I bought Intrepido on 22nd July 2009, after a lot of initial research in the 150cc and then 180cc segments. As I grew up, the CBZ used to be the ultimate bike we’d dream of owning one day. But the new CBZ Extreme did not fit my bill. Pulsar 150 was ok, but Apache was too small for me (I’m 6’2”!), beside I don’t like the look of Apache (strictly personal).
I was reluctantly edging towards the Pulsar 150, which seemed to be the all round performer. It was the Pulsar 200 which had actually caught my eyes, I found it to be really attractive. But it was beyond my budget. Then while surfing the internet, I saw the first picture of the 180cc UG4. I was stunned; the split seats and the fatter rear tyre caught my eye. This had to be it.
There was still a lot of research to do. People said that Apache 180 would be better; Pulsars had a lot of problems and so on. It was the complete review by probably Saad Khan, in Bikeadvice, which finally made up my mind.
So after almost 40 long days of waiting (trust me, everything bad you hear about bajaj customer care is true! Also, I wanted the colour Blue, but I got Black!), I finally got my bike. I had decided to call him Intrepido, which is Spanish for fearless.
LOOKS: First impression you get of this bike is, it’s HUGE!! None of the pictures actually tell how big this monster really is. Everywhere I parked this beast, people keep staring, and it feels wonderful. I think this is one of the best looking bikes in India, but then, I have my reasons to be partial!
The splits seats and the fatter rear tyres are a treat to the eyes and the metallic engraved pulsar logo (changed from the previous stickers!) add to the looks. The split handle bars give the bike a majestic feeling and when in park this beauty in midst of other bikes, they go up in smokes! Of course R15 is a better looking bike, but too costly for its goodies.
PERFORMANCE: Performance is good too. The engine sound is nice and smooth and refined. It can pull up from 28kmph in 5th gear without any complains. The gearbox is better than previous pulsars I have heard, but I feel one should always ride it with shoes on, shifting gears is tough if you are wearing a sandle or slippers, as it is a toe only shifter! All the same, I have found gear changing very smooth.
I am not a racer, I do not engage in road rage, but I wanted a bike, which could hit 3 figures easily and be stable, in case of any emergencies! Intrepido doesn’t disappoint. I am not that good a rider yet, this is my first bike, but the stability at 100+ speeds is amazing. I don’t have much experience of riding at such high speeds, but it was never a problem! Fatter rear tyre do their job in gripping the road and even though a lot is said about the fact that the bike is pretty heavy (149 kgs maybe), it actually helps when you are riding at high speeds. The bike easily stays grounded. The acceleration is amazing, and on highways overtaking other bikes is like a piece of cake!
There is also a talk about the drop in torque, but it really is hardly noticeable, Intrepido pulled 3 of us without any complains and I even hit upto 90 on a clear road after which there was a bend, but I felt there was more to come. To be extra careful, I never crossed 60kmph during the first 1000 kms.
HANDLING: The handling is very good, thanks to the split handle bars. Suspension is great, with Intrepido literally licking up the potholes! With the fatter rear tyres supporting banking, turning is a treat and you always look forward to the next turn. Breaking is disgusting though, especially the rear drum brake! I fully rely on the front disc and it’s very sharp and precise. All in all, the fatter rear tyre makes this ride a pleasure.
MILEAGE: Mileage cannot be an issue when you decide on greater than 100 ccs. It is not an issue for me either. But I have two bonus points here. My intrepido is giving me 55+ km per litre, as I mostly use him for long drives from Bhutan, where I work, to my home (250kms up and down approx!). Also the petrol in Bhutan is cheaper (40bucks per litre!). So even though I do not worry about how much Intrepido drinks, I’m all smiles!! I read a blog in Bikeadvice regarding how to increase your bike’s mileage, like using the choke when starting first time in the morning, slow gradual acceleration, constant speed… I generally ride him constantly at 80-90 or 50-60 depending on the road conditions.
CONS: One major problem in this bike is that, even though there is a saree guard, there is no place for women to rest their foot. Also the split grab rails at the end are more of a style than any use. One can hardly grab them! So in the end unless your pillon rider is ready to hug you all the while, there will be complains! Also, the bike will feel heavy for the first few days, but you will get used to it.
Another major issue when I decided to get this bike was that there was no kick start. This was a worry, but then I read that the battery was the same that was used in the 220, and its performance was good. Till date I never had any problems with starting the bike.
FINALLY: In the end, I am delighted with my Intrepido, I am crazy about him. In my joys and pains, Intrepido is always by my side. Everyone loves my bike; he’s an instant hit in my neighbourhood. Be it in heavy downpour or blazing sun, on highways or on pothole prone disgusting roads, he has never turned me down. I have so many memories of friendship with him; he is an integral part of my life.
The new Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTSi UG4, is an outstanding bike and I am proud of my Intrepido. I have gone on many adventures with him, rode constanly for 250 kms, had a close call with a HUGE wild Bison in Gorumara National Park at dusk…
… and lots more and all the while Intrepido was my soul. I must thank BikeAdvice for helping me make the best decision of my life, which was getting Intrepido.
- Deepungsu
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{ 58 comments… read them below or add one }
Great review Deepungsu. Thanks for sharing it with us.
nice review , bt i hav heared tht pulsar develops problems aftr 1-2 yrs. and i hav xperiencd tht the p180 ug3 produced loud irritating noise while shftng gears ! wat bout ths ug4 ? pls crrct me if im wrong ! and is d clutch imrvd ovr d ug3 ?
i dont agree with the pulsar 180 returning 55+ in a litre, bajaj cant break rules of physics even if its a good bike…
great review..btw superman dont need a bike
my pulsar 180 gives mileage of only 35-38……
even all my friends….180 cc pulsar give only 35-40 max.
so i think u have mistakingly u wrote 55 km….it can be 45 [:o].
even a honda stunner dont give over 55. [:D]
how much do u get in cities?
Plz reply.. its v imp for me to know the correct figures..
well, i’m no spokeperson for bajaj, i’m just highlighting what my bike gives me..
thanks a lot for giving me the opportunity Deepak
First of all very congratulations to be part of Pulsar family and for your new “Intrepido”. Well Pulsar family is huge in India and therefore among of that you will find many complaints from owner as compare others product owner.
Pulsar selling record show that how it reliable product past couples of years. So it’s your good choice to finalize with Pulsar only.
I would like to suggest you to make extra care of your bike [ couples of things not mentioned in Bajaj service booklet] likes 1) Don’t over load [ as mentioned you were drive 3 peoples] 2] Wear riding gears 3] Regular do lubricant chain 4] Use standard engine oil etc.
Nice review……even the pulsar 180 is great bike for stunting too….
Thank You… actually i sheldom overload, but due to the demand of the situation, i had to take 2 people on board!
i take very good care of my bike for 2 reasons 1) Its my first bike and its very very special for me 2) i bought it with my hard earned money, so its extra special
all the same, i take very good care of my bike.. thanks for the wishes…
Plz some body explain me about the mileage 55+…a bike wid 180 cc, wider tyre, bajaj…and mileage 55+…??plz help me out
@Deepungsu
hey! i had to wait for 2 months for blue color!! but i got it !! oh… mine is the elder brother !! P-180 UG3 …. very good review.. ride and treat the bike well..it wont dissappoint u even after 10 yrs..
yes agree with point about rear-grab-rail thats why i decided on not putting the new style one’s on my bike(ug3)..
@Himanshu..my bike is 3 yrs old…except a few scratches due to recless insanity..bike is doing fine..loud sound while gear changes cud be coz of wrong adjustment of clutch cable…so if adjusted right it is less “clunky” and also coz of lack of engine oil..(prefer 20W50D if u use 20W40D top-up as and when u can..)…
fuel mileage is subjective guys.. depending on too many factors.. but yes ..average is between 40-50… for many…..
i m not sayin that it doesnt hav faults…but nothing that would make ur biking experience scary….
may the love affair continue….
Good review on the bike. However Bajaj has messed up with the looks, all Pulsars look the same and now even the 150 :@
Hi Guys,
Am planning to buy pulsar bike, can anyone suggest me which one is 150 or 180. I want good look and also comparatively gud mileage.
Hi
You can go for P180.
But before this, take a look on New Fazer from Yamaha.
(looks ends here)
Shri, get the Pulsar 180, it looks better. But if you want mileage the 150 would be a better bet.
hai guys…iam 5.6 hight and am a married guy of age 30. please help me out to buy a new bike in pulsar range. as of now iam using herohonda passion and sold it two days back and have to buy a new one urgently. plz suggest me a good bike in the 3 selected by me. 1. pulsar 180 2. pulsar 220 3. hunk. plz. its very urgent.
well frndzzz its true even my pulsar 180 ug4 is giving 55+ after 2000kms
this monday morning, i was travelling from Malbazar to Bhutan and i touched 121 kmph on a straight stretch of road! i don’t know if this is the most my bike will go, but i was laying low on the petrol tank and 121kmph is really very fast and dangerous i feel… but intrepido was rock solid and there were no vibrations… it was insane, but i loved it!!
@Deepungsu congrats bro! i managed only 118 .. before i ran out of road… must have loved it…
Hey….where do you keep your helmet??..how have you attached it to the side?
GREAT review Bro.
will be buying ma Pulsar 180 ug4 in november after my exams are over.
CANT WAIT
Hye how much fast should the we keep the engine, mine is on 1Rpm is it fine?
I touched 126 kmph last week… after 123kmph the over-rev indicator starts blinking… i think 126 is the fastest my bike will go…
Hey guys……… i am thinkin of buyin a pulsar 180 ug4 ……….. i just need to know that if i park ma bike for more than 1 month or so then will the self start be efficient enough…….
Hye ! Can any 1 suggest good fully synthatic engine oil for new pulsar 180 UG4
hi everyone tell tht 180 ug4 is gaint.. i m plannin to buy it..but i m concerned about my height.. my height is 5 foot . is it enough to handle the bike??? pls help…
Is giving the choke to your bike helps to improve the mileage??
What shold i do to kill the hussing sound from my Bike i have rode almost 1250 kms of my Pulsar UG4?
Kindly suggets some useful tips and the do’s & the dont’s for the bike…I AM IN LOVE WITH IT
yes, definitely, my mileage improves because i use the choke whenever i start in the mornings.. right now, since i have started riding it like a real pulsar (3000kms over), my bike is giving me a constant mileage of 50-53…
@Deepungsu
a review , its a good experience.
i bought my speedy on 22nd august,2678 kms over.
am also getting 55 km pl definitely true.
also gear shifting is too smoother than ug3.
agree with you, Deepungsu.
wel done bajaj, UG4 180 rocks.
Thanks Dude!
Yes, i was having trouble making others believe about the mileage.. it mainly depends on one’s riding style…
Yes, UG4 180 definitely rocks dude, Cheers to us!!
guyz..im planin by a pulsar soon..rite nw im stuck 2 choose btwn p150 n p180..nw..my “”biggest”" concern is tat p180 does not hav a footrest for t ladies..tis makes it dangerous n i feel scared to take them as pillions..i mean my mom..that too if she is wearing a saree… plsssssss sm1 help me out…
hey..cud u also tel me abt ug3..ug4..etc..wt do they mean?
@rakshith
ug 4 means upgrade 4…
@anoop
dnt joke,no 180 bike can give so much mileage…
@deepangsu
how should i ride to get so much mileage?..
wat all did u do?…
hi, i bought my bike on oct 2009,guys 180 ug4 is a hawsome bike nd m getting millege of 45 ,nd i race with my friends also i make stunts but its not comparable….till know i hav not got any prob,its no1 in style look modification all in one os 180cc ug4 ,also i enjoy with my girl frnd she tells that its a sexy bike so i suggest to go for(THE LEGEND}…
hi, i bought my bike on oct 2009,guys 180 ug4 is a hawsome bike nd m getting millege of 45 ,nd i race with my friends also i make stunts but its not comparable….till know i hav not got any prob,its no1 in style look modification all in one os 180cc ug4 ,also my girl frnd tells that its a sexy bike so i suggest to go for(THE LEGEND}…
Got my pulsar just one week back and i am happy riding it and its very smooth to drive it but its heavy and all is great
weight is a problem as i am shifting from a bajaj SuperFe lol………………..
Nice review Deepungsu, and I must say this is one of the clean review, which I have ever read across. Trust me friends, which ever review I have checked till now, had an intervention or deviation of the review from the main subject into an argument or a fight level conversations continuing with vulgar language. (Touch wood, I hope it will not be happening under this review atleast
)
Now coming into the topic, even I own this BEAST since last 40 days, done with the 1st Service of my bike after 580 KMs.
I should say, the bike has gained more power after the Service and much smoother.
Before the 1st service, I was feeling, the Bike was bit reluctant to push harder, I think that’s because of the new Pistons inside getting adjusted still. And also I faced problems while shifting gears from 2nd to 3rd, but not always. But all these have been taken care after the 1st service and the Bike is so smooth now, I had never imagined a Pulsar engine so much refined.
The reason I’m stating this here, because I owned a Pulsar 150 UG-II prior to this new bike for about 4 and 1/2 years, and my only concern on that bike was the engine sound, when I used to compare it with any other Bike.
With my previous Pulsar 150, I always thought, Pulsar engines are designed so, which makes noise, but I never thought it can be brought down and refined to such an extent, that I see on my new Pulsar 180.
I still love my Pulsar 150, I never faced any problem with it.
I don’t agree, if somebody says Pulsars are not reliable or not a worthy Bike, etc….
Pulsar Bikes are the face of Indian premium Bike segment and it will continue for a long period.
If there is any other new Premium bike existing today (APACHE RTR, YAMAHA FZ, YAMAHA FAZER) in the market, it’s because of Bajaj Pulsar. It’s the only Bike since last 8 Years, which is giving a tough competition to all the other Bike manufacturers to keep thinking and upgrading their technologies too.
And with my above notes, I am not criticizing any other Bike Manufacturer. I am just pointing my personal views and thoughts about Bajaj Pulsar.
Cheers……and a happy riding always
Guys, even i own this bike for about month and half for now. First servicing is done at 533 Kms and it has clocked 1400 kms till date.
I would like to know which engine oil you guys are using.
Coz, at first service the showroom guys have replaced the oil with castrol power 1. I did’nt feel the same smoothness after that. So, I ve again replaced it with Castrol Activ Extra.
Did I make the wise decision ??
Which oil are you people using ??
hey guys..!!!
i got pulsar 180 ug4 i rode it 13000kms till now…
gear shift has become a bit loud but else d bike is smooth…
about d milage dis bike gives vry less milage in city like 40-43kms max..n i gt 53km wen i rode it on 5 gear at speed of 40-45 km/hr…hey bt wat u expect fr 180 cc engine…its nt small toys like speldor n passion…it would give excellent pickup n mileage wen u fit pulsar 150 wala tyre on rear n remove d saree gaurd…it will surely reduce weight by 8-10 kgs…i have done dis while racing…it helps..awww if bajaj would have given pulsar 200 silencer to 180 it would have been awesum…
Hey guys……… i am thinkin of buyin a pulsar 180 ug4 ……….. i just need to know that if i park ma bike for more than 1 month or so then will the self start be efficient enough……. plz tell me anyone,,,,….
I dnt think so Sanket..
Its necessary to ride ur bike atleast once in 5 days… or else the battery will loose all its charge.
Hello bro,
im dam mad fan of pulsar……..
im soon goin buy tht bike…p180…
thanks for review…… n….pic …say ur pulsar is a killer…
sexy bike …
Thanks a lot
abhi
i will suggest u to go for pulsar 220 Dtsi…its a very good bike n cheap to…lots of torque n lots of speed…pulsar 180 UG4 is nt dat good…it will show strain afer some time the gears, d chain, d engine evrything seems to loose d spark it had..i dnt gt it even after servicing…as well as d headlamp is very weak..u will nt b able to see it in rains…pulsar 220 head lamp is very powerful n efficient…so its upon u guys….choose wisely…
Hey guys……… i also got pulsar 180 ug4 black , The new Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTSi UG4, is an outstanding bike . it’s figure is very nice…… i like it.
it’s very good and best bike of 180 cc segment,apache 180 is well but not batter than pulsar 180 ug4
hello to all…
I bought my 180 ug4 on 16th july 2009..it already covered 22000 kms…and the most stunning thing in my bike is the mileage and top speed…i am getting a mileage of 49-51/litre after my third service…and till date my recorded top speed is 132km/hr(single carry) in NH-6….i can challenge anybody anyday with the mileage and top speed…pulsar 180 ug4 is the best value for money right now present in the market along with pulsar 220 new version…bcoz cbz extreme and apache 180 can give you speed but not the mileage….unicorn will give you mileage not speed…fz and new fazer are smooth bike with dissapointing mileage and speed along with dull pick up…only one bike i can preffer is cbz extreme bcoz for its top speed better than pulsar 150 but again the mileage factor is very poor in that bike…other options are there but those are too costly like yamaha R15….but i think pulsar 220 is more value for money than R15…but if somebody go for looks then R15 is better than all bcoz for its sports bike adaptations…..but my advice to all is to buy pulsar 180 ug4 or new 220 for the value for money, power5, looks, mileage and to win the race with any damn indian bike in any road worldwide….
Rovers
kolkata
Rovers, I am interested in buying a p180 dtsi. But b4 I do that, I want some details from u. Even I stay in Kolkata.
I want to know the amount u spend on servicing every month…
Does Open chain require servicing every month?
Does p180 suffer from cold starts during winters?
How frequently a battery needs to be changed?
I’ll be waiting for ur reply..
Thanks in advance..
I just wish that there was kick start in pulsar 180cc ug4 alonng with self start. I am planning on buying a bike cuz now i am big enough to have 1 i am 17
and The bike which i had always dreamed as my 1st bike was pulsar 180cc ug3 when i was youngester but now there is new design for 180cc ug3 to 180cc ug4. I like 180cc ug4 and it looks much more better than 180 ug3 but i am having a problem which to chose because 180cc ug4 dont have kick start and i am worried that what do i do if my batrey charge was too low and i cant start my bike, and i also have been researching on it. i seen lots people complaning about difficulties in starting at winter or cold places and i also heard after 1/2 years my bike will be useless is it true. I am just too worried from which to chose 
(
if any1 got any idea plz do answer Thanx.
I am interested in buying a p180 dtsi. But b4 I do that, I want some details from u.
I want to know the amount u spend on servicing every month…
Does Open chain require servicing every month?
Does p180 suffer from cold starts during winters?
How frequently a battery needs to be changed?
please give me a proper suggestion..
I’ll be waiting for replies from all of u..
Thanks in advance..
Which is better for cities.. p150 dtsi or p180 dtsi?
thank u brother for sharing ur feeling wit us my proud towards u …………………………………… would u mind please get me ur contact number if so call me at tis no 8870507383
hey bro, i too own a “cocktail wine red” pulsar 180 ug-4.
i love my bike soooooooooooooooo much.. But after reading ur review, i started loving it more… hence it an integral part of my life tooo…!
and i too coined a name for it — rojo casco, its a spanish word and it means -red hulk..!
hi dude last month i bought this beast ,n realy i lv this mean machine,thrs only 1prblm engine noise,plz help me to solv ths prblm.even m using 100%synthetic motul 300v engine oil.which is world class racing engine oil,but still the noise is thr.
Guys, thank you so much for all the appreciation
My bike is almost 2 years old now, I’ve moved from Bhutan to Guwahati and Intrepido has been a constant companion. Mileage has reduced to almost 45+, now that I’m doing both city and long drives. But the sizzle, the fun, the awesomeness of my bike remains. I still take great care of my bike, and am very strict that no one else should ride it.
Anyone wondering if it’s worth it, I’d say, it’s just heavenly… if you love it and take care of it, it returns in ten folds..
Good Review! Good to hear this from you!! Best of luck for you and your Intrepido!!! I’m also own this machine (ORANGE – ADRENALINE).
NEW PULSAR 180 UG4 ROCKS!!!