Bajaj Pulsar NS200

Detailed Review by Maxabout Team

Overview

Bajaj is now selling 11 different Pulsar models in India. Calling it an oversaturation would be an understatement. The reason for this difficult situation; loyalists don't want to part with old motorcycles. And many of the newer models have been met with slower acceptance in the Indian market. Because of that, a strange mix of machines is now on the market. Some with the most recent Bajaj design and technology and others that we have grown accustomed to. Bajaj Pulsar NS200 is without a doubt from the latter group.

Bajaj is selling approximately 3,500 units of NS Pulsars in India each month. And that number is doubled when it comes to overseas sales, like the Latin American markets. Bajaj can not discontinue these motorcycles because of that. So the next best thing that could be done was to give them a facelift.

Bajaj has unveiled the NS200 2023, which receives its most significant upgrade to date. This update was also necessary in order to compete with new-age rivals. Bajaj Auto has based this new performance-oriented streetfighter on the KTM 200 Duke. The NS200 was the first motorcycle that KTM & Bajaj partnership resulted in. At the time of its first launch, the NS200 was Bajaj's most powerful Pulsar bike.

2023 Bajaj Pulsar NS200 Design and Style

The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 is still one of the most visually appealing and aggressive-looking naked sports motorcycles in the Bajaj lineup. The NS stands for Naked Sports, and the car's strong top-end performance results from its muscular and sharp styling cues. The NS200 is now available in new colour options. The Pulsar NS200 has a very sporty appearance with dual-tone looks and new body graphics that will appeal to many young buyers. The NS200 appears and feels larger and bulkier than other motorcycles. The overall design of the Pulsar NS200 is intended to appeal to a younger audience who appreciates fast and eye-catching motorcycles.

The new Bajaj Pulsar NS200 has compact and agile dimensions. The compact dimensions and shorter wheelbase allow for clickable traffic riding and easy-to-handle dynamics in congested city traffic. The new Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 weighs 158 kg, which is slightly heavier than the previous model. The NS200 measures 2017mm long, 804mm wide, and 1075mm tall approx. Ground clearance of the Bajaj NS200 is 168mm and the fuel capacity is 12 litres.

It has an upright seating position and a semi-digital instrument cluster. It has a seat height of 805 mm, making it suitable for both short and long riders. It can easily handle bad roads and speed bumps thanks to its ground clearance. The NS200's slim body and dimensions allow the rider to easily manoeuvre it within city limits.

2023 Bajaj Pulsar NS200 Engine and Gearbox

Bajaj offers the NS200 with a 4-stroke liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with triple spark ignition. This updated BS6-compliant engine comes with a 6-speed transmission system. The engine performance of the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 has always been a strong suit. The engine's low end is a little weak. But as the RPM rises, the engine power grows stronger and stronger. The NS's top-end redline performance is particularly popular among enthusiasts and young buyers. The NS series motorcycles are well-known for their high-performance engines.

The 199.5cc engine produces a max power of 24.5 HP at 9750 rpm and a peak torque of 18.7 Nm at 8000 rpm. The ARAI-certified mileage of the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 is 35 km/l. The NS200 provides a punchy and pleasurable ride when it comes to performance. The powerband is broad, making it ideal for urban environments. The engine's short stroke is 72mm x 49mm, and it begs to be revved all the way to the redline. Aside from a BS6-compliant updated fuel-injected motor, the Pulsar NS200 remains unchanged.

2023 Bajaj Pulsar NS200 Suspension, Brakes and Tyres

Bajaj has built the NS200 on the tried and tested perimeter frame chassis. Upside Down Fork at the front and Nitrox Mono Shock Absorber with Canister at the rear handle the suspension. A 300 mm front disc and a 230 mm rear disc handle the braking duties of the Bajaj NS200. The new changes to the BS6 engine were achieved through the changes to fueling and exhaust systems. The new Pulsar NS 200 features fat tyres for improved road grip. Bajaj has equipped the NS200 with 10-spoke alloy wheels and tubeless tyres. These wheels come wrapped with a 100/80-17 52P front tyre and a 130/70-17 62P rear tyre. Bajaj has added a belly pan for better underbody protection. Dual-channel ABS is now standard with this new update and the braking performance on both bikes has improved.

Key Features of 2023 Bajaj Pulsar NS200

The 2023 update has brought a bunch of changes for the NS200. The upside-down front forks instead of the conventional telescopic units are one of them. The suspension setup at the back continues to use a preload-adjustable rear mono-shock. Apart from the suspension setup, Bajaj Auto has also revised the rider safety net for the naked streetfighter. The 2023 Pulsar NS200 now comes with a dual-channel ABS as a safety net. Bajaj Auto has also updated the instrument cluster on the 2023 NS200 model. The updated display now shows information about the fuel economy along with a gear position indicator. The layout retains a semi-digital console that comprises an analogue tachometer along with an LCD. The additional features in NS 200 include Clip-on style handlebars, Backlit switchgear, Electric Start, Split seats, Tank-pad, Split grab rails, Engine Cowl, Self-canceling indicators, Engine kill switch, Wide Tires, and Aluminum footpegs.

2023 Bajaj Pulsar NS200 Competitors

Honda Hornet 2.0, KTM Duke 200, KTM RC 200, and TVS Apache RTR 200 4V are some of the bikes that rival the Bajaj NS200 in the Indian market.

Honda Hornet 2.0

In India, the Honda CB Hornet 2.0 replaced the CB Hornet 160R. The Japanese motorcycle manufacturer positions it as a premium sub-200cc naked streetfighter. The Hornet 2.0 gets an LED headlight, as well as butch-looking fuel tank extensions. All of the indicators and the tail lamp are LED. The keyhole is on the tank, and the instrument cluster is digital. It has a gear position indicator as well as a battery voltage readout. The brightness of the console can also be adjusted. The Hornet 2.0 has a single-channel ABS system.

2023 Hornet 2.0 is propelled by a 184cc air-cooled fuel-injected engine. It has a power output of 17.23PS at 8500rpm and a torque output of 16.1Nm at 6000rpm. The BS6-compliant engine comes with a five-speed transmission. It also includes friction-reducing and thermal-efficiency-boosting technologies for improved performance and mileage.

The Hornet 2.0 has an inverted fork and a preload-adjustable mono-shock. Front and rear petal disc brakes measure 276mm and 220mm, respectively. The 17-inch alloy wheels ride on tubeless tyres with 110-section front and 140-section rear sections.

KTM Duke 200

KTM 200 Duke is a street bike available in one variant and two colours. The 199.5cc BS6 engine with a 6-speed gearbox powers the KTM 200 Duke. This engine produces a max power of 24.67 bhp and a peak torque of 19.3 Nm. The KTM 200 Duke has an anti-lock braking system with both front and rear disc brakes.

The 2023 model retains the halogen headlight, the LED taillight, the LED turn indicators, the orange backlit LCD screen, and the switchable ABS. To handle suspension duties, the hardware includes upside-down front forks and a rear mono-shock. The braking system has single discs on both wheels, and the safety net has dual-channel ABS.

TVS Apache RTR 200 4V

The Apache RTR 200 4V has been updated for 2022 by TVS Motor Company. Instead of twin-pod units on the 2021 model, the latest Apache RTR 200 4V features a new headlamp design with an integrated Daytime Running Lamp (DRL). The updated design is similar to the unit found on the most recent iteration of the Apache RTR 160 4V. The modifications, however, are limited to the headlight configuration.

The 2023 Apache RTR 200 has three ride modes (Sport, Urban, and Rain), a Showa front suspension with preload adjustment, a Showa rear mono-shock, TVS SmartXonnect Bluetooth connectivity, and adjustable brake and clutch levers.

The 197.75cc, four-valve, oil-cooled engine powers the Apache RTR 200 4V. This motor with a five-speed gearbox produces a max power of 20.2bhp at 8,500rpm and a peak torque of 16.8Nm at 7,500rpm. TVS offers both wheels with single-disc brakes with single and dual-channel ABS options.

Conclusion

The NS 200 continues to make a case for itself, even today. This is because there is no other bike in the segment apart from the KTM that can come close to the Pulsar. The new updates bring appreciable improvements to the market standing of the NS 200. But it is still the engine that differentiates it from its rivals.

2023 Bajaj Pulsar NS200 is now a better value-for-money product. There is no denying that consumers still trust the Pulsar brand name and it is in high demand. So, if you are looking for a streetfighter with impeccable performance and sharp handling then Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 is worth considering.