Bajaj Pulsar NS200

The design of the 2023 NS200 retains its familiar muscular and sporty stance, with sharp bodywork featuring distinct cuts and creases. While the overall silhouette remains largely the same, new paint options and improved paint quality bring a fresh appeal. The NS200 is now available in two color options: Ebony Black and Pearl Metallic White. The alloy wheels, shared with the Pulsar 250 models, add a modern touch with a gunmetal finish​.

The bike also features an updated part-analogue, part-digital instrument console, now offering a gear position indicator, distance to empty, and instantaneous fuel consumption readings. Despite these updates, the NS200 lacks modern features like Bluetooth connectivity and LED lighting, which could have enhanced its appeal to younger buyers​

Under the hood, the 2023 Pulsar NS200 retains the same 199 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-valve engine producing 24 bhp at 9,750 rpm and 18.7 Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm. The engine remains a free-revving unit, with a lively character that encourages riders to push it to the 10,000 rpm limit in every gear. The six-speed gearbox provides smooth shifts, and the overall engine refinement has seen improvement​.

While the NS200 is fun to ride, delivering strong performance, there are minor vibrations felt at higher revs, particularly through the footpegs and handlebars. However, these are not severe enough to detract from the overall riding experience​

Where the Pulsar NS200 truly excels is in its dynamics. The introduction of USD front forks significantly enhances front-end feel and steering precision, making the bike more composed and responsive. 

The steel perimeter frame further contributes to its sharp handling, allowing the NS200 to remain planted and flickable through corners​.

On a twisty road or a go-kart track, the NS200 feels right at home, offering excellent composure and balance. The suspension setup is firm, but it doesn't compromise on overall ride quality. 

With dual-channel ABS as standard, braking performance is solid, thanks to the new Grimeca brakes featuring a 300 mm front disc and a 230 mm rear disc

The NS200 maintains a sporty yet relatively comfortable riding position. The 807 mm seat height is accessible for most riders, and the split seat offers decent cushioning for both rider and pillion. The bike's 158 kg kerb weight makes it easy to maneuver in traffic, while the firm suspension ensures a smooth ride over most road conditions​

While the NS200 has seen updates, its tech features remain relatively basic compared to some of its competitors. The semi-digital instrument console now offers useful information like gear position and fuel efficiency, but it lacks more advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity or turn-by-turn navigation​. The absence of LED lighting also feels like a missed opportunity, especially considering that many rivals in the 200cc segment now offer it.

The 2023 Bajaj Pulsar NS200 delivers a mileage of around 35-40 kmpl depending on riding conditions, making it reasonably fuel-efficient for its performance level. With a 12-liter fuel tank, the bike offers a good range for city commuting and occasional highway rides​

At ₹1.47 lakh, the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 offers excellent value for money for those seeking a performance-oriented naked streetfighter. Its sharp dynamics, powerful engine, and updated features make it a solid contender in the segment. However, the lack of more modern tech features might be a drawback for some​.

Bajaj’s wide service network ensures that NS200 owners will have access to easy and affordable servicing options. The bike's proven reliability and affordable maintenance costs make it a practical choice for long-term ownership​

The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 faces stiff competition from bikes like the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, Hero XPulse 200T 4V, Hero Xtreme 200S, and Suzuki Gixxer 250. While the Apache RTR 200 4V and XPulse 200T offer more premium features like LED lighting and Bluetooth connectivity, the NS200 stands out with its sharp handling and free-revving engine​.

The 2023 Bajaj Pulsar NS200 remains one of the most entertaining and well-rounded bikes in its segment. With its rev-happy engine, precise handling, and new updates like USD forks and dual-channel ABS, the NS200 continues to be a top choice for riders seeking a fun and capable streetfighter. While it may lack some modern features, its overall package still makes it a compelling option​.