Bajaj Pulsar 220F to be reincarnated, bookings open
Besides the RDE (real driving emission) norms for the engine, Bajaj Auto is unlikely to make any changes to the Pulsar 220F.
Bajaj Pulsar 220F is set to make a comeback to the Indian market after a brief hiatus. The semi-faired motorcycle was gradually phased out of the market after it launched new generation Pulsars—N250 and F250—in November 2021. The latter two were considered the spiritual successors of 220F.
An iconic model in its own right, Bajaj decided against discontinuing the Pulsar 220F at one go rather than phasing it out gradually. However, it seems the Chakan, Pune-based manufacturer decided to bring back the sports tourer, as bookings are now open in dealerships.
Bajaj Pulsar 220F
Interested buyers can book the Pulsar 220F for a token amount of Rs 1,000, while deliveries are expected to commence around March 2023. Certain reports have revealed that few dealerships have already received stock of the reincarnated Pulsar 220F. It is expected to be priced around Rs 1.35 lakh (ex-showroom), making it Rs 5,000 cheaper than its quarter-litre siblings.
Carrying forwards same specs, design
In its return, Pulsar 220F isn’t expected to flaunt many changes. Visually, it is likely to remain identical to its predecessor with the same semi-faired design and a projector headlight setup, which might gain LED illumination, nestled within the elaborate front apron. It might, however, receive minor styling tweaks in terms of colour options and graphics.
Bajaj Pulsar 220F styling highlights
The bike is expected to carry forward the same 220cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected, air/oil-cooled motor since it already upgraded to BS6 norms. This engine produced 20.9 bhp at 8,500rpm and 18.5 Nm of peak torque at 7,000rpm while paired with a five-speed gearbox.
However, with the new BS6 Phase II norms kicking in from April 1, 2023, onwards, the engine needs to feature OBD2 onboard diagnostic technology. Hardware setup on Pulsar 220F is expected to remain the same, featuring a double cradle downtube frame suspended on telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear.
The bike will roll on 17-inch front and rear alloy wheels wrapped in tubeless tyres. Braking duties will be handled by disc brakes at both ends, complemented by a single-channel ABS. It will be interesting to see if the Pulsar 220F makes a return across the entire Indian market or only in selected pockets of the country.
Bajaj Pulsar 220F to carry forward same specs and features
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If and when launched, Pulsar 220F will not have any direct rival competing against it, but the recently launched TVS Ronin is similarly specced and can be touted as a potential rival to Pulsar 220F.
Edited by Suman Singh