Bajaj Pulsar RS 200: By : Borneo Bulletin / Biz Brunei On : September 4, 2021 Bajaj Auto has launched a thoroughly updated version of the Pulsar RS 200 sports bike in a bold move aimed at disrupting India’s battle-ready sports motorcycle space with its dynamic design, improved performance and aggressive price-point to take on heavyweights in the respective categories.
And this radical re-boot of the RS platform is Bajaj’s most ambitious pitch yet to get riders lusting for performance from elsewhere to now hanker after a far more affordable machine.
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Bajaj Pulsar RS 200: Design Renaissance: Sharp, Purposeful, Differentiating
New Pulsar RS 200 still keeps the unique twin-projector headlamp layout the model has been known for, but adorns it with all-new bodywork that addresses the criticism that the prevgen RS 200 received for its busier design.
A redesigned front fairing takes on a smoother, more angular design with innovative airflow management channels to win over more wind while enhancing the bike’s look.
“We have retained the character of the RS 200 the way it stands out in the crowd but at the same time every panel in the design has been resculpted with a purpose.
treason trend or tradition, the form of the RS200 has been treated verging on the realm of fantasy, with every part is made to serve a purpose and for reasons more than just skin deep,” says Sarang Kanade, President – Motorcycle Business at Bajaj Auto. The aim was to have that styling look fast when parked but also be more slippery in the wind.
In side profile the bike gets louder proportions with a more pronounced pitch from the tank to the tail, making for a more committed riding position.
Unit Pro-Link swingarm design with low-mount single shock fenders further acc entuate the CB1100 EX’s more aggressive, ground-hugging lines and is topped off by a more con temporary take on the classic round headlight.
Sold in the “Thruster Orange” as shown, along with “Phantom White” with red framework and two gray-on-gray colorways, the RS 200 is in-your-face to a degree that belies its price.
Performance: Honestly, The Same As Before (If It Ain’t Broke…)
Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 Under the sharply designed fairing is an updated version of Bajaj’s reliable 199.5cc liquid-cooled, four-valve, triple-spark motor. Displacement is the same, but extensive interior changes result in significant increases in both power and personality.
Power has been bumped slightly to 24.5 PS at 9,750 rpm, but more importantly the torque curve has been broadened, and peak torque (19.2Nm) is now delivered 750 rpm sooner in the rev range.
This flatter torque curve results in more midrange acceleration – something that’s been criticized on the previous model – but you get the intense top-end rush that characterizes the RS experience.
The six-speed gear box gets love with new gear ratios and an optimized shift mechanism for better aesthetics. The slipper clutch – a rarity at this price point – is also standard and enables aggressive downshifts when attacking the corners without the fear of rear-wheel hop.
“What we have aimed for is real-world rideability rather than headline figures,” says Kanade. “The updated power comes on organizationally in the one place that riders spend the most time and now has more urgency; the result is a bike that’s more fun and everyday friendly, while retaining being fun and exciting to ride hard.”
Chassis and Handling: Precision With All-Day Comfort
Although the perimeter frame continues to be more or less the same as before, Bajaj has also tweaked the suspension componentry to improve both ride comfort and handling precision.
At the front, adjustable preload for the forks mean you can tweak the setup to suit your weight and riding style – something riders of more expensive bikes can take for granted.
Rear Suspension The rear monoshock has been retuned to suit the new chassis and rear wheel travel is a robust 179mm, while the progressive damping helps to smoother out the smaller bumps on the planet without sacrificing the poise required to attack corners or soak up high-speed bumps. Unsprung mass is decreased with lighter aluminum swingarm pivots and wheel bearings.
Brake performance gets a real lift with the 300 mm front and 230 mm rear discs grabbed by fresh calipers that provide better feel and modulation.
Additionally, the dual-channel ABS gets several new modes now- there is a more aggressive track-oriented setting which offers less intervention at the rear wheel for riders who want a looser leash for a more dynamic ride.
Technology: Modern Touches for the Modern Mindful Rider
Knowing that the modern sports bike fan wanting technology with performance, Bajaj have provided the RS 200 with certain goodies which have never been seen before in this category of a motorcycle.
A new part-digital, fully color TFT dashboard provides more information in an easier-to-read manner, with automatic brightness to adjust the levels according to light condition.
This unit is complemented by Bajaj’s Ride Connect app and in doing so, the console syncs with the rider’s smartphone to serve as a source of turn-by-turn guidance, call notifications and ride telemetry monitoring.
Unllike dumbed-down unit, this incorporates suchlike turn-by-turn direction prompts on the instrument cluster, so there’s no need to clamp on a smartphone on the handlebar.
More tech upgrades are all-LED lighting, USB charging point and ride-by-wire throttle that allows for different ride modes – Urban, Sport and Rain – with individual throttle response and ABS intervention.
So how is the ergonomics-y?
Though it retains the ‘sport’racing position and aggressive stance that is characteristic to the RS platform (now in its 10th year), Bajaj has given their RS200 a set of ergonomics that not only are subtle touches but are also much more comfortable for the everyday rider.
Clip-on handlebars have been raised slightly and are a bit closer to the rider to alleviate wrist pressure when navigating through suburbia, and control while leaning over hasn’t been compromised .
The rider seat is designed with significant padding that is shaped to keep the bike’s rider and any passenger comfortable on longer hauls, and keeps the rider from sliding forward under hard breaking.
Wind protection – essential for any faired motorcycle – was also improved with the use of wind tunnel testing to improve the fairing and screen design for reduced buffeting on the highway.
“The RS 200 has to feel great on a twisty mountain road during a weekend drive and a pleasant companion on a regular daily drive,” says Kanade.
This ergonomy perfectly counterbalances the more aggressive engine configuration and is thus able to match the bike’s overall sporty characteristics.
How the Market is Playing Out: Disruptive Value
Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 If there is one thing that has hit the nail on the head with the refreshed RS 200, it’s the aggressive pricing. Even with all the heavy updates Bajaj has typ the bike between ₹1.52-1.64 lakh (ex-showroom) which is pretty incredible value for money considering bikes in its price bracket don’t offer as much for more money really.
This places the RS 200 in a unique position – you get truly sporting attributes at a price that allows even aspiring enthusiasts to afford one who may be tempted to settle for something less at performance levels.
“We’re democratizing the sports bike experience,” says Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Auto. “This motorcycle has the sound, feel and power of something that would pay thousands more – but be cheaper in the long run than constantly outgrowing toy-like options,” said Bruce Stjernstrom, KTM North America Product Marketing Manager.
Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 Conclusion: Lowering the Bar
Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 With the updated Pulsar RS 200, Bajaj has thrown the gauntlet in the face of competition, both direct rivals and a few from more premium manufacturers.
It defies the belief of what an accessible sports bike can offer Its XX-inspired lines and performance spec make an eye-catching addition to the legendary RS range.
“India’s bike market is growing up and buyers are much more discerning than they were just a few years ago, and Bajaj knows that the type of riders who will buy such vehicles are not ready to pay a premium just for the name, they are looking for something they can really take on track and carve the corners with.
For those with their priorities right and their wallets in check, the revamped RS 200 makes a pretty strong case that one would imagine see rivals give it the rethinking wonderment, thanks to what’s on hand within its competitive playing field.
