Bikes bikes and bikes......

In this section, I would be giving information and performance analysis of the bikes in Indian conditions. I would also provide various technical details and comparisions which should help you in deciding which bike to go for.

Bajaj Pulsar DTSi (150cc and 180cc)
Pulsar has emerged a clear winner in the 150 cc bike segment and has shown continuous high sales. Now Bajaj has come up with a slightly improved variant- Pulsar DTSi model. It has 17-inch six-spoke alloy rims at both ends, helping the bike look miles ahead of its predecessor. The Wheelbase is now a slightly longer 1330mm and so is suspension travel up at both ends. These fundamental changes alter the bike’s stance, making it slightly longer and a tad shorter. The new Pulsar's front bikini fairing has been lowered by 12mm. The new Pulsar continues to offer twin horns, an aircraft-type fuel-filler and a trip-gauge. Fuel tank capacity now stands reduced to 15 litres. The Pulsar has for some time now, been India's best-looking, two-wheeled bike and this next generation.

Power output is up to 16.5bhp at 8000rpm and a 140kg kerb weight means the new 180 DTS-i is good for a power-to-weight ratio of a creditable 117.8bhp per ton. The bike barrels its way to 60kph in 4.41 seconds and has a top speed of117kph. It has a robust, dual-cradle frame and box-section swingarm. It has a lengthened 1330mm wheelbase, smaller 17-inch, six- spoke alloy wheels and twin-gas shock absorbers at the rear. Bajaj has worked hard with the front forks and extracted fine character, while at the rear the twin-gas units have been perfected and nicknamed 'Nitrox.' These units are trick items, with 100mm of plush travel and their instantaneous reaction to our potholed roads. Turn-in has become faster thanks to new, smaller 17-inch rims, while a lower gyroscopic effect is there for the asking while hustling the bike around corners. Though the Pulsar was always stable, cornered smartly and steered well, an improved ride has now elevated all these factors, allowing the rider to enjoy higher speeds on poor roads with safer control of the bike. The brakes on the new Pulsar are as good as ever (disc brakes). This new Pulsar offers a mileage of around 49.5kpl on the highway and a flat 44kpl riding through stop-start city traffic.


TVS Apache
The TVS Apache looks like a macho street-fighter, with a short and squat stance. It comes with classy alloy-rims. The attention paid to details, paint gloss and overall build quality are good. The Apache fairing is distinctive, with the TVS aping the Bajaj Pulsar’s twin city light format. The Apache once again does a Pulsar with its silver-coated handlebar, and offers tri-pod instruments. A tachometer and fuel counter is standard fare. Minor observation time: taller riders will find that the Apache fly screen can cut the tip of the speedo console away from view.
Switchgear on the Apache is good design and quality. Grips, levers and mirrors are satisfying kit, and everything works and adjusts with a nice feel.
Apache has an air-cooled, alloy single cylinder and dual-valve head equipped engine. The TVS puts out 147.5cc and is essentially an F2 engine that has received comprehensive tweaks to bring it on par with the competition. It’s an engine tuned towards lean burn character. Induction and exhaust resonators on both sides of the cylinder assist instant throttle response. The TVS generates 13.5bhp at 8500rpm with its cable-fed clutch feel adequate. The Apache takes 5.70secs to get to 60kph and 22.45s to get past 100kph. It hits a top speed of 107kph. It has a dual down tube frame and sports a perceptibly short wheelbase, with just 1260mm between its rims. Non-adjustable front forks and a rectangular section rear swing arm are present to complement gas shock absorbers. The TVS blends 17inches at front and 18 inches at rear. And though it enjoys the thickest 90/90 section front end and offers the option of a TVS brand 90/90 or thicker 100/80 section rear tyres. The Apache has a sporty and slightly stiff ride quality. The Apache gives a decent mileage of about 49 km/lt in city conditions.