Bajaj Pulsar 180 F Review: Prices, Features, Specs & Pics

What we like?

• Powerful engine

• Excellent rideability

• Priced well

What we don't? 

• Aged design

• Outdated tech

• Mediocre braking

What’s New?

• New fuel injection technology

• Powerful headlights

• Single-channel ABS

What's under the Heart of Pulsar 180 F?

Powering the new Pulsar 180 F is a 178.6 cc engine that is air-cooled unit borrowed from Pulsar 220 F with a smaller bore. Sharing a similar engine block means the powerful DNA of 220 F is inherited by the younger sibling. Pulsar 180 F is very agile in handling and the performance character gives it a whole different edge over any other bike in the segment.

Performance and Efficiency?

New Bajaj Pulsar 180F is powered by a 178.6 cc 4-stroke air-cooled engine. This engine is good for producing 17.02 Bhp and 14.2 Nm of peak torque. Click in first gear and the lightweight clutch which transfers all the torque to the rear wheels. As you twist the throttle, the grunt from single cylinders syncs accordingly.

Pulsar was initially launched with a 180 cc engine back in 2001 in India. The first batch came with an engine output of 15 bhp and over the years pulsar 180 has only gained 2 horses more. Pulsar name had always been associated with thrilling engine delivery which makes it one of the most fun to drive bikes in the segment. 

Acceleration?

For a 180 cc motorcycle, the performance of pulsar is superb and thrilling. Start feeding that motor some gas and you will see the tacho climb to redline pretty quickly. The clutch feels light and gear shifts are quick, twist the throttle too hard in smaller gears and the bike gets eager to lift the front tyre off the ground. 

Brakes?

As well as it goes, it comes to halt similarly, is a phrase best suited for Pulsar 180 F. Braking has always been the forte of Pulsar range, regardless of the model. The 260 mm front disc brakes are capable of bringing the bike to a complete halt from triple digits in a controlled manner. The rear brakes give a very controlled brake bite which inspires the braking confidence to the rider. Single-channel ABS comes standard in all the variants of Pulsar 180 F.

Handling and Comfort?

Those days were gone when Pulsar used to be a very heavy and bulky bike for noob riders to find it hard to tame it. Over time, Pulsar has shredded its fat and gained a stylish front end with lower kerb weight for easier riding in the city. Front fairing adds up the aerodynamic character which helps the riders achieve the top speed a lot faster. 

Taking Pulsar on a curvy road reveals the character of the bike, with a very well balanced chassis, taming and leaning into the curves is a child’s play.

Looks?

Bajaj Pulsar 180 F shares a similar look from its older cousin, Pulsar 220 F. This style was a major hit when it was launched years back, but over time the similar fascia has grown over the eyes. The headlight housing is backed by a dual projector setup which is lit with Halogen units. Rear taillights are LED units that are bright and do their job well. Bajaj is really not interested in making any cosmetic changes to their years’ old design. 

Safety and class-leading features?

Bajaj Pulsar has been the most selling and favorite bike of the youngsters. Bajaj has never kept any room of error in the safety department of its customers. With the growing need for time and safety measures, Pulsar has kept its way well versed in safety equipment on offer. New Bajaj Pulsar 180 F comes with ABS which helps as a very effective piece of equipment in case of emergency braking.

How does the competition stack up?

Bajaj Pulsar 180F vs TVS Apache RTR 180

The 180 cc segment is one of the most loved segments in the commuter bikes. Both of these bikes stack up the sales chart pretty well. But what if you have to choose one well, in that case, it should be the TVS Apache RTR. Apache stacks more power and torque against Pulsar and costs less too. Pulsar 180 still boasts the dated design whereas Apache is fairly new with its recent facelift. 

Wrap up?

Pulsar had been one of the most favored names when it comes to powerful commuter bikes. With its presence in the market for nearly two decades, Pulsar 180 had been through many avatars. Bajaj should start making an innovative design change to the design which has started feeling dated. Design apart, Pulsar 180 F is a mixed bag of performance and efficiency filled by superb handling and braking.