2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS200 Review: More Wholesome Than Before

The Pulsar NS200 looks a lot more muscular than before 

• Powering it is the same 199.5cc liquid-cooled engine from the KTM 200 Duke
• 24.5PS and 18.7Nm mean it is the most powerful engine in this segment after the Duke
• In terms of features, the bike now gets a new LCD console which is quite nice as well

The Bajaj Pulsar NS series made a significant impact when it was introduced by Bajaj. The unveiling of the Pulsar NS200 in 2011 created a sensation in the market, showcasing Bajaj Auto's remarkable progress in performance and engineering. With its engine derived from KTM, the Pulsar NS200 quickly gained popularity and solidified Bajaj's dominance in the entry-level performance segment.

Over more than a decade, the Bajaj Pulsar NS series has continued to exist and is now available in various displacements. However, facing competition from both internal and external sources, the NS series began to show signs of aging.

Recognizing this, Bajaj provided the Pulsar NS200 with a quite significant update since their inception. The question remains: are these updates sufficient, and more importantly, do these motorcycles still hold relevance in the market? Let’s find out:

2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS200: Design & Features

In terms of design, the first major change that stands out is the new LED headlight cluster, replacing the halogen unit in the current bikes. The cluster consists of two V-shaped LED units at the center, flanked by LED DRLs in the shape of lightning bolts (or fangs, depending on how you perceive them) on either side. The headlight cowl also looks a bit different, sporting cleaner design lines than the current one.

The other change is the new negatively lit LCD instrument console. The fully digital display gets an all-new layout and comes equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, call and SMS alerts, phone battery and signal levels, distance to empty, real-time and average mileage, and turn-by-turn navigation. The left switchgear layout is also different as it gets an additional switch to navigate through the details on the instrument console. Design-wise, there aren’t many changes, and the 2024 NS160 and NS200 will carry over the same sharp design lines from the current models. But they are expected to get new color schemes though.

2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS200: Engine

The Pulsar NS200 has retained its bold and aggressive character. It still exudes raw power and thrives on being ridden vigorously. Its performance in cornering has seen improvement, with the front end feeling more stable and easier to manage. Notably, navigating the bike through tight sections of the Bajaj test track demanded minimal effort, potentially rivaling the ease of handling seen in the KTM Dukes.

2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS200: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

The Pulsar NS200 hasn't undergone any upgrades in this department as well and it may disappoint some, especially considering the significant improvements made by its competitors in these areas. Those seeking performance enhancements may find themselves wanting.

However, Bajaj asserts that the Pulsar NS200 leads in its engine capacity segments in terms of performance. The update primarily aimed to enhance handling and overall riding experience rather than to boost performance.

2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS200: Dimensions

In theory, a USD (upside-down) fork offers greater stiffness and rigidity to the front of the motorcycle. This typically translates to enhanced feedback and responsiveness for the rider. However, we couldn't directly compare the old and new forks as we lacked the chance to ride both versions consecutively.

2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS200: Price

Since Bajaj hasn’t officially announced the bike’s prices yet, we expect the 2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and NS200 to receive a premium of Rs 3,000 - 4,000 over the current models’ Rs 1,49,363 and Rs 1,36,736 (ex-showroom Delhi) price tags respectively. The 2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS160 will rival the Suzuki Gixxer, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Yamaha FZ-S Fi V4, and Hero Xtreme 160R 4V. The 2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS200 will rival the likes of the Apache RTR 200 4V, KTM 200 Duke, and the Honda Hornet 2.0.

Verdict 

Indeed, the Pulsar NS200 remains relevant. In fact, it maintains its status as a preferred option among customers, surpassing the newer Pulsar 250 models by a considerable margin in sales. The enduring popularity of the NS200 is evident. It continues to offer an exhilarating and enjoyable riding experience, characterized by its high-revving engine and thrilling performance.

Moreover, with the recent updates, its appeal has only grown stronger. In the Indian market, the Pulsar NS200 holds its significance, firmly entrenched as a vital component of the Pulsar brand's heritage.