Bajaj Pulsar RS200: 7 things you need to know

1.) Engine: The Bajaj Pulsar RS200 essentially has the same engine as the naked 200NS. That said, Bajaj Auto has tweaked it to deliver 24.5PS@9,750rpm and 18.6Nm@8,000rpm, making it the most powerful Pulsar yet. What sets apart the Pulsar RS200 motor is the fact that it will be fuel-injected unlike the carburetted motor as seen on the Pulsar 200NS. The addition of fuel-injection should not only result in improved power delivery but also better efficiency. The Pulsar RS200 continues to be mated to a six-speed transmission. 

2.) Fastest Pulsar Yet: Ever since Bajaj unveiled their first teaser video of the RS200 a few weeks back, it has been making a lot of hullabaloo about it being the fastest Pulsar offering yet. The Chakan-based bike maker claims that the Pulsar RS200 can record a maximum speed of 141kmph. While it does weight 165kg, it also has a bump in the power and torque over the naked Pulsar 200NS. Moreover, the fairing and the aerodynamics most definitely have a part to play. 

3.) Dimensions: To stick to the Race Sport DNA of the RS200, Bajaj has reduced the overall dimensions compared to its naked sibling. The Pulsar RS200 is 2,155mm long, 1,999mm wide and just 765mm tall. A shorter wheelbase of 1,355mm will ensure better handling dynamics. That said, the weight might just be a cause of concern, especially keeping in mind motorcycles like the Kawasaki Ninja 250R and the Ninja 300 are just 5kg and 7kg heavier despite being parallel-twins. To make matters a little more difficult, the 157mm ground clearance might just mean that the Pulsar RS200 underbelly will scrape on large potholes and speed bumps. 

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4.) Features: In terms of features, Bajaj has always equipped the Pulsar range with more for the kind of money it demands, this new offering is no different. It comes with a two-piece handlebar, LED DRLs and tail lamps and a semi-digital console with 2 trip meters and a clock. To ensure that the bike offers a combination of good ride and handling, Bajaj has fitted the Pulsar RS200 with monoshock suspension.  Aside from these, it also gets 300mm disc at the front and 230mm disc brakes at the back.

5.) Technology: In terms of technology, the Pulsar RS200 gets the patented Triple-spark technology for improved thermal efficiency. Like its naked sibling, this one too gets four valves. Moreover, Bajaj has been smart in adding ABS to the list albeit at a price. 

6.) Competition: For the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 to taste success in the market it will have to go against some very able competitors like the Yamaha YZF-R15 and the Honda CBR 150R. While it does get an edge over the Yamaha YZF-R15 in terms of engine specifications, it also demands a premium over it. Moreover, it doesn’t offer the kind of quality that Yamaha as well as Honda have on offer. The Chakan-based bike maker expects to sell about 2,500 units each month. 

7.) Price: Bajaj has priced the Pulsar RS200 at Rs 1.18 lakh for the standard variant and Rs 1.30 lakh for the ABS equipped trim. At the current price the non-ABS version, it is nearly Rs 4,000 higher than the Yamaha YZF-R15 but is around Rs 4,000 cheaper than the Honda CBR150R. Bajaj has smartly placed the Pulsar RS200 between both these offering, but sadly the same cannot be said about the ABS version which comes really close to the Rs 1.38 lakh price point of the KTM 200 Duke.