Pulsar NS 200 vs Apache 200 Race Edition 2.0 – Shootout

Shootout: Pulsar NS 200 vs Apache 200 Race Edition 2.0

Shootout No. 192

Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 1,28,821/- (TVS Apache 200 Race Edition 2.0 Carb ABS), Rs. 1,33,570/- (Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 ABS)

The Apache 200 is race-oriented while the Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 is a technologically sound street-spec motorcycle

Back in 2016, we compared the Apache 200 4V with the Pulsar AS 200 while the NS had been discontinued. With the BS4 update, the NS came back and at the same time, the Apache 200 got a Race Edition update. As the safety laws are getting stringent next year, both the bikes now come with the option of ABS. We have put both the updated TVS Apache RTR 200 4 Race Edition 2.0 carb ABS (phew!) and the Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 in a classical street-fighter motorcycle duel. Who would you bet your money on?

Motor Quest: The TVS Apache 200 4V got a Race Edition 2.0 update this year which includes a lot of changes. New graphics all over, an introduction of slipper-clutch and finally the bike is shipping with dual-channel ABS. The BS4 update of the Pulsar NS 200 brought new colour schemes and better graphics, while also giving an option to buyers for a single-channel ABS.

Styling – Hands down the TVS Apache 200 is now a looker with the new graphics and the flashy colour scheme. While the Pulsar NS 200 has had a dual-tone colour scheme since quite some time and it might look fresh to a few but not as much as the Apache. There have been no major changes to either of the bikes in the styling department. However, the addition of stickers on the Apache and a small windscreen visor, make it sleek and appealing. The Pulsar, on the other hand, has had a matured beefy look since the time it was launched. With no significant changes, the Pulsar NS 200 has started to show its age.

Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – The instrument cluster on the Apache 200 is a complete digital unit, however, the ABS tell-tale light has some functions now. It still looks fresh and displays a lot of information to the rider. Like trip details, top-speed recorder, lap timer, 0-60 km/hr timer and even a clock. The digital tachometer looks good and the shift-light is placed right where the redline starts. The instrument cluster looks very neat unlike the one on the Pulsar.

The instrument cluster on the Pulsar NS 200 has had no changes at all. It looks cluttered as compared to the one on the Apache and the analogue-digital combination has started to look slightly old. The switchgear on the Pulsar has always had backlit and it’s only Bajaj that provides this, a segment unique feature. The quality of the switchgear is decent while the ones on the Apache now feel slightly better. They even have a neat piano black finish.

Ergonomics – Both the Apache 200 and the Pulsar NS 200 have a very similar seating posture, comfortable and upright. But on the Apache, shorter riders will have to slightly lean-in. The seat height of the Pulsar NS 200 is 5 mm higher than the Apache 200. The footpegs are higher on the Apache than that on the Pulsar. This leads to a slightly cramped riding posture and hence, taller riders will prefer the Pulsar over the Apache. But a pillion would pick the Apache any day, as the seat is more comfortable with more usable grab-rails.

Performance – In theory, the Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 is the winner and it’s the same case on the road as well as it is 2 seconds faster to the ton with a 0-100 km/hr time of 10.51 seconds. The Apache 200, however being 2.5 BHP less, isn’t too far behind the NS if we put them in a quarter-mile drag race. Both the engines are rev-friendly while the power kicks in very late for the Pulsar. However, the 200cc TVS motor has a better mid-range and a punchy low-end when compared to Bajaj’s 200cc motor where the gearing is on the taller side. The Pulsar NS 200 has an advantage with its liquid-cooling while the Apache 200 is air and oil cooled. Both the engines come with 4-valves and return almost the same fuel efficiency of 35-40 km/l.

Both bikes have a throaty exhaust, yet the Apache sounds better than the Pulsar due to the dual-barrel exhaust

The Pulsar also has an advantage with a 6-speed gearbox but the clutch feels slightly heavy. The Apache, however, gets only a 5-speed transmission and it’s equipped with a slipper clutch ensuring smoother gearshifts. NVH levels are very well contained for both the motorcycles. However, unlike the case earlier, the Apache 200 feels much more refined than the Pulsar NS 200. Both the motorcycles get only the carb option with their ABS variants (no non-ABS FI for the Pulsar though), leaving not much of a choice for buyers.

Riding Dynamics – Even though the ergonomics are similar, both the motorcycles ride in a different manner. Both the bike have different frames too and this adds a lot to the riding dynamics. The Syncro Stiff chassis of the Apache makes it very nimble around the corners. While the Perimeter frame of the Pulsar gives it great straight-line stability. The Apache 200 has a very well sculpted tank where one can lock their knees nicely. However, if you are any taller than 6 feet, you won’t find a comfortable spot on the Apache. Here, the Pulsar NS 200 comes into play as taller riders can lock their knees to the tank. They can find a comfortable spot, although it might not be as confidence inspiring as the Apache.

Pulsar NS 200 stays comfortable and fast while the Apache is sharp and flickable

The Apache 200 get only Remora tyres with the ABS variant while the Pulsar NS 200 gets only MRFs. Both the tyres provide decent grip and enough confidence in the wet as well as dry. However, the brakes on the Apache have better feel and feedback than the Pulsar NS 200. The Apache also gets a dual-channel ABS while the Pulsar gets only a single-channel ABS. The Apache has better mirrors too, even with a jacket on, the rider can see what’s behind. The Pulsar, however, manages to be more manoeuvrable as the Apache’s handlebar has less turning angle.

Verdict – Both the Pulsar NS 200 and the Apache 200 Race Edition have a very competitive pricing. Appealing to the youth, both the motorcycles are hardware rich. The Apache has dual-channel ABS while the Pulsar is more suited for taller riders. The Apache gets a slipper-clutch while the Pulsar gets an extra gear. There are little differences and to pick one here is going to be some compromise. The Pulsar might look dated yet it packs a lot of power while the Apache maybe slow but it is one hell of a looker. Picking one of the two will be solely based on rider preference but there is no denying that the Apache 200 is the better all-round bike here.

Testers’ Note: