So this time a 4 Stroke restoration
on behalf of my friend and colleague. It was an unavoidable request after seeing my RX restorations.
About the Bike
Make : Bajaj
Model : Pulsar 150 Classic
Year : 2003
Color : Black
No. of owners : 1
Mileage : 53k
A little history
This bike was gifted by his (my friend) mother after graduation and he is so much attached to it. He pampered it like anything. Earlier days it was customized with engine scoop, "S" type (2 spoke) alloys, fancy horns, clip-on handlebars, etc. Once the fun is over, he rolled over to the stock spec. It was sometimes during Aug 2011 he left overseas for a short term assignment (3~6 months) leaving the bike completely covered in his apartment parking (he joined my organisation newly without much reliable friends here to handover the bike) But the assignment got extended for little over 1 year.
When he returned back, he found the bike keys were missing (or misplaced somewhere) Little (???) laziness and presence of alternate vehicle (Hyundai i10) postponed the idea of getting the duplicate keys or using the bike. Time passed and he forgot about the bike During end of 2014 he shifted to his new apartment. It was the apartment security who reminded about the bike. After a couple of weeks getting settled in the new house, he went back with a mechanic to get the bike.
It was untouched for more than 3 years
Opened the lock with a duplicate key, filled some petrol and tried to start the bike but with least success. Pushed the bike to his garage (almost a km) and below is the list of work done
- Given a neat wash
- Flushed the fuel tank
- Cleaned the carburetor
- Spark plug replaced
- Battery replaced
- Ignition lock set replaced
- Brake shoes and pads changed
After all this, bike refused to start. Checked and found no current from the ignition coil. Replaced it and the bike started in few kicks.
Why Restoration?
On a lazy afternoon, we (along with some other colleagues) were at cafeteria discussing about my RX Cafe racer project. It was planned during the winter vacation (Christmas to New Year) but couldn't do as I left to Hometown and Kodaikanal. By this time he narrated the story of his Pulsar and said it has to be restored. I said, That's an easy business as the spares are easily available and pulsar being so popular any mechanic could do it. He is not so convinced to handover the baby in hands of some unknown mechanic and requested me to take up this project. I couldn't say 'NO' for a request from such a person. Finally got the bike on my hands a week back.
Some snaps
Restoration plan
This will not be a complete stripe down restoration as my RXs. Gearbox / crankcase will not be opened completely. Only necessary work on the engine will be done.
Items to be painted
- Frame
- Engine
- Tank & Shield (Not debided yet)
Part replacement
- Alloys, Head lamp, rear shock absorber & swing arm from UG2
- Clutch plate
- Chain sprocket
- All cables
- Brake fluid hose
- Foot pegs moved a little backwards along with gear shift lever & brake pedal (set up from P200)
- Clip-ons from UG4.5
Restoration will be done in stages (based on my leisure time) no specific timeline request from my friend. Most of the mod jobs will be DIY. Looking forward for suggestions and comments.
I need few suggestions for the modification
1) Head lamps
We are still in a dilemma here, whether to use the current Round doom or the latest type (with mask) Current lighting is insufficient sometimes (especially when the road is wet after a down pour) In any case I'm thinking of upgrading the bulbs to 12V 60/55W. Came across few post regarding Avenger 180 coils in Pulsar. Few queries here (posted in Auto Lighting thread as well)
- If we decide o go with round doom, which sealed reflector will fit inside the OE HL housing? (May be the one from Amby or Enfields?)
- Can the OE switches & harness take the load of additional wattage?
- Should the RR unit be changed
2) Swing Arm
Basic requirement is increased wheelbase. Is there a difference between UG2 Swing arm and other generation / spec (180/200/220) swing arms? If so, which is the best possible solution?
3) Alloy Wheels
Was there a difference between UG2 & later generation alloy wheels (especially the worm gear mounting area) Reason for this question is I came across a used alloy wheel set from Pulsar 200 in a decent condition and reasonable quote.
4) Tires
Many members here use R15 tire for front wheel. Please suggest which tires are better.
PS: Current tires were almost brand new (??? used for less than a couple of thousand km) but since the bike was in stand still condition for more than 3 years, I doubt their performance. Visually they are good and after using the bike for 300+km I don't see any issues. Are they 'OK' to use? Not in this bike, as they are 18" and the alloys will be of 17". Friend of mine is interested in using them on his Yamaha RX.
5) Sprocket
Was there a difference in sprockets between Classic & UG2? if so, please do list down the available sprockets for Pulsar family.
6) Foot pegs
Since we planned to shift the foot pegs a little towards the rear (with P200 set up) what are the other parts that should be changed along with? (other than the gear shift lever, brake pedal and the saree guard) I doubt the Silencer mountings (please confirm).
7) Clip ons
Are they (from UG4.5) direct fit on a Classic / UG2 forks assembly? What are the parts that need to be changed? (Top, LH & RH clip-ons, anything else?) Will it require the ignition lock set to be changed?