10,000 km across a diverse nation like ours; that pretty much sums up the sheer test that #roadTripUnited2022 was for all our machines. To be able to complete such a trip is enough to secure top marks but more than that, such a ride also provides one with the chance to really know the machines inside and out. So here, we are going to distil our experience with each of those throughout the 10,000 km of #roadTripUnited2022. Helmets on for this is going to be a heck of a ride!

Moving up the capacity ladder, the next motorcycle to accompany us on the #roadTripUnited was the Bajaj Pulsar F250. Throughout the 10,000+ km journey around India, the Pulsar F250 was a joy to ride and a revelation too. Before this, we had ridden the Pulsar F250 only for short distances but on #roadTripUnited2022, we got to know a fair bit about the biggest and fastest pulsar yet, and, well, fell in love with it all over again.

In terms of appearance and the attention it got despite the presence of some much bigger and costlier motorcycles, we were fairly surprised. The imposing stance and the modern design helped the Pulsar F250 to be perceived as the very capable motorcycle that it is. But then, looks and attention alone would not get you around the diverse landscape of India without a hitch. The Pulsar F250 needed to be much more than a looker and, no surprises here, it was and then some.

24.5 Ps of power and 21.5 Nm of torque are healthy numbers for a quarter-litre motorcycle but where the Pulsar F250 excels is how it puts those numbers down on the road. The new 249.07cc engine is a gem. It is exceedingly smooth and boasts a lot of grunt in the low and midrange, a godsend in traffic. And because of how smooth it was, highways were a pleasant experience too.

If you’re still clamouring about the 5-speed gearbox, give it a try and you’ll know that it is far from being a hindrance in terms of touring. If you’re worried about cooling, Bajaj has worked hard in terms of heat management so that is a non-issue as well. Again, give it a try and you’ll know just like we did.

Pulsars have always been about performance but approachable performance. That is where the Pulsar F250 delivers the goods. You have enough shove in the top cog for some feisty overtakes. Tractability, gentle clutch action, and loads of grunt on demand make these motorcycles fun even when the traffic is less than kind.

The fueling is spot-on and there are no jerks or blank patches felt. Twist the throttle and they go- old-school fun! The transmission is slick and the gear changes are confident and pronounced. So yes, throughout the 10,000 km around the diverse landscape of India, the Pulsar F250 kept us entertained with its performance.

Moving on, the Pulsar F250 is based on an all-new platform and Bajaj has done a splendid job with that. The chassis, the geometry, and the ergonomics are spot on. This makes the Pulsar F250 a versatile machine that can cruise steadily on the highways at decent speeds and be quick and confident through twisties. The ergonomics ensure that long days in the saddle are dealt with easily as well.

Overall, we were more than satisfied with the experience we had on the Pulsar F250 on the #roadTripUnited2022. With that, we’d also like to mention that the Pulsar F250 lives up to the storied history of the Pulsars and it is a matter of pride that such a capable motorcycle comes from an Indian brand and that it can go toe-to-toe with some of the best motorcycles out there.

And here are some more beautiful images of the Bajaj Pulsar F250 from around India: