Bajaj Pulsar 220F Pros And Cons: Can The Icon Revive Its Old Charm?

The sporty biking space was revolutionized by the introduction of the Bajaj Pulsar 220F and it had a cult following. For the same reason, the brand had to reintroduce the bike years after its discontinuation due to its persistent demand. But how does it fare against its rivals now? Can it charm the new-age buyers with the same vigor that it did in its first innings? Check out its pros and cons here to find out. But before that, make sure to join our 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel, specifically curated for all the avid petrolheads with extensive coverage of the latest news and insights from the automotive space.

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PROS

1. Iconic Charm That Attracts Attention

The Bajaj Pulsar 220F continues with its iconic design as it was first launched. While it has evolved to offer renewed graphics and color combinations at its return, the metal beating remains the same as what it was famous for. When on the roads, people still recognize the iconic styling and it sure attracts eyes.

2. Mid-Range Engine Performance

The 220cc DTSI oil-cooled engine is notably punchy, offering strong low-end torque and a responsive city ride. Its mid-range performance is especially impressive, allowing the bike to accelerate smoothly from 50 kmph to 100 kmph in top gear. Vibrations are well-managed, and heating remains minimal even in traffic, ensuring a comfortable riding experience.

3. Softer Suspension Apt For Long Touring

The ride quality is exceptionally comfortable and soft, thanks to the suspension tuned for comfort. However, with a rider onboard, the bike may bottom out over sharp bumps and potholes. On straight roads, it performs smoothly and confidently. While it excels in high-speed straight-line riding, its long turning radius and lack of confidence around sharp corners make it less comfortable for city maneuvering compared to its rivals.

CONS

1. Dated Styling

The Pulsar 220F revival comes on the back of the great demand for the iconic sports bike and it only made sense to keep its iconic design intact. However, the decade-old styling is now starting to wear out in terms of where the industry is moving. There should have been some contemporary updates and it looks like the effort has been skipped altogether on this one.

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2. Gearbox Strains On The Highway

The 5-speed transmission is smooth for city riding but feels short-geared on the highway, whereas a longer 6-speed transmission would be more suitable for better performance. When revved to higher RPMs, the vibrations do start to creep in at higher speeds, taking away the confidence and comfort.