Highlights:-Talking about the current range, it was the Pulsar NS 200 which turned out to be that one model which opened up the doors for an all new generation platform, engineering and design philosophy. With a sharp styling akin to the bigger European streetfighters, the new Pulsar NS 200 offers a big bike like styling scaled down to a smaller size and segment, thus making it look aggressive. Packed with new age features like pilot lamps, clip-on handlebars, digital meters, backlit switchgear, disc brakes, single channel ABS and LED tail lamp, the Pulsar NS 200 offers a premium over the conventional 150-180cc offerings.
The new Pulsar NS 200 retains the single cylinder, liquid cooled, four valve, triple spark, 199.5cc DTS-i engine from the previous model, with the same numbers too – 23.5PS of power and 18.3Nm of torque, though with enhanced levels of refinement than before. The suspension setup too has been carried forward, with a perimeter frame under the skin as well as hydraulic telescopic forks at the front and a Nitrox gas-charged monoshock absorber with rectangular swingarm at the rear. Starting at a price of Rs. 97,715, the new Pulsar NS 200 now comes with an option of single channel ABS as well. Expert ReviewOverview:-The new Pulsar NS 200 may have retained the original design of its previous generation version, but with new dual tone colors, graphics and new age features, still manages to look fresh and aggressive as ever.
The single cylinder, liquid cooled, four valve, triple spark, 199.5cc DTS-i engine offers an upgraded feel and performance over the regular breed of premium 150cc motorcycles, while the suspension setup of hydraulic telescopic forks at the front and a Nitrox gas-charged monoshock absorber gives it a perfect balance of comfort and agility.Bajaj is always known for the tradition of providing stupendous price to package ratio for its motorcycles, and the Pulsar NS 200 too is expected to follow the lineage.
Bajaj is currently offering the Pulsar NS 200 in two different variants. While the non-ABS variant is the more affordable one with a price of Rs. 97,715, the single channel ABS variant is priced at Rs. 1,09,715, almost Rs.
12,000 more than the former.The Pulsar NS 200 is being offered with three different dual tone paint schemes, namely Graphite Black, Mirage White and Wild Red. As said before, the Pulsar NS 200 offers serious levels of performance similar to its European or Japanese rivals, but undercuts them in terms of pricing. The closest competitor which truly gives it a very tough fight is the TVS’s flagship naked motorcycle in the mass market segment, the Apache RTR 200. Like the Pulsar NS 200, the Apache RTR 200 too offers streetfighter styling which is very European, oodles of performance on tap and great ride and handling characteristics, with some added advantages like fuel injection and fully digital instrument console over the Pulsar NS 200. Design and features:-The Pulsar NS 200 has always been one handsome motorcycle to look at, for the fact that it has a European flair in its overall design.
With sharp and busy lines right from the front and going all the way till back, the overall design of the Pulsar NS 200 has aggressiveness written all over it. In this latest iteration, the Pulsar NS 200 retains its original design, with some minute changes here and there, which will be mentioned below.Starting from the front, the Pulsar NS 200 has got the same petite visor above its pointy headlamp, which has got twin pilot bulbs at the lower edges of it, giving the motorcycle a very distinct face. The front fender too is the same as before, which mimics the busy design of the front fascia.The elongated fuel tank design with sharp edges and cowls towards its front ends too have been shared with the previous iteration of the motorcycle, save for the fact that they now come with big decals, which shout that it is a proper 200cc motorcycle. The small side body cowls as well as highly mounted tail section too are same as before, though now, the tail piece comes with a shade of grey which is different from the primary color.
Like before, the rear section of the Pulsar NS 200 looks unique with the vertically stacked LED tail lamps, split grab rails and minimalist aluminium fender, with the rear tyre hugger being at the very right place as before. Even the part digital instrument console along with the clip-on handlebars as well as backlit switchgear have been lifted off from the previous model, though, the backlights for instrument console as well as switchgear are now lit in blue. The console consists of analog tachometer and a LCD screen which displays speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer, trip meters and clock.
Though it looks the sportiest in this segment, it is not as more informative as compared to the competition. Engine and performance:-Just like the overall design, even the basic engine of the Pulsar NS 200 hasn’t seen much of a change. The four stroke, single cylinder, liquid cooled, four valve, triple spark, 199.5cc DTS-i engine has already done its duty in the previous iteration of the Pulsar NS 200 as well Pulsar AS 200, and here too, it delivers the same performance numbers as before – 23.5PS of maximum power and 18.3Nm of maximum torque, and is coupled to a six speed gearbox.All the Pulsars are known for their raw power and instant power delivery, and so is this flagship naked Pulsar too. The engine has a linear power delivery, with a strong low end grunt.
The six speed gearbox is slick to use and has short throws, which makes the motorcycle a joy to pull off from standstill. Ride and handling:-The Pulsar NS 200 was the first ever motorcycle to debut a perimeter frame in a budget motorcycle, something which it has retained even in this new generation model. Along with it, even the basic suspension and brakes have been kept intact, with the hydraulic telescopic forks with anti-friction bushes at the front and a gas-charged Nitrox monoshock at the rear.
The overall ride has been set on a stiffer side, in order to make the motorcycle a sharp handler, which reflects in the way it handles, and it handles pretty well.The Pulsar NS 200 is armed with the best braking setup which a Pulsar has ever seen, with a 280mm disc at the front and a 230mm disc brake at the rear. Thankfully, this time around, the Pulsar NS 200 has got a single channel ABS variant as an option, which comes with a 300mm disc brake at the front. In our opinion, it is surely the ABS variant which one should opt for, for the fact that it has got a bigger front brake and the assurance of ABS at high speed braking. Verdict:-With some European flair in its design, adequate levels of features, the most powerful engine in its class and improved riding dynamics, the Pulsar NS 200 is a terrific option to go for, especially at the price at which it is offered.
What we like:-Performance, riding dynamics, priceCons:-No change in basic design, slightly stiff ride quality
