The Pulsar 400 SS launched by
Bajaj at this year’s auto expo show was
not a lone wolf. It was followed by another surprise launch which was
apparently the 400SS’s stripped off version and it was christened with the name
400 CS – Cruiser Sport. Unlike the
400SS, this bike is a proper street-fighter that definitely looks the part. It
borrows the 375 cc single cylinder engine from the KTM Duke 390 and power
outputs are rumored to be around 43 ps region. Bajaj has not revealed any more
engine specifications, following the same “close to the chest” strategy that it
followed in the case of the 400SS.
As for the
looks part, this is a total jaw-dropper from the Bajaj design house. Though the
bike is not that aggressively designed, it has managed to wow auto journalists
and enthusiasts from all over the world. This was even quoted as the single most
awaited Indian launch of this year. Both the bikes, 400 SS and CS are expected
to hit the roads by 2015. The bike is a
smashingly designed machine from Bajaj. They have taken their design trends a
step higher, making the bike pakka
premium class. Now let’s take a look at the features.
·
The bike is a street fighter version. So it does
not sport a fairing. The model showcased at the auto expo was so high in fit
and finish, indicating that it is almost production-ready.
·
The main attraction in the bike is its headlamp
assembly, which contains multiple 2 central HID elements and 6 LED elements on
the side. It also features fang like auxiliary lights. This entire unit renders
a futuristic front look to the face of the bike.
·
There are no clip-on handlebars, unlike all
other current Bajaj motorcycles.
·
The bike features USD (Up Side Down) front
forks, a convention borrowed from is elder sibling, the 390 Duke.
·
The instrument console is of superbike level
looks, reminiscent of the Ducati range. It is an all-digital one, divided into
two parts, one above the handlebars that has the cascading style rev counter
(with a blue back light – very TRON like), and a secondary smaller one over the
fuel tank that indicates the gear number and speed. (Bajaj Avenger, anybody?)
·
ABS is available and the bike sports single disc
assemblies at the front and rear.
·
The rivets around the engine casing add to the
street fighter appeal.
·
The bike sits on an aluminum perimeter frame.
The swing arm is angled and styled neatly – a commendable effort; looks great
on the bike.
·
The seat is a single unit, like the one found on
a stock Pulsar 150, but a tad stepped high towards the rear.
·
Split grab rails are found flanking the high
rear seat.
·
The exhaust looks stubby, similar to the Pulsar
400SS.
·
The 10 spoke alloys look sporty.
·
The tail lamp is nowhere close to the one on
Pulsar 400SS, but looks more like a progression to the current pulsar models.
It is very conservative in terms of styling.
·
The fender extends over the rear tyre, (MRF Revz
C1) adding to the appeal of the bike.
What Bajaj have here is a very
neatly styled motorcycle that is targeted on the premium customers. Bajaj have
done a great job with the design part. The bike has so many features that
elevate its premium class. Taking into consideration the following that the
Bajaj brand has among the youth, the Pulsar CS400 would be s sure-shot hit. Not
many brands have bold decision making abilities like Bajaj does and boy does
Bajaj get rewarded for their attempts. This bike here, will be the first choice
of customers who are looking for something that falls in the 390’s territory.
The Pulsar 400CS would be a worthy rival to the 390, just like the rivalry
still exists between the 200ns and D200. It would be a delight to watch these
brilliant motorcycles battling for supremacy on our very own Indian roads.
What’s more interesting is that, all these bikes share a common Indian DNA,
which is very heart-warming.
The days when we had to look at
foreign manufacturers with a ray of hope in our eyes and heart that they would
launch their premium motorcycles in India are slowly starting to fade off.
Bajaj’s progress shouts out loud to the automotive industry that we Indians are
no less. Let us just hope that this progress further results in more powerful
machines leveling their foreign counterparts. Go Bajaj!!!
- Nova
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