There are motorcycles, and then there are motorcycles that become part of a country’s road culture. In Nepal, the Bajaj Pulsar 220F firmly belongs to the second category. For nearly two decades, it has been the bike people aspired to own, argued about, modified, toured on, and proudly parked outside their homes. And just when many thought Bajaj had quietly moved on from it, the Pulsar 220F makes a strong, confident return in BS6 form for 2026.
Bajaj Nepal, through its long-time distributor Hansraj Hulaschand & Co., has officially launched the BS6-updated Pulsar 220F, signaling something important: legacy still matters. This isn’t a ground-up reinvention, nor is it a token update. Instead, it is a carefully measured upgrade that respects what made the 220F iconic while addressing the realities of modern emissions, features, and buyer expectations in Nepal.
Bajaj’s Strategic Shift Back to Proven Names
Bajaj’s recent history tells an interesting story. The brand did attempt to move forward with models like the Pulsar F250, positioning them as replacements for older icons. On paper, the move made sense. In reality, the emotional connection never followed. The F250 struggled to replicate the trust, familiarity, and street presence of the 220F and was eventually discontinued.
The launch of the BS6 Pulsar 220F makes Bajaj’s current thinking clear. Instead of forcing customers to move on, Bajaj is choosing to evolve what they already love. This same philosophy is expected to extend to other legacy models, including the Pulsar 150, which is likely to receive a meaningful update in 2026 as well.
Price in Nepal
The Bajaj Pulsar 220F BS6 price in Nepal is set at Rs. 4,39,900. For context, the outgoing BS4 carbureted version was priced at Rs. 4,19,900. The Rs. 20,000 increase is not just inflation padding. It brings with it a fuel-injected BS6-compliant engine, improved electronics, and practical feature additions that riders have been asking for over the years.
Considering the scale of updates and the emotional value the 220F still carries, the pricing feels deliberately restrained. Bajaj has clearly prioritized accessibility for the Nepali market rather than pushing the 220F into an entirely new price bracket.
Design
One look at the Pulsar 220F and there is no confusion about what it is. The semi-faired design remains its strongest visual identity, striking a rare balance between sporty aggression and everyday usability. Even by today’s standards, the proportions feel right, especially for riders who want a muscular presence without committing to a fully-faired motorcycle.
At the front, the dual-projector headlamp setup continues unchanged. Yes, it is still a halogen unit rather than LED, and that may raise eyebrows on spec sheets. But for many long-time Pulsar owners, this headlamp design is as iconic as the fuel tank itself. The real visual update comes from the newly added LED indicators, which subtly modernize the bike without disrupting its character.
The visor-mounted mirrors deserve special mention. By keeping them off the handlebars, Bajaj has ensured that the bike remains relatively narrow, which genuinely helps while filtering through Kathmandu traffic.
From the side, the Pulsar 220F arguably looks its best. The fuel tank flows smoothly into the fairing, now enhanced with refreshed graphics and decals. Faux carbon-fiber elements, blacked-out engine components, clip-on handlebars, and the split-seat layout reinforce the bike’s performance-oriented intent without overdoing it.
At the rear, the familiar twin-LED tail lamp continues, paired with split grab rails that look sporty, even if practicality takes a back seat. The twin rear shock setup also remains, a reminder that the 220F has always favored a balanced, predictable ride over radical hardware experimentation.
Color options are significantly improved this time. The BS6 version is available in Black Cherry Red, Black Ink Blue, Black Copper Beige, and Green Light Copper, giving buyers far more personality choices than the single Sparkle Black shade offered previously.
Features and Technology
One of the most meaningful upgrades on the BS6 Pulsar 220F is the new negative LCD instrument cluster. Borrowed in spirit from newer Pulsar models, this console finally brings the 220F into the connected era. Bluetooth connectivity enables turn-by-turn navigation, call accept and reject functions, missed call and message alerts, a clock, and distance-to-empty readouts.
Just as importantly, Bajaj has added a USB charging port, neatly placed near the console. This is a small feature on paper, but for riders who actually tour or commute daily, it is a long-overdue convenience.
The bike continues to use clip-on handlebars, projector headlamps, LED tail lamps, and dual disc brakes with single-channel ABS. These may not sound revolutionary in 2026, but together they form a well-rounded, familiar package that many riders trust.
Performance
Powering the 2026 Bajaj Pulsar 220F is a 220cc, single-cylinder, 2-valve, oil-cooled DTS-i engine, now upgraded with fuel injection to meet BS6 emission norms. It produces 20.9 PS at 8,500 rpm and 18.55 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm, paired with a 5-speed gearbox.
On paper, the BS6 version is marginally down on power and torque compared to the BS4 carbureted model. In real-world riding, however, this difference is almost impossible to notice. What riders will notice is smoother throttle response, better consistency across varying altitudes and temperatures, and cleaner emissions with E20 fuel compatibility.
The absence of a kick starter continues, just as it was on the BS4 version. This may concern some traditional buyers, but in practice, the fuel-injected setup with ECU-controlled ignition and fueling is more reliable in cold starts and daily use than the older mechanical solutions.
Ride, Handling, and Hardware
Suspension duties are handled by telescopic forks with anti-friction bushes at the front and twin Nitrox shock absorbers at the rear, featuring 5-step adjustability. This setup has always been one of the 220F’s quiet strengths, offering a good balance between comfort and stability on Nepal’s mixed road conditions.
Braking is taken care of by a 280mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc, supported by single-channel ABS. The tyre sizes remain unchanged, with a 90/90-17 front and a 120/80-17 rear, mounted on 17-inch wheels.
Dimensionally, the Pulsar 220F remains familiar, with a seat height of 795 mm, ground clearance of 165 mm, and a 15-liter fuel tank. The shift to BS6 has increased kerb weight to 160 kg, about 8 kg heavier than the BS4 version, but the bike still feels planted rather than cumbersome.
Specifications Overview
For those who want the raw numbers, here is how the 2026 Pulsar 220F stacks up:
Engine: 220cc, Single-Cylinder, 2-valve, Oil-cooled, DTS-i FI (BS6)
Max Power: 20.9 PS @ 8500 rpm
Max Torque: 18.55 Nm @ 7000 rpm
Transmission: 5-Speed Gearbox
Fuel Tank: 15 Liters
Brakes: 280mm Front Disc / 230mm Rear Disc with Single-Channel ABS
Tyres: 90/90-17 (Front) | 120/80-17 (Rear) - Tubeless
Ground Clearance: 165 mm
Kerb Weight: 160 kg (BS6)
Rivals and Market Positioning
The most obvious rival to the Pulsar 220F is the Bajaj Pulsar NS200. On paper, the NS200 is clearly more advanced, offering all-LED lighting, USD forks, dual-channel ABS, wider tyres, more power, and a 6-speed gearbox, all for roughly Rs. 12,000 more.
Yet, numbers do not tell the full story. The Pulsar 220F continues to attract a different kind of buyer. Riders who value stability over sharpness, legacy over novelty, and a semi-faired touring-friendly posture over naked aggression still find the 220F deeply appealing. It may not be the most modern Pulsar anymore, but it remains one of the most emotionally resonant.
Conclusion
The 2026 Bajaj Pulsar 220F BS6 is not trying to reinvent itself, and that is precisely its strength. Bajaj has chosen evolution over replacement, respecting the bike’s legacy while making the updates that genuinely matter for today’s riders.
For an additional Rs. 20,000, buyers get cleaner emissions, smoother fueling, better instrumentation, modern connectivity, and subtle design refreshes, all while retaining the unmistakable Pulsar 220F DNA. In a market crowded with new names and sharper spec sheets, the 220F stands as proof that some legends do not need to shout to be heard.
It may no longer be the most advanced motorcycle in its segment, but few bikes in Nepal can match the trust, familiarity, and road presence of the Pulsar 220F. And for many riders, that still counts for everything.