The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 first arrived on the scene in 2012, and in the time since, has only received minor updates. The lower-displacement NS models that have joined it over time also share the same basic fundamentals, and so the line-up has been getting a little long in the tooth over recent years. To remedy that, Bajaj has now updated the NS200 and NS160, and here’s what’s new.
Updated Bajaj Pulsar NS200, NS160: USD fork, dual-channel ABS
The biggest and most impactful changes that Bajaj has made to the two bikes are the addition of an upside-down fork to replace the earlier conventional telescopic units, and dual-channel ABS in place of the earlier single-channel system.
The USD fork is something that we saw coming – Bajaj recently launched these two bikes in Brazil under the Dominar brand, with a USD fork, so it was only a matter of time before the update reflected in India as well. The Brazil-spec bikes, though, still only get single-channel ABS.
Updated Bajaj Pulsar NS200, NS160: new wheels
While the NS models haven’t gotten a generational update like we’re seeing on some of the other Pulsar models, they are still benefiting from the next-gen models that are rolling out. In this case, the NS200 and NS160 now get the lighter wheels from the Pulsar 250s. This has resulted in a small weight-saving on the NS200. On the NS160, however, weight has actually gone up slightly, since it now uses fatter tyres than before, and this offsets the lighter wheels.
Updated Bajaj Pulsar NS200, NS160: new features
There are also a couple of new features on offer here. Thanks to slightly revised instrumentation, you now get a gear position indicator, fuel efficiency data, and a distance-to-empty readout. However, the NS range continues to use a basic halogen reflector headlight.
Updated Bajaj Pulsar NS200, NS160: new colours
Bajaj is very much in the habit of periodically mixing up the colour schemes available on its models, and the two updated NS models are now available in new colours as well. These are Metallic Pearl White, Glossy Ebony Black, Satin Red, and Pewter Grey – the second and third options here are new, while Burnt Red and Satin Blue are the options that are no longer available.
Updated Bajaj Pulsar NS200, NS160: price hike
As a result of the changes and the additional hardware they bring, the two NS models have seen a price hike. At Rs 1.35 lakh, the NS160 is now Rs 10,000 dearer than before, while the NS200 has become Rs 7,000 more expensive and is now priced at Rs 1.47 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Vishal Venugopal
Ved Janve
Azaman Chothia
