Modification on the P220 red

Hmmm I have had enough of the stock pulsar 220.

I have given work to my gray cells and came up with an idea of playing around with the paint job on engine, alloys, disc callipers, grab rails and what not! infact I wanted to change everything from stock to get that exclusive look. But money does matter !

In my budget, I spent whatever i could and tried to achieve a sober but smashing looking bike with multi tone colors and little graphics !

I have enquired quite a few people before getting this job done as I was worried my babe would not go crazy after the job. I am fully satisfied and would post all the details slowly.

List of what you should look for when you are getting a paint job done.

1. Talk to people who have done that before and get some information on the paint mechanics or graphics store, materials, cost etc.
2. Ensure you get the right person to do the job. If the paint is not done properly it gives a very bad look exactly opposite of what you desire.
3. Do some research on what you want the bike to look like after the paint done and explain it in a very simple way to the mechanic so that he doesnt mess up the things

Various options were available but the following were my choice for the job:
Paints:
1. DuPont --> has a very good collection of heat resistant paints and great choice of colours
2. AsianPPG --> Pittsburgh Paints in collaboration with our Asian paints offer a huge variety or clear coat, base coat, and paints. Worth considering ahead of DuPont. I have used Asian PPG, heat resistant Grey with matte finish.
I selected grey because it has a tinge of black and little gloss finishing like an imported sportsbike color on the alloys and engine.

Mechanic or Shop:
Since I am staying in Bangalore, I went across the city asking my friends for contacts and visited various workshops in banshankari, indiranagar and J.C.Road but following two were most promising and impressive.

1. Venkat Shyams' Auto Service:
Spoke to Mr. VV Shyam on the warranty issues and got it clarified that provided the job is done well, warranty is not void. He was charging 4500 for the job of painting the engine and alloys including grab rails, swing arm etc with DuPont Black paint which effectively gives the same finish as of the company black theme on p200. The time quoted was 10 days or more depending on the work. Labor charges might be extra, not sure though

2. City Mobike Works (CMW):
This workshop is situated in Indiranagar, very close to the RTO office. They have been renovating the place and I am sure, it would look different in a few days from now. The workmanship is of high quality, tools used are fine and understanding of customers is excellent. The more you talk, the more they understand from you on what you want. They have quoted Rs. 3500 for the paint job on alloys, engine, swing arm etc, 1500 for clear finish on the whole bike, service charge of 900 for re assembling the bike after paint and any extra job will be priced accordingly like stickers, lacquer etc. Paint used can be either DuPont or Asian PPG. DuPont black shall cost 500 bucks cheaper but the finish may not be as good as Asian PPG.

Mr. Anand, from CMW was very keen on working out a right paint job for the bike and we had spent long time together trying to sketch out the possible outcome of the work and I am thankful to him for the wonderful job he has done on my bike.
Initially I was skeptical on giving the bike in a private service center as I am more concerned on the quality of work and the finish. But, now I can confidently suggest this place for any person who wants to get his bike modified or painted.

The paint was finalised to GREY with matte finish, and a clear coat to add that gloss over the job. A little graphics and the job would be done.

Rear Disc Replaced

YES !! Bajaj is listening to us --> the valued customers !

As I have mentioned in my earlier posts about an existing problem in the rear disc and that not being solved, I have visited Venkat Shyam's Auto Service, Bangalore, with the same issue. As always, they patiently listened to my greivance, tried out various options and when nothing seemed to work as expected, They have directed me to visit Khivraj motors on Kasturba Road, saying they would provide faster replacements, since AS Bangalore(Auto Service) didnt have the spares of new rear discs available at the moment.

I went to Khivraj and explained them the whole issue.

My Observation:
The pattern of holes in the earlier version of rear discs is entirely different from the present lot. This I feel eventually results in some kind of resonance and produces the sound unusual in discs. And may sometimes heat up the disc for no reason.
The pattern on the new disc is more similar to the one on front disc. I dont have the pic of the earlier rare disc, but I managed to take a pic of the new disc after replacement.

Mr. Majeed, The service engineer in Khivraj, understood the situation and assured me a replacement, if the holes pattern on the disc was really the cause of concern.

He has ripped down the rear disc assembly, inspected all the parts and concluded the pattern was the only change reflecting and thus agreed to get it replaced under warranty. Thus, the new rear disc as shown in the picture is put on and from then, I am not facing any issue with my rear disc and the braking as well. Its a good change and happened for the good.

Note:
If you have the earlier generation p220 bought before september and facing rear disc issues,
you should check the following:

1. The pattern of holes in the rear disc. It should be similar to the one in the picture. if its not similar and quite different (eg. Mine had a straight pattern of three holes in group) then its a cause of concern, and you can get it replaced.


2. Check if the brake fluid has any air bubbles in the line. That happened to few of my friends and removing the bubbles improved braking.


3. Check if the pressure built up in the fluid is proper. Immediately after servicing, the pressure is less and you need to apply more braking to get the pressure to normal


4. Check the disc plate for dust and clean it ocassionally to avoid damage to the disc pads.


5. The disc pads may also be worn out or damaged and should be checked.