I have owned a black Bajaj Pulsar 150cc DTSi UG3 bike nick named BLACK PANTHER for the past 3.5 years (since April 15, 2008). I have crossed 50k kms recently. So I thought I'm eligible for providing a feedback about the bike.
My biking requirements:==
I am mostly not a very fast rider, but often an off-roader - and mostly inside jungles. Hence I wanted a bike that is very reliable and can take the hard days on its stride.
Most important was the balance and handling of the bike when I had to jump over earthen bunds and rocks and gravel.
I chose Pulsar over Honda Unicorn after a nightmare experience on a rainy night where I was caught in the jungle with slippery path and full of gravel. I was on my friends Pulsar that day, and my inexperience in biking that time made my hands tremble even at the words - clay. The bike handled beautifully. Even seasoned rider on a splendor slipped many a time, but I - a novice came out without an incident.
PULSAR, I decided that day.
The Pros:
i) The bike wasvery smooth, and mostly I had to wonder whether I’ve really switched and running.
ii) Great pickup - a slight touch of the throttle would make him zoom past anything available those days.
iii) It had a prettygood mileage for a 150cc sports. I had varying mileage based on my speed, ranging from 40 kmpl all the way to 74 kmpl!
iv) Maintenance free - Till I hit 50 k kms recently I haven't gone for any major changes or repairs - except for the regular service at every 2500 kms and a couple of punctures.
v) Speed- Though normally a quiet rider, broad roads tempt me and I will test the throttle and will be thrilled to see a 3 digit in the speedometer. I've gone upto 112 kmph so far.
vi) Balance– I’ve never experienced such a balance before. The chance of skidding is always a remote chance for me even at high speeds. It hands beautifully even when you cut through various vehicles in city traffic.
The Cons:==
i) The first and foremost - The Headlamp. With the stock 35/35 w headlamps, even a TVS50 moped on the opposite direction scares me. The headlamps are of no use if the vehicles on the opposite direction do not dim theirs. You can just use it for an indication to them that you're there.
ii) Secondly, thethirst for engine oil - after about 30k kms, when everything was going smooth, one fine day my ENGINE SEIZED ! Without knowing what actually the problem is, I took it to a nearby mechanic who declared that there is no engine oil in the bike. Since I service my bike regularly, I was shocked and went back to my original service centre. They told me that UG3 has the problem of drinking oil.Somehow I filled it oil and started running, but the sound had changed permanently. Service personnel advised me to go for a piston kit replacement, but at the same time told me it is not urgent since the damage was very negligible. I ran with that irritating sound for the next 20k kms though there was no problem with the performance except engine oil change every 1500 kms instead of 2500 kms.
iii) Thirdly, the neutral gear. Bringing the vehicle to neutral gear when the engine is on is a pain in the neck. I have fought with it on several occasions. I tried for smoother handling and occasionally I tried nasty kicks on the gear levers also. Nothing worked. Service personnel say that is always like that. Mysteriously this problem never appears when you switch off your engine. Just a feather touch, the bike’s into neutral gear. Only God and Bajaj knows what actually the problem is!!
iv) Finally, the rattling sound that comes from the engine after about 30 k kms. It always makes you wonder whether something has fallen apart in the engine. Though it did not create any performance or handling problems it was very irritating at times. It disappears when the bike comes out of service centre, but reappears after a few days. Again mysteriously it disappears on wet or cool days.
v) After 35k kms, riding even at 55 kms became problematic with the vehicle wobbling and a feeling sets in as if somebody is shaking the handle bar when you loosen the grip. The rides with a pillion were even more difficult with the vehicle pushing you to a side. This resulted in constant tight grip on the steering and a resultant muscle pain on long rides. Fearing something bad, again I ran to the service centre, and the mechanic told me it was because of faulty tyres, and this happens with some stock tyres. Still I ran with the tyre till I could see all the threads in the bottom, and changed after 50 k kms. Since then, everything fine.
Comment:*
In spite of the problems listed above, my Black Panther has never ever landed me in trouble even in the toughest of the situations. There were occasions when I was in places where roads can never even be imagined and amongst wild animals in the middle of the nights even. I cannot even dream of my vehicle giving up in those hilly jungles, for that would have been a certain death knell. But this fellow takes everything in stride and keeps himself cool and is always on wheels. Uphill and downhill are all the same for him.
Like a true warrior, he always emerges out of any adverse situation, smiling.
Hence you can call Pulsar 150 DTSi UG3a VERY RELIABLE BIKE.
Pulsar Modifications:*
Other than seat cover and tank cover, I had not done any modification to my bike till 50, 000 kms.
With the approach of 50k kms, the battery failed and hence self-start didn’t work. Also the stock MRF tyres were completely worn out. And I went for some major modifications in the bike.
i) Replaced the complete Piston kit and reconditioned the bike with other smaller replacements including engine chain, wheel bearings etc. Cost Rs. 4800.
ii) Replaced the stock MRF Zappers with a Ceat Vertigo Sports 100/90 – 17 tubeless for the rear and MRF Zapper FS 90/90 – 17 for the front and filled both with Nitrogen gas for comfort and durability. Ceat cost Rs. 1700 while the MRF Cost Rs. 1900
iii) Replaced the stock ‘dead’ Exide freedom 9amp battery with new Amaron Probiker 9amp BTX battery with 2 year replacement warranty and 2 year special offer warranty ( I can exchange the old battery for a new one only at 50% cost).
iv) Changed the stock 35 / 35 W Halonix headlamps with new 60 / 55 W Philips Crystal Vision white light (should be a 4300k colour temperature I believe). But only after a local coil rewinding of course. The total process cost Rs. 1250. (The coil cost Rs. 650, an old wire replacement of Rs. 100, Mechanic charges Rs. 150, and Crystal vision cost Rs. 420.). Since my bike was AC / DC type, I went in for this. For those who ride only DC versions in the advanced model (UG4 and later) can go for HID at Rs. 3000. [but advised to go for HIDs with projectors only – or else you’ll invite the curses of the on coming vehicles and the attention of the cops.]
v) Planning to change both my spark plugs to NGK Iridium CR9EIX.
vi) Planning to change the engine oil to MOTUL 300V Fully Synthetic 4 Stroke Bike Engine Oil.
vii) Planning to go for K & N filter.
With these, I believe my Pulsar 150 CC DTSi UG3 will be on par with the top-of-the-class vehicles and more reliable than ever.
