It looks like Bajaj Auto is all set to take a shot at the budget motorcycle market with the latest upgrades of Pulsar bikes with TFT consoles. After having rolled out the Pulsar N160 SS, the very first Bajaj bike with TFT screen, the auto giant has officially announced that all Pulsar motorcycles will be upgraded to include TFT consoles in due course.
It was recently reported that the Pulsar N160 SS was released with a 5-inch TFT console. This will be followed by all Pulsar motorcycles in a phased manner.
Coming next will be the next generation Pulsar 150 Classic and then the Pulsar 125. As per the news reports, both the Pulsar 150 and Pulsar 125 motorcycles have already been sighted with the modern TFT console that came along with the Pulsar N160 SS.
What Can You Expect with the TFT Console?
The 5-inch TFT console in the Pulsar N160 SS has the following features:
Bluetooth connectivity
Turn-by-turn navigation
SMS and Call alerts
Google Maps mirroring (in the Pulsar N160 SS)
However, for the relatively cheaper variants of Pulsar such as Pulsar 150 and 125, Bajaj might cut down on some features to make the console economical.
It is likely to come with basic features such as Bluetooth connectivity, call/sms alert and turn-by-turn navigation. However, Google maps mirroring and WiFi connectivity would possibly be omitted from the list of features.
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TFT screen- Available in Top Variants Only
That being said, it should be noted that the TFT screen will only be available in top-spec variants of all Pulsar models.
This is a wise decision from the side of Bajaj. It allows the company to offer modern technology options to those buyers who want it without compromising on price of entry-level models.
Pulsar Models that will be Upgraded
All Pulsar models will be upgraded with TFT console:
Pulsar N160 SS – already launched with TFT console (top variant)
Pulsar 150 Classic – next gen model expected to come soon with TFT option
Pulsar 125 – has already been sighted testing with TFT screen
Pulsar NS160 – expected to get color TFT or advanced LCD
Pulsar N250/ F250 – expected to be updated in due course
Significance
TFT screens used to be available only on the high-end models priced over ₹1.5 lakh. Now that Bajaj has decided to make them available on Pulsars below ₹1.5 lakh as well, things will change.
TVS, Hero, and Suzuki will have to step up and add such features to their 125cc and 150cc variants to compete. Customers will benefit from the increased feature set of cheaper bikes. Everybody wins.
Price Estimates
The current price of the Pulsar 150 stands at ₹1.08 lakh (ex-showroom). As for the price difference between the current version and the TFT one, we can expect the latter to cost ₹5-10k more.
Concerning the Pulsar 125, its price range is expected to be within ₹95k-1 lakh (ex-showroom).
Celebration of the 25th Anniversary
Now that it is celebrating its 25th anniversary, Bajaj has decided to give the Pulsar brand some fresh impetus in terms of the tech used in it. Particularly, Pulsar 150 will receive a TFT screen.
It is a perfect move since it allows Bajaj to keep this legendary bike relevant even after 25 years, especially since nowadays even the 125cc bikes feature a variety of technologies.
Bajaj’s decision to bring premium features like TFT screens to budget bikes is a great step. It will raise the bar for the whole industry.
What does it mean for customers? They can now buy Pulsar 150 with either LCD or TFT console, depending on their needs.
It should happen gradually over the next 6-12 months. But one thing is obvious- Bajaj wants to remain the leader of India’s motorcycle market even after 25 years of the Pulsar brand existence.
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