This motorcycle needs no introduction; first launched in the year of 2012, the Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 was quick to grab the attention of every college-goer, adolescent teens, and aspiring bikers all the same. This 200cc street-fighter evoked a sense of adventure and passion that was met with enormous approval from the thrill-chasing audience, mostly consisting of the younger generation. The marketing slogan; ‘Definitely Male’ went hand-in-hand with everything the Pulsar NS 200 offered proceeding to make it one of India’s beloved motorcycles.
It’s been eight years since the Pulsar NS 200 first made its appearance in the Indian market. The competition is a lot more intense now, each brand wants a bigger chunk of the market share for themselves. The Pulsar NS 200 that once stood unfazed by its peers, does not seem as commanding of attention as it once was. The motorcycle has remained more-or-less the same in all these years and the date on the design is really starting to show. Or is it? Read on to learn all about the Pulsar NS 200 and find out what makes this motorcycle as iconic as ever.
Pros: Rev-Happy Performance Motor, Impressive Fuel-Efficiency, Refined Engine, Comfortable, Attractive Exhaust Note
Cons: Single-Channel ABS, Small Section Eurogrip Tyres, Bulb Indicators
Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 Design
The wolf-like design of the Pulsar NS 200 has gone through a few minor changes over the years in the market. This motorcycle still manages to turn more than a fair share of heads on the road. The multi-reflector headlight unit is absolutely intimidating and sharp, paired with the sleek-fit tank shrouds on either side and the metallic-finish fuel tank; the Pulsar NS 200 is undoubtedly a looker at the front.
At the back; this motorcycle is adorned with matte-finish side panels below the riders seat and cool-looking black grab-rails are also fit on the rear, matte-finish back panel. Completing the rear section is the iconic vertically split, LED, tail-piece which is both practical and attractive. The matted-out lower section of the motorcycle like the engine area, front and rear alloys and fenders, and the perimeter frame chassis truly complements the colour options on offer making the Pulsar NS 200 an attractive sight on the roads.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 Features
The Pulsar NS 200 comes equipped with a semi-digital instrument cluster bearing all the necessary information the rider may need. The odometer and the speedometer are completely digital while the tachometer is of the analogue type. All the switches on the handlebar are backlit attractively and prove useful in low-light conditions. The rear-view mirrors also provide a good line of sight and look stylish. On the mechanical side, this motorcycle is equipped with a fuel-injected engine complete with a six-speed gearbox. The single-channel ABS on the front wheel is also a valuable feature to have.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 Engine Performance
The Pulsar NS 200 is equipped with a 199.5cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, six-speed gearbox, DTS-i engine producing 24.13 BHP at 9750 RPM and 18.5 Nm of torque at 8000 RPM. What do these numbers mean to the Pulsar NS 200 on the road? This means that this motorcycle is stellar of a performer in the higher RPMs, this motorcycle feels at home above 6000 RPM. The top speed of 136 km/h is evidence of the high-revving nature of this engine. The refinement throughout the RPM meter is also highly commendable. Although, this motorcycle gives off vibrations at triple-digit speeds which do compromise some comfort.
The loyal Pulsar fanbase or the ‘Pulsarmaniacs’ as Bajaj affectionately puts it, were in for a pleasant surprise to see their favourite motorcycle had received a bump in power figures with the BS6 variant. How did Bajaj achieve the same in a day and age where various motorcycles actually lost power in the shift from BS4-BS6? The answer is the addition of a fuel-injection system that has resulted in a better revving, smoother, and much more fuel-efficient engine that has all the characteristics of the raw-performance engine that everyone was used to, but, better.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 Mileage (or Fuel Efficiency)
The Pulsar NS 200 with all its performance boasts an impressive mileage of 28-32 km/l in the city. On the highway, one can expect anywhere between 32-35 km/l. The 12-litre fuel tank is quite practical for touring purposes considering a riding range of up to 400 km. The use of the sixth gear and adapting economic riding practices may increase the overall fuel efficiency of this motorcycle.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 Handling (or Dynamics)
The Pulsar NS 200 is accurate, controlled, and precise at handling as it’s always been. The ease at which this motorcycle commands the road has been impressive. What makes the Pulsar NS 200 so great at handling? The telescopic front fork suspension accompanied by the ‘Nitrox’ mono shock absorber at the rear provides for an attentive setup that really responds well to the rider. The steel perimeter frame which the motorcycle sits upon distributes the kerb weight of 156 kg splendidly on both on-road and off-road situations.
So far, so good. But, the clip-on handlebars could have been replaced with a single-piece handlebar to increase comfort and enhance handling abilities. The turning radius is also not feasible in hectic traffic conditions and the lower part of the tank shrouds rub up against the inner thigh of the rider which is not great either. Apart from this, the Pulsar NS 200 is quick to respond in a straight line and an avid corner seeker. Although, wider section front and rear tyres would have further improved the motorcycle’s abilities in this area.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 Comfort (or Ergonomics)
The Pulsar NS 200 has always been a comfortable motorcycle since it was first launched. The BS6 offering is no different. The split-seat layout offers sufficient room for both its occupants and the material itself is on a bit of a stiffer side, both the seats could have been softer. The rider triangle is semi-dedicated meaning it’s not too demanding of you, the rider, in terms of physical effort but also does not compromise on handling and comfort at the same time. The seat height of 805 mm is on the higher side, meaning the majority of the population may have to tip-toe. But, the excellent confidence this motorcycle inspires paired with the kerb weight of 156 kg should contribute to a fun riding experience.
Is it a pillion-friendly motorcycle? The pillion seat may not be practical for people of all ages as it’s higher-set than the rider’s seat and offers lesser room too. The individual grab-rails on either side and relaxed placement of the foot-pegs may assist pillion comfort. But, you cannot expect too much in this aspect as the Pulsar NS 200 is a sporty naked bike that looks and also acts the part.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 Safety (or Brakes)
With all the performance that comes with the Pulsar NS 200, also comes impeccable braking performance. Contributing to the same is a 300 mm petal disc on the front wheel and a 230 mm petal disc at the rear. The petal disc is known to eliminate over-heating of the discs caused by intense braking and increase the life of both; the brake pads and the disc.
This motorcycles falls short on dual-channel ABS and only comes equipped with ABS on the front wheel and a speed sensor on the rear. Considering the ability of this motorcycle, Bajaj should have installed wider section tyres on both the wheels to enhance braking and overall ride quality.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 Service
Bajaj being a well-established motorcycle brand has stood the test of time and proved resilient in all its endeavours. They offer a wide range of authorised service centres and showrooms across the country where people can buy their motorcycles and get them promptly serviced, at an affordable cost. The average service interval for the Pulsar NS 200 is anywhere between 4000 to 6000 km, this particular two-wheeler should cost you somewhere between Rs. 800/- to Rs. 2000/- for its service.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 Price
Following is the price of the Pulsar NS 200 (on-road, Mumbai) –
- Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 BS6 – Rs. 1,60,903/-
Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 Resale Value
Bajaj is a brand that promises motorcycles that are easy to maintain, sturdy, and have a respectable build quality. The Pulsar NS 200 should have a fairly adequate resale value depending on the mileage on the odometer, accidents(if any), and overall maintenance.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 Colours
The Pulsar NS200 is available in the following colours:
- Pewter Grey
- Burnt Red
Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 Specs
- Engine: 199.5cc, Liquid-Cooled, 4-Stroke, Single-Cylinder
- Power: 24.13 BHP at 9750 RPM
- Torque: 18.5 Nm at 8000 RPM
- Transmission: 6-speed Manual
- Top Speed: 136 km/hr
- Fuel Consumption: 28-35 km/l
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Frame: Perimeter Frame
- Suspension: Telescopic Forks (Front), 5-Step Adjustable Nitrox Shock Absorbers (Rear)
- Tyres: 100/80/17 (Front), 130/70/17 (Rear)
- Brakes: 300 mm Petal-Disc (Front), 230 mm Petal-Disc (Rear)
Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 Dimensions
- Length x Width x Height: 2017 mm x 804 mm x 1075 mm
- Wheelbase: 1363 mm
- Ground Clearance: 168 mm
- Seat Height: 805 mm
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 12-litres
- Kerb Weight: 156 kg
Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 Rating
We give the Pulsar NS 200 a 4/5 rating.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 vs KTM Duke 200
Both these motorcycles started their journey in India at almost the same time. They attracted the crowds like no other, quickly amassing a frantic fan following across the country on both sides. Through the years, both Bajaj and KTM have relentlessly worked on their respective motorcycles in terms of updates and improvements. Now, in 2020, they present us with machines that are products of pure passion and committed engineering. Which one comes out on top?
The KTM Duke 200 is now available in the Super-Duke styling almost identical to the KTM Duke 250. This motorcycle checks all the boxes with flying colours in terms of refinement, handling, power figures, comfort, and appearance. Thus outshining the Pulsar NS 200 in quite a few criteria. But, the people’s champion; the Pulsar NS 200, is not far behind at any means at all and the price tag of being close to Rs. 54,000/- cheaper than the Duke 200 really puts things into perspective for a lot of first-time buyers. The Duke 200 is a better motorcycle but the Pulsar NS 200 is a better investment on any given day. We’ll let you decide the rest!
Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 vs TVS Apache RTR 200 4V
The TVS Apache RTR 200 4V has always been a worthy competitor for the Bajaj motorcycle and often whisked away many prospective buyers from the Pulsar NS 200. The Apache RTR 200 is powered by a 197.75cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, five-speed gearbox producing slightly lesser power figures than the Pulsar NS 200. This motorcycle is class-leading in terms of refinement and smoothness of the engine and now boasts a smartphone connectivity feature that is yet again; class-leading. The fuel-efficiency figures of the Apache RTR 200 are mindblowing for a motorcycle of its cubic capacity and the comfort and handling is also highly commendable.
Between the Pulsar NS 200 and the Apache RTR 200, the Bajaj motorcycle is faster, more fun, and much more exciting to ride. The service factor also favours Bajaj as the service outreach from TVS could have been better. The Pulsar NS 200 also takes away from its competition in terms of looks, but, the Apache RTR 200 also has a unique charm of its own that is favoured by many. The TVS motorcycle, however, packs a full-system LED headlight and dual-channel ABS that will come in handy. The Apache RTR 200 is also priced close Rs. 7000/- cheaper than the Pulsar NS 200 making it extremely difficult for you, the buyer, to make a decision.
Final Verdict
Like all other Bajaj motorcycles, the Pulsar NS 200 is a bang-for-buck investment of your money. The outright performance and handling capabilities of this motorcycle make it extremely versatile in all circumstances, the affordable service and maintenance cost also comes as a huge plus point. The impressive fuel-efficiency figures go hand-in-hand with the high-revving nature of this engine. The sweet sound of the exhaust note paired with the sharp design of the Pulsar NS 200 demands a keen presence on the road.
Wider section front and rear tyres along with dual-channel ABS would have sealed the deal for us but we honestly cannot complain. The Pulsar NS 200 is a value-for-money motorcycle at its best. It always was and still is. We hope this article has helped provide some clarity and hopefully aided you before your big purchase. Thank you for reading and ride safely. Cheers!
