We compare the ever-popular 220F against its spiritual successor, the F250.
The Bajaj Pulsar 220F has been reintroduced, and at Rs 1.39 lakh, costs nearly the same as the single-channel ABS variant of the Pulsar F250. Read on to find out how these Pulsars from two different eras compare on paper.
Bajaj Pulsar 220F vs F250: engine & output
| Engine & output | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pulsar 220F | Pulsar F250 | |
| Engine | 220cc, oil-cooled, single-cylinder | 249cc, oil-cooled, single-cylinder |
| Power | 20hp at 8,500rpm | 24.5hp at 8,750rpm |
| Torque | 18.55 Nm at 7,000rpm | 21.5 Nm at 6,500rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 125hp/tonne | 149hp/tonne |
It’s no surprise that the more modern and larger Pulsar F250 has the higher peak output figures here. The new Pulsar F250 also makes more torque, which arrives lower in the rev range. However, the big talking point with the new engine is its big leap forward in refinement compared to the buzzy mill of the 220F. Both bikes here have 5-speed gearboxes.
Bajaj Pulsar 220F vs F250: suspension & brakes
| Suspension & brakes | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pulsar 220F | Pulsar F250 | |
| Suspension (f) | Telescopic fork | Telescopic fork |
| Suspension (r) | Twin shock absorbers | Monoshock |
| Brakes (f) | 280mm disc | 300mm disc |
| Brakes (r) | 230mm disc | 230mm disc |
| Tyres (f) | 90/90-17 | 100/80-17 |
| Tyres (r) | 120/80-17 | 130/70-17 |
Another area where the Pulsar 220F is showing its age is in the rather old-school twin shock set-up and the skinny 120-section rear tyre. The modern F250 has a rear monoshock and wider tyres, which offer better grip in the real world. It also has a larger 300mm front disc brake, although both bikes here have a 230mm rear disc. Both bikes are also equipped with a single-channel ABS set-up, although the F250 can be had in a dual channel variant.
Bajaj Pulsar 220F vs F250: weight & dimensions
| Weight & dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pulsar 220F | Pulsar F250 | |
| Kerb weight | 160 kg | 164 kg |
| Seat height | 795mm | 795mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,350mm | 1,351mm |
| Fuel capacity | 15 litres | 14 litres |
| Ground clearance | 165mm | 165mm |
Despite the fact that most of the numbers above are in the same ballpark, the F250 feels like the more polished and intuitive motorcycle to ride, which is down to the all-new tubular steel frame and the new wheels. Where the Pulsar 220F claws back some ground is the fact that it’s the lighter bike here despite having a slightly larger fuel tank.
Bajaj Pulsar 220F vs F250: features
The Pulsar F250 is a decently feature-packed machine and gets a USB charger, a digi-analogue dash with a gear indicator, a slip/assist clutch and all-LED lighting. In fact, it can even be had with dual-channel ABS for Rs 12,000 extra. The Pulsar 220F is a relatively spartan machine in comparison, which shouldn’t really come as a surprise considering its age. It continues to ship with a projector headlight and a semi-digital dash, although it misses out on a gear indicator.
Bajaj Pulsar 220F vs F250: price
| Price | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pulsar 220F | Pulsar F250 | |
| Price (ex-showroom, Durgapur, West Bengal) | Rs 1,39,686 | Rs 1,40,333 |
Despite the fact that the Pulsar F250 is a brand-new bike with vastly more polished underpinnings, it is just a few hundred rupees more expensive than the 16-year-old Pulsar 220F. However, the reintroduction of the Pulsar 220F proves that the motorcycle is still enjoying healthy demand in certain parts of the country. Bajaj has taken a leaf out of TVS’ playbook, which sells the newer, more modern Apache RTR 160 4V alongside the nearly 17-year-old Apache RTR 160 2V that recently received a sizable update. However, it appears that while Bajaj is willing to give its customers the choice of going with the old motorcycle, it is making sure that the customers pay just as much as they would have for its considerably superior replacement.
Also See:
Bajaj Pulsar N250, F250 review, test ride
Would you pick the newer Pulsar F250 over the aging 220F? Let us know in the comments section below.