Its been a just over 10 years since we in India were introduced to the Pulsar series from Bajaj. We saw it grow from strength to strength year by year and saw a lot of changes that made this motorcycle a favorite to many. Many engine variations, even more design changes and a lot more small bits that were added made every iteration of the Pulsar family all the more special over the years. The Pulsar brand is now sold in many countries
and quite popular too. The Pulsar was definitely an eye catching machine right from the word go, but the ad campaigns took it to a all new level. One after the other Bajaj churned out beautiful ad videos that catapulted the brand image to sky high levels and made sure that the Pulsar brand was associated with youth, fun and of-course style.
Over the years the core of the machine has remained pretty much the same and changing that would mean a new motorcycle all together. Criticized for the heavy chassis and average handling, Bajaj sure have done all they possibly could with the current setup and at this saturation point is rightfully where change arrives. The KTM connection is crucial for this new step and just couple of days back we saw the launch of the Duke 200 priced at a steal 1.17 lakh. The KTM connection has opened doors to Bajaj that probably in a really sarcastic way we could say has saved Bajaj a good couple of years of R&D. But then, we really cannot take any of the credit away from Bajaj, they are group that has powerful decision makers that know for sure which market they need to capture or rather simply put know their market quite well. Mr Rajiv Bajaj at the fore front has of-course like any company head has focused on the numbers but has at the same time not forgotten to cater to the enthusiast, and there lies the beauty of Bajaj’s game plan.
Consider the lessons learnt from the older Pulsars, consider the fads that are currently the norm, consider the youth demand and finally consider KTM and it does not take much to realize, we already knew so much of the all new Pulsar.
Engine & Transmission :
The 200NS is powered by a 200cc, 4 valves, single cylinder engine and thought on spark plugs have gone beyond DTS-i. This time, it incorporates triple spark ignition, which is one of its kind and Bajaj Auto has got unique patents pending for it. That’s a great advantage for the company indeed and no two words on that. The DTS-i engine aided the company in scaling new heights in terms of dominance and sales. Expect the same from this engine as well.
The engine is designed is such a way that the engine coolant goes through the gap between all the spark plugs ensuring better and rapid cooling of engine. That should be a great boon for guys who are gonna rev, rev and rev up this bike.
Design & Styling :
Talking about external appearance, the bike looks really aggressive. The headlamp though is not the same as the fox – eyed ones; it is indeed got its cues from the older ones. The body lines are basically derived from the Pulsars elder siblings so that it keeps up the tradition of Pulsar, carrying it front and forward. A close observation would reveal the way the engine compartment looks like. It is tightly packed offering a real sport bike look.
Pulsar 200NS gave up the conventional exhausts and made a drastic change in this department.
The Pulsar 200NS now incorporates low slung central exhaust which takes the Pulsars to the next level. This would enhance the bike’s handling in the track. Since there is no weight onto the sides, handling this bike in the track should be fun to be with.
The frame strength in the Pulsar 200NS is as much as 50 per cent more rigid than the P220, the Fastest Indian.
The tail light is the same double strap that is a part of identity of all Pulsars wheras the rear number plate holder is derived front he KTM Dukes
Braking & Suspension :
About the brakes, both the wheels are fitted with discs to offer enhanced braking experience. The dimensions of the front disc is 280 mm and that of the rear is 230 mm. Nitrox filled mono – cross suspension is expected to do a great job on this bike.
Braking distance of the all new Pulsar 200NS from 60kmph to standstill is nearly 16.33 meters which is really a breathtaking aspect of this bike.
Instrument Cluster
- Analogue tachometer
- Digital Speedometer, fuel gauge and trip meter
Fuel Economy
Highway (constant 60 kph) - 58 kmpl
City (Expected) - 35 kmpl
Performance Figures
- 0-60 in just 3.6 secs
- 0-100 in 9.8 secs
- Top speed of Pulsar 200NS is 136 kph
Shades Available
- Red
- Yellow
Price
Below 1 Lakh on-road
Expected Launch
By March end this year
Vehicle Summary at a Glance :
Engine
Type SOHC Liquid Cooled
Combustion system Triple spark
Ignition system Independent spark control through ECU
Crankshaft Type Integral
Max Power 23.52 PS @ 9500
Max Torque 18.3 Nm @ 8000
Bore 72 mm
Stroke 49 mm
Displacement 199.5 cc
Fuel system Carburettor, UCD 33
Air filter Paper element
Exhaust system Exhaust TEC enhanced centrally mounted
Vehicle
Frame Type Pressed steel Perimeter Frame
Wheel Base 1363 mm
Length x height x width 2017 mm x 1195 mm x 804 mm
Seat ht-Rider 805 mm
Ground Clearance 167 mm
Vehicle Kerb weight 145 kg
Fuel Tank capacity 12 L
Suspension
Front suspension Telescopic Front Fork with Antifriction Bush Dia 37
Rear Suspension Nitrox Mono Shock Absorber with piggy back gas canister
Brakes Type
Front Petal Disc with floating caliper
Rear Petal Disc with floating caliper
Brake Size
Front Dia 280 mm Disc
Rear Dia 230 mm Disc
Tyres
Front 100/80 – 17, 52 P, Tubeless
Rear 130/70 – 17, 61 P, Tubeless
Rims
Front 10 spoke 2.5 x 17, Alloy
Rear 10 Spoke, 3.5 x 17, Alloy
Max Speed 136 Kmph
Acceleration
0-60 kmph 3.61 sec
0-100 kmph 9.83 sec
Electricals
System DC Ignition
Battery 12V 8AH VRLA
Head Lamp HS1 35/35W
Tail/Stop Lamp 0.3/3 W, LED
Bikoholic Verdict :
Its quite hard to say who the Pulsar 200NS competes with, of-course first of all it competes with the ever so popular elder brother the Pulsar 220, and then with those yummy specs the R15′s and the forthcoming CBR 150R already seem to be in a tough spot, even the KTM Duke 200 will receive some second thoughts.
The spanking new Pulsar 200NS (Naked Sports) has redefined what a Pulsar is and stands for while pushing the envelope so further away from the rest that the fact that the Pulsar continues to remain a dynamic target is attested once again
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