Bajaj Pulsar RS200 BS6: Same Price, Other Options

From an electric scooter to a retro roadster, there’s a variety of two-wheelers for around the same price of the recently launched Bajaj Pulsar RS200 BS6. Check out our top 5 picks:

Bajaj recently launched the BS6-compliant version of its popular 200cc faired bike, the Pulsar RS200. Priced at Rs 1,44,966 (ex-showroom Delhi), the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 BS6 has a number of alternatives for around the same price that cater to diverse genres. Here are the top five choices you can go for if the Pulsar RS200 BS6 doesn’t catch your fancy: 

Ather 450X with Pro pack: Price - Rs 1,45,000

The Ather 450X is the only electric option in this list, priced at Rs 1.45 lakh for the top-end Pro Pack (ex-showroom Delhi, including GST and FAME II subsidy). This upfront pricing plan includes a three-year battery warranty as well. However, to avail essential features like connectivity, Over The Air Updates and public charging service, you will have to pay for the Ather subscription plan, which starts from Rs 3,000 per year and goes up to Rs 8,400 per year for the Ather One subscription plan.

Also Read: Ather 450X: First Ride Review

Apart from being feature-loaded, the scooter is packed to the brim with performance too. In fact, the 6kW (peak power), 26Nm electric motor can help propel the scooter from 0-60kmph in 6.5 seconds. That’s a whole 1.4 seconds quicker than the Aprilia SR150! That said, with a real-world range of 85km in Eco mode, the scooter is best used for commutes within the limits of the city. 

Yamaha R15 V3.0 BS6 price: Rs 1,45,300

If you want a capable, fully-faired alternative at around the same price bracket as that of the Pulsar RS200 BS6, then at Rs 1,45,300, the Yamaha R15 Version 3.0 BS6 is an ideal choice. It is just Rs 334 dearer than the Pulsar RS200 BS6. 

However, it gets a smaller 155cc motor which churns out 18.6PS and 14.1Nm, which is a whole 5.9PS and 4.6Nm less than the faired bike from Bajaj. However, it makes up with features like Variable Valve Actuation (which ensures a good balance of low-end grunt and top-end drive) and a 6-speed transmission with assist and slipper clutch which not only reduces the clutch lever effort but also prevents the rear wheel from locking up while downshifting aggressively. It also gets a much more aggressive ergonomics and this coupled with the 24kg lighter weight (142kg kerb) make the bike a hoot to ride around corners.

KTM 125 Duke BS6 price: Rs 1,38,041

At Rs 1,38,041, the KTM 125 Duke BS6 is the most affordable motorcycle from the Austrian manufacturer. It is Rs 6,925 less expensive than the Pulsar RS200 BS6 and consequently, it is also a lot less powerful. The 124.7cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled motor churns out just 14.5PS and 12Nm compared to the Pulsar RS200 BS6’s 24.5PS and 18.7Nm.

But on the flip side, it is loaded with premium underpinnings. The motorcycle comes with a proper inverted front fork and rear monoshock - both from WP. It also gets a large 300mm front disc with a radial caliper, a 230mm rear disc and single-channel ABS as standard. If you’re a KTM enthusiast who wants a well-equipped entry-level performance-oriented bike, then the KTM 125 Duke BS6 is the one to go for. 

Royal Enfield Bullet 350 ES BS6 price: Rs 1,37,194

One of the world’s oldest production motorcycles has finally become future-proof with the launch of the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 BS6. The ES version costs Rs 1,37,194, which is Rs 7,772 less than the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 BS6. While it gets a bigger motor with more torque on tap (28Nm), it isn’t anywhere near as powerful as the faired Pulsar. With an output of 19.3PS, the bike is ideal for relaxed riding. 

Its easy-going ergonomics also enhances its touring capabilities. However, some riders may find its kerb weight of 191kg a bit too cumbersome. All in all, the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 BS6 is an ideal motorcycle for those who like retro roadsters.