Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTS-i

The Pulsar 180 DTS-i rides on 17-inch rims front and rear, using a twin downtube frame, with its rear swingarm now fabricated from elliptical section metal instead of the rectangular steel used before. The front forks now measure a much healthier 37mm and the bike has also been shod with superior tubeless tyres at both ends, the rear a chunky 120/80 x 17-incher. And, at the rear, the Pulsar 180 still uses  twin, gas-charged suspension.

The clip-on handlebars deliver superior feel and the riding position remains unchanged, calling for a modest lean into the handlebars, with slightly rear-set foot-pegs. The 180’s seat is adequately padded.

Handling feels a notch more stable in the straight line, thanks to the uprated suspension and tyres, with turn-in also a little heavier as a direct consequence. There’s a marked improvement in ride quality as the bike soaks up the worst of Indian roads with aplomb. While the new 180 calls upon some extra effort around corners, it stays that much more planted on the road while called upon to execute turns. 

The front disc brake has now been upsized with a 260mm diameter rotor, giving the bike really fierce brake bite and capable of bringing this 147kg motorcycle to a stop from 60kph in no more than 15.6 metres.