4 Reasons To Buy & 4 Reasons To Not Buy The Bajaj Pulsar NS200

Does the Pulsar NS200 still have the appeal that made it such a loveable motorcycle over the years?

The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 was liked by everyone when it entered the market over a decade ago,and was especially loved by the enthusiasts. So, is the current NS200 still a very appealing choice to consider while planning for your next purchase?

Reasons To Buy the Pulsar NS200

Good Handling Dynamics

The addition of the inverted fork and lighter wheels has made the front more agile during cornering and has improved the already good handling dynamics of the Pulsar NS200. You don’t need to put much effort into changing directions, which is very helpful in the city. And it also helps you carry greater speeds in the corners, making it pretty fun in the twisties. 

Good Feedback From The Brakes

The 300mm front and 230mm rear disc brake setup offers good bite and is fairly responsive. The feedback from the lever allows you to correctly judge the brake pressure applied, making the ride all the more stress-free. And the inclusion of dual-channel ABS means you don’t have to worry about the wheel locking up while panic braking.

Sharp and Muscular Design

The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 has always had a sharp, sporty, and muscular design language, which has largely remained unchanged in the current version as well. The aggressive lines give it a commanding presence on the road and the inverted fork enhances that appeal. Pulsar enthusiasts will love the design as it is still easily recognisable while having a hint of modernity.    

Sporty Performance From The Engine

The 199.5cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine is high-revving, with its best performance output lying above the 5,000rpm mark. Combined with the quick acceleration, the Pulsar NS200 is a fun bike to ride in any situation. The engine is able to maintain highway speeds pretty well too, so you can use it to tour as well. 

Reasons to avoid the Pulsar NS200

Firm Suspension Setup

The inverted fork and monoshock suspension setup is firm and while it helps with the handling dynamics, the ride comfort on the NS200 has taken a hit as a result. The front does a reasonable job of absorbing the speed bumps and potholes but the rear makes you feel the imperfections of the road on your bum and lower back.  

Lack Of Modern Features

The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 comes equipped with a semi-digital instrument console that gives your usual readouts like speedometer, odometer, tachometer, distance-to-empty, and average mileage, among others. But as a modern day 200cc streetfighter, it misses out on features that are pretty common these days like all-LED lighting and Bluetooth connectivity with turn-by-turn navigation. 

Ergonomics Not Very Accessible For Shorter Riders

The 807mm seat height, along with the wide seats, mean that the Pulsar NS200 might not be very accessible for shorter riders. You should keep that in mind while considering the motorcycle for your next purchase.

Not So Value For Money Pricing

The current Pulsar NS200 has dual-channel ABS and an inverted fork among other changes but it also gets a price bump of Rs 9,000 over the previous model. And the price tag of Rs 1,29,645 (ex-showroom Delhi) does not offer as much value on paper, and with an additional Rs 20,000, you can get the torquier, more modern Pulsar N250.

Should You Buy The Bajaj Pulsar NS200?

Sure, the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 does not offer too many modern features, has a stiffer suspension setup that makes for a firm ride quality, tall seat height and is a bit pricey. But the things that do work for the bike make you overlook some of the cons, most of the time while riding. The engaging engine along with the great handling characteristics make it a very good option to consider if you are on the market for a sporty, nimble 200cc streetfighter that will give you a fun riding experience every time you open the throttle.