Highlights

• Bajaj Pulsar 220F officially launched in Nepal on Māgha 11 (Sunday) at the Bhaktapur Exchange Fair.
• Updated price set at NPR 4,40,000, a NPR 20,000 increase over the current NPR 4,20,000 model.
• First‑time LED headlight and standard LED side‑indicators on the 220 F.
• Double channel ABS now covers front and rear wheels – a first for Bajaj motorcycles in Nepal.
• New digital console with Bluetooth connectivity, trip computer and turn‑by‑turn navigation.
• Engine retuned to 20.4 PS power and 18.55 Nm torque, still a single‑cylinder, oil‑cooled DTS‑i unit.
• Fresh graphics package and three new colour options give the bike a sportier look.
• Launch handled by Hansraj Hulashchand & Co, the official Bajaj dealer in Nepal.
• Competitors such as the Yamaha FZ‑25 and KTM Duke 200 now face a better‑equipped rival.
• Early‑bird buyers can expect deliveries within two weeks of the fair.

What’s new on the showroom floor

The Bajaj Pulsar 220F arrives with a visual overhaul that feels like a different bike. The front now sports a crisp LED headlight, replacing the older halogen unit. Those LEDs cut through night‑time darkness with a clean, white beam, and the twin LED turn signals sit flush with the headlamp housing. The rear gets a matching LED taillight, completing the modern look.

Under the skin, Bajaj has added a digital console that replaces the analog gauge cluster. The split‑screen display shows speed, fuel level, gear position and a host of connected services. Riders can pair their phone via Bluetooth, answer calls, read SMS alerts and even pull up turn‑by‑turn navigation using the built‑in app. The console also logs trip distance, average speed and fuel consumption – data that serious commuters love.

The bike’s colour palette expands to three fresh shades: a deep metallic Midnight Black, a vibrant Racing Red and a subtle Pearl White. Each hue is paired with new graphics that trace the Pulsar’s iconic lightning bolt motif across the fuel tank and side panels. The result is a bike that looks as aggressive as it sounds.

Why the price jump matters

Bajaj announced a price of NPR 4,40,000 for the updated 220 F, up NPR 20,000 from the current NPR 4,20,000 version that is still on dealer floors. The increase reflects the added hardware – LED lighting, double‑channel ABS and the fully digital console – plus the cost of meeting BS‑6 emission standards.

For Nepal’s price‑sensitive market, a NPR 20,000 hike can tip the scales. The Yamaha FZ‑25, priced around NPR 4,55,000, now sits a hair above the Pulsar, while the KTM Duke 200 hovers near NPR 4,70,000. Bajaj’s move squeezes the middle segment, forcing buyers to weigh feature set against cost.

That matters because the Nepali two‑wheel market is still recovering from supply chain hiccups. A modest price rise may slow impulse purchases, but the added safety and tech could justify the premium for safety‑conscious commuters.

How the tech upgrades reshape the segment

The most eye‑catching safety addition is double channel ABS. Earlier Pulsar models only offered single‑channel ABS on the front wheel. With both front and rear wheels now protected, braking distances shrink and wheel lock‑up becomes a thing of the past. In a country where wet roads are common during monsoon, that upgrade is a genuine life‑saver.

Power‑train wise, the engine remains a single‑cylinder, oil‑cooled, DTS‑i, twin‑spark, fuel‑injected unit. Output climbs to 20.4 PS at 8,500 rpm, and torque peaks at 18.55 Nm around 7,000 rpm. Those numbers keep the Pulsar competitive in the 200‑cc class while staying compliant with BS‑6 norms.

The digital console brings the bike into the connected era. Riders can log into the Ride Connect app, sync ride data, and even receive OTA updates for the console firmware. That level of connectivity is still rare among entry‑level sport bikes in Nepal, giving Bajaj a tech edge.

When and where you can buy

The launch ceremony took place at the Bhaktapur Exchange Fair on Māgha 11. From that day forward, Hansraj Hulashchand & Co will begin taking orders at its Bhaktapur showroom and at authorized dealers in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Biratnagar.

Pre‑orders open immediately, with a two‑week delivery window for the first batch. Buyers who place a reservation at the fair receive a complimentary helmet and a free first‑service voucher. The dealer also offers easy financing through partnered banks, with down‑payment options as low as NPR 30,000.

For those outside the major cities, the dealer’s online portal lets customers submit a booking form, choose colour and arrange home delivery. Shipping across Nepal adds roughly NPR 2,500 to the final invoice.

What the market will feel

The Pulsar 220F enters a crowded segment where price, performance and safety are the three pillars of competition. By bundling LED lighting, double channel ABS and a connected console, Bajaj signals that it is no longer content with being a value‑only player.

If the market embraces the new safety tech, we could see a shift where buyers start demanding ABS as a baseline feature, nudging rivals to follow suit. That could raise the overall safety bar for Nepal’s two‑wheel fleet – a welcome development for regulators.

On the flip side, the NPR 20,000 price bump may push price‑sensitive riders toward the Yamaha FZ‑25 or even the TVS Apache RTR 200, both of which sit close in price but lack the Pulsar’s new digital suite. The next quarter will reveal whether the added features are enough to sway the pendulum.

The launch also reaffirms Bajaj’s commitment to the Nepali market. By updating a flagship model rather than introducing an entirely new bike, the brand leverages existing dealer networks while delivering fresh tech. That strategy keeps inventory costs low and speeds up rollout – a pragmatic move in a market still feeling the aftershocks of global supply constraints.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the exact price of the new Bajaj Pulsar 220F in Nepal? A: The updated model is priced at NPR 4,40,000, which is NPR 20,000 higher than the previous version.

Q: When will the bike be available for purchase outside Bhaktapur? A: Dealers in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Biratnagar will start taking orders immediately, with deliveries expected within two weeks of order confirmation.

Q: How does the double channel ABS differ from the previous single‑channel system? A: Double channel ABS monitors and modulates braking pressure on both front and rear wheels, reducing lock‑up risk during hard stops, especially on wet surfaces.

Q: Does the digital console support navigation without a phone? A: Navigation works through the paired Ride Connect app on a smartphone; the console displays turn‑by‑turn directions but does not have built‑in GPS.

Q: How does the *Bajaj Pulsar 220F* compare to the Yamaha FZ‑25 in terms of power? A: The Pulsar delivers 20.4 PS and 18.55 Nm of torque, while the Yamaha FZ‑25 typically produces around 20 PS and 18 Nm, making the Pulsar marginally more powerful.

Q: Are there any financing options for the new Pulsar? A: Yes, partnered banks offer loan schemes with down‑payments as low as NPR 30,000 and flexible tenure options.