The Pulsar 200 AS could replace the ageing Pulsar 220F in Bajaj’s stable and is expected to be launched in the second half of this year.
After showcasing the model to enthusiasts and Kawasaki employees last month, to everyone’s surprise, Bajaj Auto has commenced testing the new Pulsar 200 AS (Adventure Sport) in India and the test mule was recently snapped with heavy camouflage. Based on the Pulsar 200 NS, the 200 AS is half-faired version with a more touring friendly appeal courtesy of the long windscreen as well as the redesigned mudguard and will be the third iteration based on the 200 NS platform.
The Bajaj Pulsar 200 AS has already been revealed in images from the showcase at the company’s Chakan plant. The bike comes equipped with projector reminiscent of the 220F along with high mounted clip-on handlebar, a more upright seating position and a conventional mudguard replacing the tyre hugger seen on the 200 NS. The half-fairing comes with a lot of aggressive lines and fits right well on to the frame of the 200 NS.
Another major change spotted on the Bajaj Pulsar 200 AS has been the use of MRF Nylogrip Zapper rear tyre that offers much better grip on roads compared to the Euro Grip that are currently being used. It is said that Bajaj has also upgraded the 200 NS with the new Zapper tyres and the same could also feature on the upcoming 200 SS. Coming to the powertrain, the new 200 AS uses the same 199.5cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder triple-spark engine tuned to produce 23.52 PS and 18.3 Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed gearbox. Unlike the international spec model, the 200 AS will miss out on fuel injection (as seen by the reserve knob) as well as ABS.
The suspension set-up is also the same with telescopic front forks and a monoshock at the rear. It needs to be seen though if Bajaj will increase the length of suspension travel on the Pulsar 200 AS to justify the ‘Adventure Sport’ tag. Touted as the potential replacement to the ageing 220F, the 200 AS will sit right in between the 200 NS and 200 SS with a price tag just touching Rs. 1 lakh (ex-showroom). A launch could be expected in the second half of 2015 but considering Bajaj’s tendency to delay products, we request you take that with a pinch of salt.
While the Pulsar 200 AS is still some time away, Bajaj Auto’s next big offering will be the Pulsar 200 SS full-faired version which was unveiled in Cambodia last year. Check out the unveil video below.
[youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvvP3OCWzDY 540 375]
Pictures Source – Indiancarsbikes.in and BikeAdvice.in