Numbers game: The new Pulsar 220 vs. the rest!

It's here, and it means to cause some hefty trouble for the other Indian crotch rockets. The moment we had the test figures from Varad a.k.a. Speedy's runs astride the new Pulsar 220 DTSi, it was clear that this was going to be one heck of a challenge for the others! Even though we couldn't perform a complete comparison test back to back in the limited time and space we had while testing the bike, here's a quick check on the figures, ZigWheels style.

Pulsar 220 DTS-FI

It may have a faster and more affordable sibling now, but the 220 DTS-Fi remains in the market and for good reason. Even though it has marginally lower peak power output, it is making the exact same amount of torque, at lower revs. This gives the 220 FI greater driveability, as seen in its faster roll-on figures. Couple this spread of power with the crisp throttle response that fuel injection endows this bike with, and you have what still is one of the meatiest all-round bikes in the country.

Hero Honda Karizma

The old daddy of Indian performance biking is still going strong thanks to Hero Honda's reliable image. Upgrades may have caused more frustration than elation amongst bike enthusiasts thanks to their cosmetic nature, but have helped prolong the bike's life in the market. Its age may have started showing in terms of numbers, but the composed handling and relaxed riding posture makes it a great bike for fence-sitting sport riders. Plus it's a great bike to pose with too!

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Yamaha YZF-R15

Earlier last year, the R15 gave India a taste of where contemporary sport riding is on an international level. For the cornering freaks who could see past the small displacement engine and the 'thin' tyres, the R15 opened up a whole new level of riding dynamics thanks to its space-age frame and suspension. Its peaky power delivery allows it to develop very high power per unit displacement from its engine, but the same concept takes away from its everyday runaround bike appeal. It still is THE bike to have for a track day, but its premium price and somewhat compromised all-round versatility make it a niche bike - perfect for budding racers and one that promises to take home-grown sport riding to a new level altogether.