Bajaj Pulsar NS200

One of the most popular contenders in the 200-250cc sports naked bike category, the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 received its first significant update in 2023. The first-ever Bajaj product developed in collaboration with KTM, the Pulsar NS200 has become a more desirable and value-for-money motorcycle than before with the updates. Prices for the new 2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS200 start at Rs 1,58,336 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 retains its eye-catching streetfighter design, with which it debuted back in 2012. However, the 2024 Pulsar NS200 has revised sportier body graphics, which makes it look bolder than before. The front has an all-LED headlamp with lighting-bolt-shaped LED DRLs. Even the turn indicators are now all-LED units, though the tail section remains unchanged with split LED tail lamps, split seats and a compact aluminium rear fender.

The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 is powered by a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 199.5cc engine that produces 24.5 PS @ 9,750 rpm power output and 18.74 Nm @ 8,000 rpm max torque output. This engine is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
The liquid cooling does a great job of keeping temperature levels low in peak traffic, and even during long highway runs, the engine does not feel over-stressed. Throttle response is impressive at low RPMs, with the Pulsar NS200 feeling more noticeably powerful beyond the 5000 rpm mark, pulling strongly to its redline. Vibrations creep in on the footpegs and handlebars, but if you are pegging at the throttle, you will barely notice it.
The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 can easily maintain 3-digit speeds, with a speedo-indicated top speed of 145 kmph. Compared to its previous iteration, Bajaj claims the Pulsar NS200 is now 1.5 kg lighter, which should improve performance. In real-world riding conditions, the Pulsar NS200 can deliver up to 40 kmpl of fuel efficiency.

Bajaj's addition of an upside-down telescopic fork at the front and lighter wheels in the Pulsar NS200 has made it easier to manoeuvre at lower speeds. The chassis setup of the NS200, including the perimeter frame, matches the sporty aggression of its styling. The sporty riding position and the compact wheelbase allow for better control at higher speeds or while attacking corners. The suspension is a bit on the firmer side to aid with sharper handling dynamics. Braking performance is progressive yet strong from the 300 mm disc at the front and the 230 mm disc at the rear.

The seating arrangement of the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 remains sporty. The 807mm seat height is low, but the wide seats and centre panels tend to push your legs out wider when straddling the motorcycle. It makes getting both your feet on the ground slightly more difficult on this than on other bikes with similar seat heights. The riding ergonomics of the Pulsar NS200 are not sporty but decently comfortable even for longer riding journeys. 

The latest iteration of the Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 features an upside-down suspension unit at the front. However, the most noteworthy feature addition is the all-new full-LCD instrument console that provides information such as distance-to-empty, gear position, real-time fuel economy, and average fuel economy. It also has Bluetooth connectivity with turn-by-turn navigation. The Pulsar NS200 also gets split seats, clip-on handlebars, split pillion grab rails, and backlit switches.

The new console is a negatively-lit LCD one and offers Bluetooth connectivity and features such as call and SMS alerts, phone battery and signal levels and turn-by-turn navigation. Additionally, the console also displays readouts like distance-to-empty, real-time and average mileage along with regular readouts such as speed, tachometer readouts, fuel level and odometer and trip meter readouts.

Bajaj has also reworked the left-hand side switchgear and added a new button, with which riders can navigate the console.

If you're a riding enthusiast who prefers aggressive styling and raw power without compromising practicality and affordability, the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 is a great pick. It is a good balance between performance, efficiency, and comfort, making it a potent choice for those who want to upgrade to more powerful motorcycles.