Bajaj Pulsar RS 200

How is the design of Pulsar RS 200?

We can certainly agree that Pulsar RS 200 is the most attractive bike featuring the Bajaj Logo. The overall design is aggressive due to the heavy front. You can notice the Japanese touch on the bike, but the blend is ideal for giving a new design language to this beast of a bike. If you pay closer attention, the position of the headlamps resembles the character of a rattlesnake which suggests the aggression of the bike.

The dual-LED pilot lamps are combined with small decals gives an added spirit to the design. The indicators resemble the ones on the KTM Duke 200. The sports bike also features a colossal windscreen which can be pretty handy while riding. 

The side profile of the bike looks very hawkish. The romance of RS200 with decals is pretty visible. Adding to that is the deep and sharp creases of the multi-panel fairing. Both of them combined make it look a bit overdone but not unpleasant to the eyes.

If you look at the perimeter frame, it’s pretty visible but has been designed not to hinder the eye but rather complement the body. The cowl close to the engine functions more like aerodynamic assistance rather than covering the engine. Bajaj has finely integrated the fuel tank, which is neither bulky nor sharp. The most appealing feature of the new tank is the horizontally positioned cushioned tank pad.

Another new addition is on the tail section, where Bajaj has taken a new design approach by integrating grab bars with the tail component. It seems to be inspired by the Kawasaki Ninja 300. The tail-light cluster is also a new addition. The new exhaust is also well-designed which beautifully aligns with the overall design.

The only minor complaint a typical Pulsar biker would have from Bajaj is a better fit and finish. Still, when you consider the overall look, the design is so communicative that it’s not hard to guess that it’s majorly targeting young bikers and college students.

How does the Pulsar RS 200 ride?

While it looks like a super sports bike, the Pulsar RS 200 cannot be compared to the likes of KTM 1290 Super Duke, Honda CBR1000RR-R, or Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX. But having said that, it sure gives the feels of a super sports bike to the rider.

With the footpegs shifted closer to the rear and the raised handlebar, the riding position allows an added comfort while riding. The primary reason behind this upgrade is to offer the option of racing down the track along while cruising through the city roads.

Compared to the NS200, the Pulsar RS200 features a longer swingarm and a shorter wheelbase which makes the bike very poise. Whether you want to enjoy cruising through the corners or want your bike to make a sudden direction change, RS200 is ready for it. The perimeter frame makes the handling character very precise.

Pulsar RS200’s alliance with the MRF Zapper tyres is perhaps one of the biggest highlights in terms of a safe ride. The grip and the performance give the rider enough confidence and support to sail through the sharpest of corners.

The RS 200 is also the first Pulsar to receive an ABS. It is an excellent addition to the safety feature of the bike.

How comfortable is the Pulsar RS 200?

Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 is one of the most comfortable Pulsar motorcycle based on the ergonomic seat, handling, and other upgrades.

The bike maintains a steady balance even at higher RPMs and produces much fewer vibrations that enhance comfort and handling. The exhaust’s sound is not too harsh, neither too low but just pleasant enough to give the ‘superbike feel.

The engine of RS200 is similar to the NS200 along with the same stroke, bottom end and bore. But one addition that makes a real difference is the fuel injection which makes the engine smoother, power delivery more predictable and the throttle response more firm.

As mentioned above, the RS200 is the first in the family to be equipped with an ABS. While it's a single-channel ABS, therefore, it works only on the front wheel. This can be a slight drawback when it comes to a panic situation, as light braking will not lock the front wheel, but the rear will lock up with enough might.

Therefore, it is advisable to use both brakes in an emergency. While the rear does slides, it is much more manageable. The 300mm front rotor gives the brake a robust bite and feels along with effortless control.

How is the tech in Pulsar RS 200?

The centre console has a digital fuel indicator along with an analogue tachometer, which has been retained from its previous models.

The right console sports a tiny display comprising of two trip meters, a speedometer and a side-stand indicator. Conversely, the left side features an oil level, turn indicator and a battery indicator.

The cluster further has a blue backlight which gives it a very fresh appeal. RS 200 also features two buttons to adjust the trip meter and time, but they are not user friendly. Unlike the 220F and NS200, the rear-view mirrors of Pulsar RS200 have been upgraded to much clear visibility.

How is the mileage of Pulsar RS 200?

Bajaj claims to offer a mileage of 35 kmpl and boasts a fuel tank with a capacity of 13 litres. Now due to the ABS unit and additional fairing, the bike weight has increased by 20 kg. While the weight has not affected the comfort or performance, it will indeed affect the mileage.

Overall, you can expect to cross the 300 kilometres target with a full fuel tank.

How is the performance of Pulsar RS 200?

The Bajaj bike is powered by a 199.5 cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that generates a 24.2 bhp at 9750 rpm along with a maximum torque of 18.6 Nm at 8000 rpm. It is well suited for a daily ride and cruising through busy roads because of its balanced aggression and comfortable handling.

Unlike its predecessor, RS 200’s engine is much more mature and has a level of exemplary refinement. After you surpass the 4,000 rpm, the Pulsar bike is just a joy to ride. The six-speed gearbox offers precise shifts as it is mated with the single-cylinder engine. The clutch feels well-weighted and light to use.

The overall performance of the new Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 is commendable as it a well-balanced bike. While it functions as a road bike, it has enough features to satisfy the riders on the race track.

Is the Pulsar RS 200 a good value?

At Rs. 1.5 Lac, the Pulsar RS 200 is the only bike with an ABS, which is a considerable safety addition. The performance with its 199.5cc engine is also commendable. Adding to this is the ergonomics, which gives maximum comfort while riding. When you also account for the aggressive design which the RS200 features, it's almost irresistible for a bike lover to let this beast go at this price range.