Spotted recently at a dealer unveiling, Bajaj’s popular Pulsar 200NS streetbike can now be confirmed to make a comeback to showrooms. First launched in 2012, the Pulsar 200NS exited Bajaj’s line-up last year, in the wake of the Pulsar 200AS’s launch, as it attacked the same arena with the value addition of a front fairing.
A Pulsar 200NS comeback seems a bit overdue; given that the naked bike competition is heating up in the 200cc space, with Bajaj’s arch rival TVS Motor Co. now selling the able Apache RTR 200 here. The new Pulsar 200NS will retain much of its distinct identity, showing off the familiar bodywork, albeit with suitably tweaked and refreshed styling.
The next-generation 200NS can be expected to retain the outgoing model’s engine – the smooth-performing four-stroke, 199.5cc, liquid-cooled and single-cylinder unit, capped with a four-valve single overhead camshaft head, extensively tested by us. Triple spark-plug technology will be incorporated. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely the new Pulsar 200NS fuel injection adds on fuel-injection technology, as that would undoubtedly push pricing up; even more crucial now for this bike, as it must take on the Apache RTR 200, and squeeze in good breathing space between its own recently born relative, the attractively priced Dominar 400.
Maximum power on the Pulsar 200NS should be around the same figure as before, a meaty 23.5hp pushed out at 9,500rpm, with torque 18.2Nm delivered at 8,000rpm. The Pulsar 200NS will deploy a six-speed gearbox.
Expect a twin spar steel frame as before, with monoshock rear suspension and disc brakes, front and rear. Bajaj would do well to offer ABS on this premium and quick-performing new bike.
There’s been quite a bit of expectation towards a smaller-capacity NS. However, we’d be really surprised to see Bajaj bring such a model to India in the lower market rungs, say around 150cc where it has already got a solid presence.
What is expected though, and has also been spied at the dealer unveiling, is a refreshed Pulsar RS 200, with new grey and black styling, plus the addition of contrasting white trim lining on its wheels. Expect this, and the next-gen Pulsar 200NS to slip into showrooms within a couple of weeks from now, in early 2017.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
