Does the NS200 hold up on long rides?
The Pulsar NS200 is loved by many riders for its sporty character and urban agility, but there’s a debate about whether the bike can tour. Long distance owners swear by it for its comfortable ergonomics and stable highway manners. Some say it’s not made for longer trips, and that it lacks seat comfort, wind protection and fuel tank capacity. Let’s take a look at the NS200 as a touring machine. Can it do both city commutes and weekend getaways? What modifications, if any, do riders make to the long distance comfort? But how does it compare to purpose built touring bikes in the same price range?
I've ridden my NS200 multiple 500+ km rides and it handles them like a champ. It’s comfortable for long hours in an upright seating position and the engine is smooth enough to cruise the highway. You just add a small windscreen and you're good to go!
For short trips it's decent, but it's not good for serious touring. After a couple of hours the seat gets uncomfortable, and the lack of wind protection at highway speeds is a real issue. For long rides, you’d be better off with something like Dominar 400.
With a few mods, the NS200 makes for a great tourer. I've added a gel seat cover, tank bag and small windscreen. These changes made all of the difference on my 1000 km round trip. In fact, the bike's nimble handling is actually an advantage on twisty mountain roads.
A jack of all trades, a master of none. The NS200 can do long rides, but it’s not designed for it. It also has a small fuel tank, so you stop quite often and the vibrations can become tiring after a while. Being okay with occasional weekend trips, but I wouldn’t like the touring extensively.
People don't give it credit for as much as I think it is capable of. It soaks up bumps quite well, and the power is enough to go overtake on highways. Yes, it’s not as comfy as a proper tourer, but it’s versatile enough for most people’s needs.
They’re doable, but not really ideal. The biggest problem for me is the heat from the engine on long rides in traffic. In hot weather it can get really uncomfortable. You may want to consider other options if you’re planning a lot of touring.
It's all about expectations. Of course, if you’re comparing it to bigger touring bikes, it does fall short. However, its class and price point for the NS200 is surprisingly good for long rides. You will be fine if you just plan for more frequent breaks.
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Does the NS200 hold up on long rides?
30 January 2025 09:49
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