Before the introduction of the Pulsar, the Indian motorcycle market trend was towards fuel efficient, small capacity motorcycles (that formed the 80-125 cc class). Bigger motorcycles with higher capacity virtually did not exist (except for Enfield Bullet). The launch and success of Hero Honda CBZ in 1999 showed that there was demand for performance bikes. Bajaj took the cue from there on and launched the Pulsar twins in India on November 24, 2001.[3] Since the introduction and success of Bajaj Pulsar, Indian youth began expecting high power and other features from affordable motorcycles.
The project was faced with internal resistance, reservations by Mckinsey and doubts on its effects on Bajaj's relation with Kawasaki. The project required approximately 36 months for completion and cost Bajaj Rs 1 billion.[4]
Technology
[edit]DTSi
DTSi stands for Digital Twin Spark Ignition, a Bajaj Auto trademark. Bajaj Auto holds an Indian patent for the DTSi technology.[citation needed] The Alfa Romeo Twin-Spark engines, the BMW F650 Funduro which was sold in India from 1995 to 1997 also had a twin-spark plug technology, and the Rotax motorcycle engines,more recently Honda's iDSI Vehicle engines use a similar arrangement of two spark-plugs. However very few small capacity engines did eventually implement such a scheme in their production prototypes.
[edit]Patent infringement allegations
In September 2007, Bajaj Auto filed a claim accusing that the development of TVS Flame was in violation of their patent for DTS-I.[16] TVS Motors countered by threatening to sue Bajaj Auto for libel.[17][18] On February 2008, the Madras High Court in Chennai restrained TVS from launching it with the twin spark plug technology.[19] TVS appealed against this decision, claiming that crucial evidence was not taken into account[20] and in March 2008, launched the Flame with a modified engine containing one spark plug.[21] The DTSi idea is a simple one to understand - it involved usage of two spark plugs (instead of one) per engine cylinder. On September 16, 2009 the Supreme Court of India permitted TVS motors to manufacture and sell the 125cc TVS Flame with Twin Spark Technology.[22]
[edit]ExhausTEC
ExhausTEC stands for Exhaust Torque Expansion Chamber, a technology patented by Bajaj.[23] The technology involves use of a small chamber connected to the exhaust pipe of the engine to modify the back-pressure and the swirl characteristics, with an aim to improve the low-end performance of the bikes. The ExhausTEC technology is claimed to be highly effective in improving the low- and mid-range torque.[24]
[edit]
Evolution
[edit]2001
The original Pulsar came with a 150 cc air-cooled, single-cylinder, petrol, spark-ignited four-stroke engine which made 12 bhp of maximum power. They featured a single spark plug to ignite the air-fuel mixture fed from a carburetor, simple spring shock absorbers, round headlamp dome and 1,265&mm wheelbase. Disc brakes as standard equipment was a novelty in Indian motorcycles of the early 2000s. Other standard features were parking lights and an aircraft-type fuel tank lid.
The 180 cc version made 15 bhp of maximum power and came with a twin-tone horn, which was optional equipment on the 150 cc version. Electric Start (ES) was also offered as an option on both the bikes.[8]
[edit]2003
The second generation Pulsars featured Bajaj Auto's newly developed DTSi technology, which increased the power rating of both versions by 1 bhp (0.75 kW) each and also increased fuel economy.[9] This model also introduce a new headlamp assembly, 1,320 mm wheelbase,[10] and standard twin-tone horn and trip meter.
[edit]2005
In 2005, Bajaj launched another upgrade of the Pulsar. The bike was offered with 17-inch (430 mm) alloy wheels as standard option, and the stance was also lowered by about 12 mm. It was the first time any bike maker in India had offered 17-inch (430 mm) profile wheels at the rear. The fuel tank now had a capacity of only 15 litres.[11] The power output was now further increased to 13.5 bhp (10.1 kW) @ 8500 rpm for the 150 while it increased to 16.5 bhp (12.3 kW) @ 8500 rpm for the 180.[12] The rear shock absorbers were now gas-filled Nitrox absorbers.
[edit]2006
Bajaj introduced another version of Pulsar. New features included: pilot lamps separated from the main headlamp, turn indicators with clear lenses and amber bulb, self-cancelling turn indicator switch, flush LCD screen with digital read-out of key vehicle data, non-contact speed sensor, non-contact backlit switches, twin-stripe LED tail-light assembly and side panels altered for a sharp, tapering-towards-the-rear look. The engine had increased torque availability, reduced vibration and improved gear shift feel. They also introduced the 1 down 4 up variant of the gear box for the first time on sub-150 cc variants.[13]
[edit]2007
Main article: Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi
In July 2007, Bajaj began selling the Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi and Pulsar 200 DTS-i, the former featuring fuel injection and oil cooled engines, a digital dash, and modern styling. This bike has some features which are totally new to the Indian market, like the fuel injection itself, rear disc brake and clip-on handlebars (the first two only available in the 220 model).
[edit]2009
Bajaj released the UG IV (fourth upgrade) versions of the Pulsar 150 and Pulsar 180 in April 2009. The upgrades for the Pulsar 150 included an all-black theme, tank scoops similar to those on the Pulsar 200, a 3D Pulsar logo, and a changed electrical system (full DC). Power also increased from 13.5 bhp to 14.09 bhp (at 8,500 rpm).
Electrical enhancements like auto head light switch-off after few seconds of turning the engine off to protect the battery, self cancelling turn signals ,icon illumination (horn icon, indicator icon, engine cut off icon, etc.), side stand warning light, duel digital trip meter, low fuel warning light (which also flashes when the engine is revved too hard), and low battery indicator are common features among all the variants.
The Pulsar 180 received upgrades like wider tyres, split seat, tank scoops, clip-on handlebars, 3D Pulsar logo, swing arm suspension borrowed from Pulsar 200, and thicker forks. The power was increased to 17 PS.[14]
Bajaj launched a carbureted version of Pulsar 220 on June 2009, tagging it as "the fastest bike in India".[15] It also discontinued the production of Pulsar 200 on July 2009.
Bajaj also introduced a new Light Sports version of Pulsar named as Pulsar 135LS. It is the first bike in India to contain 4-valve DTS-i technology. It consists 4 smaller valves rather than 2 standard bigger valves, styling also is changed and looks become more aggressive. The bike is ARAI certified for 68.5kmpl and weights only 122 kg.
[edit]2010
Bajaj released the UG 4.5 (fifth upgrade) versions of the Pulsar 150. The upgrades for the Pulsar 150 included an clip-on handlebars like those in Pulsar 135LS. Power also increased from 14.09 bhp to 15.06 bhp (at 9,000 rpm).
A naked version of Pulsar 220 is also launched, named as Pulsar 220S(Street Fighter) which retains everything from Pulsar 220 except the front fairing. Front fairing is similar to Pulsar 180/150. Old Pulsar 220 is now named as Pulsar 220F.
thanks for sharing an informative post.
ReplyDeletefastest spinning pulsar