Bajaj Auto today unveiled the Pulsar 200NS (Naked Sports) at Mumbai. For those who do not remember, Bajaj Auto in 2009 had phased out Pulsar 200, making it the first Pulsar to be phased out.
However, they have turn a full circle now, and relaunched it in a new avatar with a 200cc liquid cooled engine with 4 valves, 3 spark plugs, monoshocks and an underbelly exhaust, like the KTM 200 Duke.
While the 2012 Pulsar 200NS produces more power than the current Pulsar 220DTSi (23.52bhp vs. 21.04bhp) and is 5kg lighter as well, it loses out on an important features that people like me loved in the original Pulsar 200; good range in a tankful of fuel, due to the decently large 15 liter petrol tank and good fuel economy.
Add to that, the underbelly exhaust would probably make crossing deep nallahs and rivers a little more difficult than earlier and the fact that the new headlight is as dim as the one on the original Pulsar 200DTSi and isn’t going to be able to rival the 55w projectors on the current Pulsar 220DTSi (which I love).
But then again, if you are a city slicker or someone who only indulges in short rides/trips, then these things aren’t all that important and the new Pulsar 200NS represent a good value for money option (although the price hasn’t yet been disclosed, I suspect it is going to be somewhere around 80k ex-showroom).
Overall it is nice to Bajaj Auto not yielding to the temptation and developing its own 200cc engine, rather than copying the engine design of the 200 Duke and trying to undercut it’s sales!
2012 Bajaj Pulsar 200NS Technical Specifications:
Engine Type: SOHC 4 valve Liquid Cooled
Combustion system: Triple spark plug
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
Frame Type: Pressed steel Perimeter Frame
Wheel Base: 1363 mm
Length x height x width: 2017 mm x 1195 mm x 804 mm
Seat height: 805 mm
Ground Clearance: 167 mm
Vehicle Kerb weight: 145 kg
Fuel Tank capacity: 12 L
Front suspension: Telescopic Front Fork with Antifriction Bush Dia 37
Rear Suspension: Nitrox Mono Shock Absorber with piggy back gas canister
Front Brake: Petal Disc with floating caliper 280 mm
Rear Brake: Petal Disc with floating caliper 230 mm
Front tyre: 100/80 – 17, 52 P, Tubeless
Rear tyre: 130/70 – 17, 61 P, Tubeless
Front Rim: 10 spoke 2.5 x 17, Alloy
Rear Rim: 10 Spoke, 3.5 x 17, Alloy
Max Speed: 136 Kmph
Acceleration: 0-60 kmph 3.61 sec, 0-100 kmph 9.83 sec
Braking Distance: Both brakes (60 – 0 Kmph) 16.33metres
Electrical System: DC Ignition
Battery: 12V 8AH VRLA
Head Lamp: HS1 35/35W
Tail/Stop Lamp: 0.3/3 W, LED
5 Comments
Hi Yogesh. Bajaj has upgraded the headlamp of the P200NS to a 55/60W based on customer feedback. Also tank range isn’t gonna be a big issue (like the Duke’s puny tank range) as the bike is returning a 35-40 kmpl consistently as per users I met recently. Recently tested the bike at a dealer for good 30 mins, headlights are very good and brakes are fantastic. The bike is well poised in sharp corners and the Eurogrip tyres offer surprisingly good grip. After having sold my RE Mach 500, I was in a dilemma as to whether to go for the CBR ABS or the KTM but the P200NS turned out to be the best bet for city and highways. The seating posture is relaxed on the Pulsar, suspension is good and the bike packs impressive acceleration. Have booked the P200NS couple of days back. Cheers.
Congrats Reeto. Problem for me is, I have the first generation 180 with an 18 liter petrol tank (normally takes in around 19.5 liters of fuel) which gives 35-42kmpl, so everything else compared to it seems puny.
But yes, I agree, 200NS is one hell of a machine.
Thanks Yogesh. I am taking delivery of the 200NS this evening. I am done with Bullets bro. Have wasted good 3 years and a lot of resources in maintaing the Bullet, eventually missed out on good products launched by other companies. Bajaj Pulsar 220F DTSi is also an amazing bike, the features and power that it generates is simply awsum considering the 90K that Bajaj charges for it. BTW the P220 DTSi has a 15 litre tank and good fuel economy of 40 kmpl if the carb is tuned well.
Congrats Reeto, it is one hell of a bike and I am sure you would enjoy it quite a bit 🙂
Thanks again Yogesh. Got delivery last evening, rode it for good 80 kms last nite. The suspension is hard but very confidence inspiring in corners as well as on bad roads. Even with a pillion on board, the suspension soaked up potholes very well. Must say Bajaj has come a long way, some people unnecessarily take potshots at Bajaj without a reason.