Bajaj Pulsar RS 200
Bajaj Pulsar RS200, priced between 1.27 lakhs and 1.52 Lakhs, comes in three variants: Non-ABS, ABS and ABS BS VI. The bike is available in two colours: Pearl White and Pewter Grey. Both the colour options are available for all the variants. It is the fully-faired version of Bajaj NS 200 and aside from the riding position and fairing, it is believed to be identical to its naked counterpart, using the same engine, but it weighs 12 kg more than the NS 200.
How is the design?
There is no denying the fact that Bajaj Pulsar RS200 is one of the most attractive Bajaj motorcycles, featuring the company logo. The overall bodywork and design can be defined as aggressive especially due to its heavy front. A closer look into the bike’s headlamp position, it resembles the character of a rattlesnake, which gives the impression of the bike’s aggression. To add more spirit to its bodywork and design, small decals are combined with the dual-LED pilot lamps. The indicators are almost the same as those of the KTM Duke 200. A colossal windscreen is also featured in the bike to add a sporty look to it. A hawkish look is added on the bike’s side profile and the cowl is placed close to the engine, functioning like an aerodynamic assistance The new fuel tank features horizontally positioned cushioned tank pads. Bajaj has also integrated grab bars in the tail section of the bike. The design and bodywork is ideal for young people and college goers, who make the target market of Bajaj.
How is the performance?
Powering the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 is 199.5cc single cylinder liquid-cooled engine, generating a maximum torque of 18.6nM at 8000rpm and a maximum power of 24.2bhp at 9750rpm. The bike is well suited for cruising through busy urban streets and makes an ideal vehicle for daily riding, particularly because of its comfortable handling and balanced aggression. The engine of RS 200 has a level of exemplary refinement and is more mature than its predecessors. Once surpassing 4000rpm, the Pulsar bike becomes a fun ride for the riders. Precise shifts could be achieved with the 6-speed gearbox and this is accompanied with a single-cylinder engine. The clutch on Bajaj Pulsar RS200 feels light to use as well. Overall, it can be said that the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 is a well-balanced bike with commendable performance and not only does it satisfy riders on road but also on race tracks.
How does the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 ride?
As it may seem that the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 is a sports bike, it still cannot match the likes of KTM 1290 Super Duke, Kawasaki Ninja H2SX, Honda CBR1000RR-R and so on. The raised handlebar and along with the foot pegs which are close to the rear add comfort to the riding position. The Bajaj Pulsar RS200 is not only ideal for cruising through the city, but also for racing down the tracks. To make the bike poise, a shorter wheelbase and a longer swingarm is featured in the Bajaj Pulsar RS200. The alliance of Bajaj Pulsar RS200 with MRF Zapper Tyres ensures a safe ride to its riders. The performance and grip boost the confidence of the riders and the motorcycle supports it to sail through even the sharp corners.
How comfortable is the Bajaj Pulsar RS200)?
The Bajaj Pulsar RS200 has gained mass popularity owing to the comfort it offers to its riders. A range of comfortable features have been added to this motorcycle in terms of handling, ergonomic seats, and other upgrades. A steady balance is maintained by the bike even during higher RPMs and to enhance handling and comfort of the rider, fewer vibrations are produced. The pleasant exhaust sound of the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 gives the rider the feeling of a superbike. The fuel injection in Bajaj Pulsar RS200 makes it different from NS 200, making the engine smoother and it is possible to predict the power delivery of the bike. The bike is featured with a single-channel ABS, which works only on its front wheels. This is a slight drawback as light braking may lock up the rear wheels.
How's the tech?
There is a digital fuel indicator in the central console of the bike and it is also supported with an analogue tachometer. There is a tiny display of two trip metre along with a side-stand indicator and a speedometer in the right console of the bike and in the left console, there is a turn indicator, oil level and battery indicator. A blue backlight is added as a new tech feature in the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 and there has been an upgrade to the rear-view mirror of the bike to ensure clear visibility.
How's the mileage of the Bajaj Pulsar RS200?
As claimed by Bajaj itself, the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 offers a mileage of 35 kmpl with a fuel tank capacity of 13 litres. The overall weight of the bike increased by 20 Kg due to the additional ABS unit but that would certainly affect its mileage, if not its performance.
Is the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 good value for money?
The Bajaj Pulsar RS200 is available in the market for 1.5 Lakhs and in this price range, it is the only bike featuring ABS, an important safety addition to the motorbike. The performance of the bike is commendable with a 199.5cc engine. The ergonomics that come with this bike adds to the maximum comfort of the rider. When riders account for upgraded features and aggressive design, there could not be a better choice.
How is the after sales service?
As estimated, the maintenance cost of the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 is around 5,750 for 3 years. The first service is offered after 500 km, the second service is offered after 4500 km and the third service is offered after 9500 km, and all free of cost.
Which motorbikes compete in this segment?
The other motorbikes competing in this segment are TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, Yamaha FZ-FI Version 3.0, Yamaha R15 V4, and so on.
Verdict (Value for money)
Compared with high-profile sport bikes, the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 is affordable and ideal for racing tracks as well as city commute. At just 1.5 lakhs, the bike is packed with high-tech features such as ABS and it is definitely a value for money.
