and in a reply, it was written that it could be done easily.. so good luck with that..
November 6th, 2010 at 5:44 pm
Dear Berlin, Don’t worry about the starting problem. I change from main to reserve and the bike starts easily. Before the fuel level lowers, the bike starts to drop acceleration,Just Change the knob from main to reserve while your bike starts to drop acceleration.
November 6th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
HI,
I want to know this this bike is good for long tour espically for hilly zone tour if u have any idea about it please do reply thanx.
November 6th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
And Thanx for advice Guvinder and can u also explain if thus bike good for long journey espially for hilly zone tour Thanx.
November 6th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
thanks
November 7th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
Dear I have ridden a maximum of around 250 kms continuously in a day. It was very well with that. I felt a little pain with my wrist and back because of continuous riding and a little tired too, instead of that it was all fine. Not sure about hilly areas. But, dear, if people can go to hilly areas on 100ccs then, surely it will be able to do it much better with better handling, performance and power goodies present in it.. Can’t say anything about too high areas where oxygen is less but, it should be no problem..
November 7th, 2010 at 6:33 pm
ok Thank u
November 8th, 2010 at 10:29 am
Hello Everybody,
I want to purchase pulsar 180cc but i m confused as it is kick-less, thus thinking for 150cc. I hope without kick there would be starting problems in winter/rainy seasons. Is it true? So can somebody suggest me about 180cc/150cc.
November 8th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
Dear Rahul,
We recently had some conversation regarding Pulsar 180 being kickless, have a look at the comments above this, I hope you find your answer
November 9th, 2010 at 5:01 pm
hi,
one more doubt…. compare ur bikes color and compare the grey color in this site :http://www.bajajauto.com/2wheeler/pulsar/index1.htm
it looks different… i went to showroom to see this.. but they doesnt have bikes to show now……
November 9th, 2010 at 7:31 pm
@Berlin : Bajaj’s website showing wrong color i too own silver P220 F . Same color as of Gurvinder’s bike.
November 9th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
thank u for details Navjot…..
November 9th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Hi, Many people take ‘kick-less’ bikes so seriously. To all those people… see no car has a kick, did you want a car with kick ? no… these new bikes 180/220 , fz/ r-15 , zmr etc all comes with maintenance free battery and reserve power system(180/220) which allow to do 2 or 3 self starts even when your battery is gone !! Just be good to your bike and it will never complain you. how often our car battery goes dead ?
Please don’t confuse to buy a kick less bike. Its a safe Deal. Just read carefully the user manual to Start a new journey with a new bike .
November 9th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Hi Navjot,
when did u buy ur bike? i think bajaj hav changed the color…. see the color of bike in this post
http://knowledgeareas.com/bajaj-pulsar-220-dtsi
November 11th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
can anyone who reside in big city go to ur nearest bajaj dealer and check that pulsar grey silver is as same as Gurvinders bike because it looks different in this site: http://www.bajajauto.com/2wheeler/pulsar/index1.htm i just want to make sure bajaj hav not changed their color…
i ask u people because in my town there is only a small dealer and they dont hav bikes to show me….they hav only blue, black and red. i should book without seeing the bike… i just want my first bike to be good… the grey color looks awful in the above bajaj website…
so anyone please go to the dealer and check the color alone….. thankz…