Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTS-i

The Pulsars were one of India’s best-looking bike family. However, with the third iteration looks seem a bit jaded. The refreshed 180 is still a handsome motorcycle and has improved things by a notch as it borrows some cues from the Pulsar 200 and is now shod with reassuringly fatter front forks from that sibling. What remains unchanged is a black dress-code for this bike’s lower cycle parts, as are sleek alloy rims.

The new 180 comes with trendy Pulsar trademark digital instruments with a bold analog and white-set tachometer that is easy to decipher, and a similar large digital — and contact-free driven — speedometer in a commanding position on the fascia. The instrument console includes an engine redline beacon as also twin-trip gauges that can be independently zeroed via a button.

A fuel gauge along with regular warning icons is standard fare.
New on this bike are sporty clip-on handlebars, atop which are mounted a superb set of switches true to the Pulsar family. These contact-free operation switches have self-canceling indicators that ensure you won’t forget to leave them on after completing a turn. The 180 DTS-i still comes with smart, broad and functional rearview mirrors but they use ill-fitting rubber boots.

The latest Bajaj gets new mini-tank extensions first seen on the Pulsar 200, as well as really smart, upmarket-looking raised letter decals. Also new is a tank pad that protects the rear of the fuel tank from getting scratched by a rider’s belt buckle. The 180 retains its flush-fitting alloy and aircraft-style fuel-filler. While the bike could offer more functional knee recesses, we found its split seat and grab-bar to be welcome new additions. Also used is a sporty-looking exposed and O’ring sealed drive chain.

Flush-fitted LED tail and brake light strips on the sharp rear section make this one of the best-looking tails on Indian roads. The new 180 also uses an extended rear mudguard that provides good illumination for its numberplate. Nice paint quality, good fit and finish, as well as a high level of attention to detail are obvious 180 DTS-i highlights.