The new Pulsar P150 is a handsome and proportionate-looking motorcycle. It has all the right cuts, creases, and contours to look sporty, aggressive, and modern. While the overall silhouette is very similar to the N160 and the N250, it has its own identity with a new headlamp, amongst other subtle differences. So, the P150 undoubtedly qualifies to be called a visually contemporary motorcycle. However, do not expect it to attract a lot of attention on the road as it easily blends in with the crowd of equally sporty small-size naked bikes, like the Apache RTR 160 4V and the Hero Xtreme 160R.

Owing to the seat height of 790mm, getting astride the P150 and flat-footing is supremely easy, especially for a person as tall as me at 5’11’’. The clip-on handlebar is reachable but demands you to bend forward just a touch. Similarly, the footpegs are slightly rear set which makes the overall riding triangle a bit committed but comfortable. One can also go for the cheaper variant with a single-piece tubular handlebar that supposedly offers a more upright riding position.  Further, I liked the design and space of the seat which felt absolutely welcoming for the most part. It’s only after about two hours of non-stop riding that your backside starts getting sore.

As we had told you in our first ride review, the P150 is based on a new tubular chassis which holds an engine that’s a heavily revised iteration of the standard Pulsar 150’s mill. Bring this engine to life and you’re greeted by a soft bassy exhaust note which is a slightly muffled version of the N160. And as you start rolling, you can’t help but appreciate the refinement and tractability this engine offers. In fact, this is perhaps the most tractable engine I have come across in a long time.

In this department, the P150 is average with some hits and some misses. What’s impressive is the presence of an LED projector headlamp and LED DRL with the former offering a good amount of throw. This is accompanied by a semi-digital console which shows all the crucial data like speed, rpm, two trip meters, gear position, clock, and distance to empty. This could be a downer for some, considering its close rival TVS Apache RTR 160 gets a fully-digital display with Bluetooth. However, I believe the amount of information displayed on the P150 is enough for this segment. Other features include a USB charger, a 14-litre fuel tank, and single-channel ABS.

In the mileage test that we do here at BikeWale, the P150 turned out to be pretty frugal, returning a fuel efficiency of 60.2kmpl. This was obtained after riding the bike in a relaxed manner in low to moderate traffic. Of course, the FE might vary depending on your riding style but considering the mileage we extracted, the overall riding range is a commendable 840km.

With the Pulsar P150, Bajaj has definitely succeeded in what it aimed for – making a sportier and more modern motorcycle than its predecessor. It ticks all the boxes of being a better Pulsar 150 with a refined and tractable engine, agile handling, strong brakes, and decently comfortable ergonomics and ride quality, all of which make it a great city bike. Even the design, although not particularly eye-catchy, is contemporary and pleasing to the eyes. While it could do with better mid-range grunt and more features, these aren’t deal breakers by any stretch. So, for someone upgrading from a smaller-sized commuter, the P150 fits the bill.