If you grew up in the 90s or 2000s, the name ‘Pulsar’ likely sparks a distinct memory. But among the herd, one wolf stands apart—the Bajaj Pulsar NS200. Since its debut in 2012, this streetfighter has refused to grow old.
Whether you are a college student looking for your first sportbike or an enthusiast wanting raw power on a budget, here is why the NS200 might just be the perfect garage companion for you.
1. The Heart of the Beast: An Engine That Loves to Scream
The NS200 isn’t your average commuter. Under the tank lies a 199.5cc liquid-cooled engine derived from the legendary KTM Duke 200.
- The “Jekyll and Hyde” Character: Below 4,000 RPM, it behaves like a calm city bike. But cross 7,000 RPM, and the beast wakes up!. It screams all the way to the redline, delivering a massive 24.5 PS of power.
- Top Speed Thrills: It loves the highway. You can cruise comfortably, and if you push it, this machine can touch top speeds of around 136-140 km/h.
2. Looks That Kill (Even After a Decade)
Bajaj got the design so right the first time that they barely changed it for over 10 years. It features a muscular perimeter frame (a rare find in this budget) and that signature “wolf-like” headlamp stance.
What’s New in 2024? Bajaj finally gave the fans what they wanted. The latest model comes with:
- Upside Down (USD) Forks: For that big-bike look and better handling.
- All-Digital Console: Gone is the old analogue tachometer; now you get a fully digital cluster with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation.
- LED Lighting: New LED headlamps with DRLs make it look sharper than ever.
3. Handling: Corners Like it’s on Rails
This is where the NS200 truly shines. Thanks to its pressed steel perimeter frame, the bike is incredibly stable.
- Confidence: The handling is sharp and agile. You can flick it through city traffic or lean into corners on the weekend; the bike shouts, “Push me harder!”.
- Braking: It now comes with Dual-Channel ABS and Grimeca callipers, ensuring you stop as fast as you accelerate.
4. The “Real Talk”: What You Might Hate
No bike is perfect, and we want to be honest with you. Here are a few things owners often grumble about:
- Turning Radius: It has a wide turning circle. Trying to make a U-turn in a tight parking spot can feel like maneuvering a truck.
- Stiff Ride: The suspension is tuned for handling, not comfort. You will feel those potholes and bumps in the city.
- Vibrations: While smooth at high speeds, you might feel a buzz in the handlebars and footpegs around the 4,000–5,000 RPM mark.
- Weight: At roughly 158-159.5 kg, it is slightly heavier than its rivals, making it a bit tricky to reverse on slopes.
Pro-Tips for Owners
- Tire Pressure Matters: To get the best handling and mileage, keep your front tyre at 25 PSI and the rear at 28 PSI (solo rider).
- Chain Care: This is an open-chain bike. Clean and lubricate the chain every 500 km to keep that power delivery smooth.
- Fuel: Always maintain at least 3 litres of petrol in the tank to protect the fuel pump.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
If you want a bike that is purely for commuting from point A to B comfortably, look elsewhere. But, if you want a machine that makes you grin every time you twist the throttle, offers big-bike specs like liquid cooling and a perimeter frame, and doesn’t break the bank—the Pulsar NS200 is still the King.
Dhanush, an automobile expert with over 5 years of experience in the latest auto news and updates. Your go-to source for every development in the world of cars and bikes