Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 vs rivals: specs comparison

Bajaj Auto, with the help of Mattighofen-based sportsbike manufacturer – KTM – has developed its new 200cc Pulsar called the RS 200. The motorcycle is fully faired, and is rumored to have the same engine as the Pulsar 200 NS. Bajaj will launch the new Pulsar RS 200 on the March 26 in Mumbai. We take a closer look at the bike and compare it to rivals – the KTM RC200 and the Honda CBR 250R – on paper.

Displacement

All the motorcycles in the comparison make use of single-cylinder, four-stroke and liquid-cooled engine. While we are aware that the Pulsar RS 200 and the RC200 use the same 199.5cc engines, jointly developed by Bajaj and KTM, the difference is that KTM uses a single spark plug to start its engine, and the Pulsar uses three. The Honda CBR 250R definitely has a displacement advantage over the rest, with its engine developing 249cc, about 50cc more than the rest.

Power

The Honda CBR 250R makes 26bhp at an early 8,500rpm, clearly at the top, but the smaller capacity KTM RC200 makes 24.7bhp at 10,000rpm, which is achieved rather quickly, close to the larger CBR. The Pulsar RS 200 is close, producing 24.2bhp at 9,750rpm.

Torque

The CBR 250R makes the maximum torque of 2.3kgm at 7,000rpm. The KTM RC200 and the Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 make the same amount of torque – 1.9kgm at 8,000rpm.

Suspension

KTM has given the RC200 upmarket USD forks up front and a monoshock does duty at rear. The Honda CBR 250R and the Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 use conventional telescopic forks upfront and a standard monoshock at rear. This setup also does its duty well on the two bikes.

Fuel tank capacity

Both the Bajaj RS 200 and the Honda CBR 250R have decent fuel tank capacity, both capable of carrying 13 litres of fuel. The KTM RC200 is equipped to carry 9.5 litres of fuel.

Brakes

Honda's CBR 250R and Bajaj's RS 200 get ABS equipped disc brakes up front and at rear.
Also, Honda provides a combined braking system on its CBR 250R also. KTM however, does not provide ABS brakes on the RC200.

Weight

The lightest motorcycle in the comparison here is the KTM RC200, weighing just 154kg, it also has the best power to weight ratio in the comparison. Bajaj’s Pulsar RS 200 weighs 165kg, and the Honda CBR 250R, weighs 167kg only. 

Price

Bajaj has just priced its Pulsar RS 200 at Rs 1.18 lakh, for the non-ABS variant, and the one that is equipped with ABS braking is priced at Rs 1.30 lakh. The new and fully-faired Pulsar RS 200 provides good value for money for those looking to purchase a sportsbike that is not as aggressive as KTM’s RC series and has a fresher and newer appearance, compared to Honda's CBR 250R. The KTM RC200 is priced at Rs 1.77 lakh and the Honda CBR 250R is priced at Rs 1.88 lakh (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi).

Price table
Motorcycle	Price
Bajaj Pulsar RS 200	1.30 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
KTM RC 200	1.66 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Honda CBR 250R	1.88 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)