Team-BHP > Motorbikes


Reply
  Search this Thread
3,461 views
Old 26th October 2024, 13:36   #1
BHPian
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Bengaluru
Posts: 391
Thanked: 1,638 Times
Falling in love the second time - My 2007 Bajaj Pulsar 150

Falling in love the second time - My 2007 Bajaj Pulsar 150

At Team BHP, our vehicle threads tell a story. I would like to pen down one such story which was almost forgotten for me but thankfully reminded at the right time.

Introduction
Like a ritual at 10:00 am every morning, I was going through the daily updates on Team-Bhp and came across the thread.
How I Scrapped my bike legally in Bangalore by BHPian Dev Shah

I suddenly realized that I had my Pulsar 150 standing in the Parking, just rusting away. May be, I scrap this and purchase a E Bike like Ather etc.

But wait, do I need a bike ?
I have to put on my Product manager hat and spin a Business case here – basically I need to cook up a Problem for the solution I already have

Let me think – I have two cars and I hardly do enough kms on them in a year. But there is a use case, everyday during school drop off, My son is dropped off 1 km away from my main gate (as he comes by an After school program which does not offer door step drop) so I could use the bike for this trip instead of walking with the heavy school bag everyday.
I can probably throw in some weekend neighborhood market trips where its packed during weekend shopping rush and there is no space for car parking. So then settled, my plan of scrapping was logical and I had a use case.

Now broached this topic with my son and wife. Son was excited at the thought of a New Bike and eager to go through but wife didn’t make immediate comments. Over the next few days I circled back and then finally my wife shared her feedback:
1. Why scrap a perfect bike and waste buying another electric two wheeler spending more than 1.5 lakhs ?
2. She also reminded the sentimental value of the bike

Now while I had some answers on the financial calculation, I was trumped by the second point above.
In pursuit of never ending corporate greed and routine life, I had complete forgot how we purchased the bike.

Back Story: I had got an opportunity to join Infosys in Pune Hinjewadi Phase 2 DC just after my training and same for my wife in Wipro Phase 1 campus in Hinjewadi. Both of us young and just out of college. We used to Stay in Aundh and it was a roughly 15 kms drive to Hinjewadi everyday. While Infosys did offer busses for its employees, you had to stick to their routine and specially this was the time when Autos in Pune will charge you a Kidney and a Liver for a short ride. So we decided that we should have our own conveyance.
After some dilemma we realized that we get somewhere around 12k salary in hand each and a bike will cost us at that time some 50k so we pooled in money, took some from savings, borrowed from friends, took interest free loans from office and finally could save enough to purchase the bike. So this was indeed our first joint purchase and It was important for us emotionally. The realization set in now, why my wife was not excited on the scrapping idea.

Anyways so now I was determined, come what may, I will get the bike back on road or atleast give it a whole hearted try.

Did some rough calculation, any new bike will cost roughly 80k. Any new E Bike will cost 1L plus.
So lets set a criteria, If I can save the bike and make it road legal again, within half this budget, I will go for restoration.

So so now that the decisions is made, what about the challenges I foresee ?
1. I was not aware of the current condition of the bike. Will it run was the big question as its been standing in the parking for more than 7 years unused.
2. The Bike had a Pune registration MH12 and now I want to run it in Bangalore so I will need a KA registration
3. The 15 year registration is over. It was purchased some time in 2007 and need to get the RC renewed
4. I will need a NOC from Pune RTO may be and taking the bike back to Pune for inspection is not possible

So it was decided that lets stat two investigations, how to make the bike legal in Karnataka and how to get it working again ?

First, I called the boys from a local garage to check the bike. They had good reviews from neighbors and I could always catch them if some further problem arises. These guys were confident that they could get the bike started and running again and with just a rough estimate, they took the bike away.

Next step was getting hold of an agent who could get the RC sorted. I approached the Concierge service in my office who help with RTO matter.
Initially they were reluctant due to the complexity involved but I had all original docs and receipts and they promised to give it a shot. I told them fees no issues, do what you want. So they started investigating what could be done here. After 3 weeks of waiting, finally on the day of my birthday, I get a call that they can indeed get the legal stuff cleared.
So they will get the RC renewed for 5 years, get the bike registered in Bangalore and make it road legal.
The agent told me that initially the RTO guys had said NO, but what went in my favor was that when I had come to Bangalore from Pune with the bike, I had given the NOC from Pune to Bangalore RTO and made a Address change so in Vahan portal, my MH12 bike was showing my Bangalore address and was tagged to Indiranagar RTO. This meant that indeed the process now can be completed in Bangalore without going back to Pune RTO. In addition, I had already paid lifetime road tax in KA for the bike so a lot of things were in my favor.

Meanwhile the local garage called and confirmed that the bike is now running and all servicing is done, oils changed, wires lubricated, new battery etc.
Only thing not changed was the old (original) tyres. They had some cracks but still running. I wanted to hold on for some time on putting more money to replace the tyres before getting a legal process completed. So took the bike back in running condition. I wanted to be sure that its worth putting in the time and effort and money and that I can run my bike again legally in KA Roads.

So what will be the final cost look like:
1. New third party insurance – 900 Rs
2. Bike Service at local garage – 7500 Rs
3. Legal process – 13,500 Rs

So now, with the running bike in my hand and legal processes already started, I am eagerly waiting for how this story ends ?

But wait, don’t go away yet. Life is not always simple and God always has other plans.

After running the bike daily for 1 month (from my parking to the Apartment main gate – not on Public roads yet), it was not used for two weeks during the Dussehra breaks. After I returned, I observed a metallic sound during starting from the engine but with some attempt and choke engaged, the bike would start. After another week of this, the bike didn’t start at all. Called the mechanic again and he took the bike for checking. The diagnosis was that the engine head had cracked, piston damaged and spark plugs cracked. This he attributed to misalignment or some other issue. Upon some angry feedback, he explained that last time they didn’t open the engine completely for servicing and only did a basic oil change for the engine as it stated running fine. I was very angry and gave them an earful.
Now again I had to leave the bike with them for a complete engine re build. This incurred additional cost of 8800 Rs.
So the costs now look like

So what will be the final cost look like:
1. New third party insurance – 900 Rs
2. Bike Service at local garage – 7500 Rs + 8800 Rs
3. Legal process – 13,500 Rs

I now have the bike running again and have to ride slow for initial 500 kms to let the new engine parts slowly settle in.
Still waiting for the legal process to complete before I take it out on the open roads.

What Next ?
Some closing remarks:
1. As you understand by now, this is a heart over head thing. There is no more rationale or financial sense here.
2. Waiting eagerly to hear back from the RTO Agent on Registration completion
3. The Bike itself is running smooth and its a completely different feeling every time I ride my bike.
4. More than us, my Son who is 13 now is enjoying the bike ride as a pillion. He has not said it out loud but I see in his eyes he is eying to take over ownership of this bike when he turns 18.

A Picture is a must at this point:
Front View
Falling in love the second time - My 2007 Bajaj Pulsar 150-bike_front_edited.jpg

Side Views
Falling in love the second time - My 2007 Bajaj Pulsar 150-bike_side.jpgFalling in love the second time - My 2007 Bajaj Pulsar 150-bike_side2.jpg

Speedo:
15k KMs total and 20kms driven post Engine build. Could not believe that I have already driven close to 15k on this. Waiting to put more miles on this now and want to see the numbers grow.
There are a lot of these scratched metal parts where the Silver paint has chipped. Will address later.

Falling in love the second time - My 2007 Bajaj Pulsar 150-speedo.jpg

Cracked Tyres:
Falling in love the second time - My 2007 Bajaj Pulsar 150-tyre-cracks.jpg

I am actually worried of these cracks and want to replace the tyres asap. But like I said, I want to wait a while till I do the next set of improvements.

Milage: No Clue, neither I am interested to check. I just keep half tank filled always. Once I get it back to ship shape, may be I can test it Tank to Tank but at the moment this is not a priority.


Now a question to experienced members here:
1. How to get the HSRP for the new KA Bike Registration number ? Will RTO give me or should I approach any Bajaj dealer or my agent for the same ?
2. Once all legal matters are settled, I would like to get the bike to top shape again, all original parts and lots of love.
What are the suggestions for a 15 year old bike ?

Last edited by swarnava.ch : 2nd November 2024 at 12:21.
swarnava.ch is offline   (12) Thanks
Old 2nd November 2024, 17:36   #2
Team-BHP Support
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Mumbai
Posts: 19,669
Thanked: 84,895 Times
Re: Falling in love the second time - My 2007 Bajaj Pulsar 150

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!
Aditya is online now  
Old 3rd November 2024, 11:00   #3
Newbie
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Hyderabad
Posts: 6
Thanked: 5 Times
Re: Falling in love the second time - My 2007 Bajaj Pulsar 150

Your post made me nostalgic. I had 2010 Pulsar 150 bought in nearly similar circumstances ( i.e. First job at Hinjewadi etc.). I used it extensively till end of 2012 and clocked 54K kms primarily due to long commute (Sinhagad road to Hinjewadi and Sinhagad Road to Hadapsar) and some trips. Then it went into hibernation when I moved abroad. After coming back in 2015, I used it rarely (which I regret) and eventually sold in 2022.

However, my sincere request to you. Please do not postpone change of tyres even if you are going to have minimal usage of the bike. Running on such old cracked tyres is extremely risky. Tyres cannot be an optional maintenance. Wish you many more kms on this bike.
infiniti85 is offline   (2) Thanks
Old 3rd November 2024, 21:48   #4
BHPian
 
Mrs&Mr_Shenu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2023
Location: Ernakulam
Posts: 75
Thanked: 259 Times
Re: Falling in love the second time - My 2007 Bajaj Pulsar 150

A Gen 1 pulsar owner here.

The blue pulsar 150 was my horse in Goa for long 5 years before I moved back to hometown. Unluckily or naive, I did not get a NOC. He is still standing in my garage.

Almost 21 years now. I am also had thoughts of renewing RC. But as you said, it is now only about feelings over brain.

Kudos for you to bringing your ride back.
Mrs&Mr_Shenu is offline   (1) Thanks
Old 4th November 2024, 09:29   #5
Distinguished - BHPian
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bangalore
Posts: 2,093
Thanked: 14,288 Times
Re: Falling in love the second time - My 2007 Bajaj Pulsar 150

Quote:
Originally Posted by swarnava.ch View Post
I have two cars and I hardly do enough kms on them in a year.
...
Why scrap a perfect bike and waste buying another electric two wheeler spending more than...
...
I would like to get the bike to top shape again, all original parts and lots of love.
Resonates so well! I have a 2008 P180 that's I still ride daily without any issues. Truth is I was waiting/hoping for a reason to scrap, sell off the bike so I could buy a new bike or an Ather. But I've been very surprised by how reliable the Pulsar has been with just regular servicing and how cheap to maintain, that I can't find an excuse! I also used to have a TB350 and my old Shogun, and both were considerably harder to maintain.

So the Pulsar will continue on as long as it does. I'd suggest sticking to your plan of a reliable FNG or even the authorized service center and tell them to replace whatever is necessary on your bike. Don't go overboard because of sentiment, trying to get it back to showroom condition, otherwise you will flip your use case of an affordable daily commuter. Certainly replace the tyres.

Last edited by am1m : 4th November 2024 at 09:32.
am1m is offline   (3) Thanks
Old 4th November 2024, 10:07   #6
BHPian
 
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Kanpur/Riyadh
Posts: 530
Thanked: 1,395 Times
Re: Falling in love the second time - My 2007 Bajaj Pulsar 150

Good you didn't send your P150 to the gallows. As@am1m has rightly suggested get new tyres, especially because you will have your kid being dropped to school.

OT: I got my son Calibre 115(Hudibbaba) in '03 when he turned 18, still have it, get it serviced once a year, kick start so I don't use but my driver takes it out for a spin sometimes.

Enjoy your ride.
Vinod_nair is offline   (2) Thanks
Old 8th November 2024, 09:50   #7
BHPian
 
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Tuticorin
Posts: 64
Thanked: 72 Times
Re: Falling in love the second time - My 2007 Bajaj Pulsar 150

Your post reminds me of my xbhp days. Happy to see your pulsar 150 in restored condition. Pulsars are easily misunderstood bikes. They are utterly reliable but moody. They have certain characteristics which lack in most Japanese bikes. I own a gen 3 Pulsar 180 and it's been 11 years and odo has crossed 51k kms. Still rides like a dream. Starts without any issues even during the rainiest of days.

Do change your tyres. They are way past their prime. If possible, do try wax coating on the petrol tank. Do make sure the timing kit was changed as well as it can cause noise if worn out. Also, do check the tappet clearance regularly. The bike responds more to incorrect tappets than to carb tuning in my experience.
John P Daniel is online now   (1) Thanks
Old 8th November 2024, 10:27   #8
Distinguished - BHPian
 
sagarpadaki's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bengaluru
Posts: 4,419
Thanked: 6,687 Times
Re: Falling in love the second time - My 2007 Bajaj Pulsar 150

Quote:
Originally Posted by am1m View Post
Resonates so well! I have a 2008 P180 that's I still ride daily without any issues. Truth is I was waiting/hoping for a reason to scrap, sell off the bike so I could buy a new bike or an Ather. But I've been very surprised by how reliable the Pulsar has been with just regular servicing and how cheap to maintain, that I can't find an excuse!
Even I have a 2008 Pulsar 180 UG3 which has clocked 1.15 lakh kms and still runs well with just regular maintenance. Renewed the FC in 2023!
sagarpadaki is offline   (2) Thanks
Old 8th November 2024, 11:17   #9
Distinguished - BHPian
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bangalore
Posts: 2,093
Thanked: 14,288 Times
Re: Falling in love the second time - My 2007 Bajaj Pulsar 150

Quote:
Originally Posted by sagarpadaki View Post
Even I have a 2008 Pulsar 180 UG3 which has clocked 1.15 lakh kms and still runs well with just regular maintenance. Renewed the FC in 2023!
To be frank, when I bought it I didn't have a high opinion of Pulsars. The only reason I bought it was because the company I was joining in the city I had shifted to at that time gave me an unexpected joining bonus and I blew it all on the bike The original plan was to take my Shogun there from Bangalore. Now I've long since given the Shogun away and the Pulsar is still going strong!
am1m is offline   (2) Thanks
Old 3rd January 2025, 17:07   #10
BHPian
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Bengaluru
Posts: 391
Thanked: 1,638 Times
Re: Falling in love the second time - My 2007 Bajaj Pulsar 150

Hi All,
Firstly, I wish you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year. I wanted to share some updates on the journey so far and the progress made.

Tyres Updated: It was clearly evident that the current set of tyres would not last much longer and were also risky to ride on, requiring a change as soon as possible. This was also echoed in the comments from fellow members. I visited an MRF-authorized tyre shop, called around, and found the best deal. I finally found a shop in Kadugodi, Bangalore, that offered both the front and rear tyres for ₹4000. Additionally, they converted the older tube-based tyres to tubeless tyres by changing the washer, nozzle, etc., for an additional ₹200. So now, I am riding on original MRF tubeless tyres, manufactured in September. See the new shoes on the bike here.
Falling in love the second time - My 2007 Bajaj Pulsar 150-whatsapp-image-20250103-5.02.24-pm.jpeg

General Bike Running and Subsequent Electrical Issues: The bike itself was running well and would start with just one kick. The engine was running smoothly with a soothing sound. Thankfully, no more services were needed.
However, I started having a serious issue. When I turned on the bike with the key, the green light indicating "ready" would come on, but neither the self-start would work, nor the lights, horn, or indicators would turn on. This started happening very frequently and eventually became a permanent issue. While the bike was still running by manually kick-starting it, I could not use the lights, indicators, horn, etc. It's a nightmare to ride like this in Bangalore traffic. Initially, I thought maybe the battery wasn't charged enough, as I was only using the bike for shorter trips. So, I purchased a portable home battery charger. However, after checking and trying to charge the battery, I realized the battery was properly charged, and there must be some electrical issue.
So, back to the mechanic we went, who tried his best to diagnose the electrical issue.
Here’s where a terrible thing happened. Since he was unable to find the exact issue with the wiring, he decided to make a makeshift fix. He replaced the original Pulsar switches (both left and right), including the wiring and sensors, with a cheaper alternative. I’m not sure which model’s wiring was used, but it’s definitely not original Pulsar wiring. This cost ₹1200. Now, the bike is running perfectly, and the lights, horn, self-start, etc., are all working. However, I have OCD, and I do not like this at all. I would have preferred to buy original parts and fix the existing setup. But now, what's done is done, and I have decided to live with it for some time. Once the documentation is sorted out and I have the legal clearance and KA number, I will go back to the Bajaj showroom and get all the original controls back.
I am ignoring some rusting spots on the silencer for now as its not an urgent problem. You can see the same in the picture above.
Lastly, my tail lights are dim and not visible for others. The mechanic mentioned that it needs to be replaced. I have ordered a set of tail lights from Amazon and waiting for the same to get it fitted.

Documentation Updates: I haven’t been very lucky here. I’ve followed up multiple times with my agent on the progress. They updated me around mid-December that, in the RTO records, the bike is still tagged to Pune RTO, and some file is still open there (whatever that means). The problem now is that the Bangalore RTO cannot initiate updates to the bike until the Pune RTO file is closed. It has been informed, but they are still waiting for Pune RTO’s action. This is causing a delay in the process, and it’s already been 3 months.
I plan to restart my follow-ups again, and in the worst-case scenario, I will try to find someone in Pune who can help with the Pune RTO process.
Overall, the bike runs fine now, and I’m really happy to ride it again whenever I get a chance. Slowly I am gaining a bit of confidence as well but I dont cross 45kmph under any circumstances.

Last edited by swarnava.ch : 3rd January 2025 at 17:10.
swarnava.ch is offline   (2) Thanks
Old 9th January 2025, 13:21   #11
BHPian
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Bangalore
Posts: 151
Thanked: 106 Times
Re: Falling in love the second time - My 2007 Bajaj Pulsar 150

Hey! Very nice to see your restoration story and journey. So many of us have moved between Pune and Bengaluru. I’d bought my 2006 pulsar in Bengaluru and then used it in Pune for 2 years and back to Bengaluru. So, I’d taken the NOC from Indiranagar RTO, Bengaluru paid the lifetime tax in Pune RTO. When I came back to Bengaluru, I got that NOC cancelled. There is a process to get back the lifetime road tax from Pune RTO, but it’s not worth the effort, so I did not pursue it. Moreover, if I move to Pune again in future, I could register the vehicle there as well, since lifetime road tax is already paid.

I got the registration renewal done in 2021 and the next one is due in 2026. I still use my motorcycle for daily office commute and is running strong at 96k kms on the ODO. Like many have mentioned, it is very easy and cheap to service and maintain this bike. It takes the abuse of infamous Panathur underpass roads daily without issues.

Lately, just facing some issues with parts availability.
Horizon85 is offline   (1) Thanks
Reply

Most Viewed
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Team-BHP.com
Proudly powered by E2E Networks