Today we got a chance to finally ride the new Bajaj Pulsar RS200. Bajaj had earlier opened sales of the motorcycle announcing a price of Rs 1.18 lakh ex-showroom Delhi. As you know the motorcycle is based on the Bajaj Pulsar 200NS but is formatted to look like a supersport motorcycle. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s changed

The frame is the same as the Pulsar 200NS but it wears a bunch of metal stays needed to mount the fairing now. In the process of this and the plastics of the complex looking fairing itself, the weight has gone up by a substantial 12kg, 6kg of this comes from the mounts and plastics alone while 2.5kg comes from the ABS unit and bigger magneto for the twin projector lamps. You don’t feel it but the engine most certainly has to work harder to produce performance. The new bodywork et al also move the centre of gravity a smidgen forward which Bajaj says gives a more secure feel at the front. Other changes? Well, the swingarm is about 5mm longer.
Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 (2)

On the engine front, this is a fuel injected motorcycle and that’s about it. There is some sprocketing work and the overall gearing is a little shorter as well

On the engine front, this is a fuel injected motorcycle and that’s about it. The rear sprocket gets two additional teeth and the overall gearing is a little shorter as well. Bajaj further says that because of the fairing, a lot of work has been done on ensuring serviceability and many check and replacement intervals are now farther apart.
What’s the performance like?
Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 (8)

The engine is able to use the gearing to push the bike to a higher top speed and we saw 151kmph on the clocks

I think the RS200 feels a little more linear in power delivery terms than the 200NS but that aside it isn’t very different. The engine develops 1PS more and is able to use the gearing to push the bike to a higher top speed and I saw 151kmph on the clocks (assume 10-15 per cent speed error on this) before having to turn into the super fast last corner of Bajaj’s test track at Chakan. Bajaj have altered the engine head to accommodate the Fi and bigger throttle bodies now. Speaking of fuel injection, the unit is the same one which is made by Bosch and is also in use in the KTM 200 Duke. However, for the RS200, it gets a new software and different state of tune.
How is it in corners?
Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 (1)

Turn is quick enough – but not very quick – and the motorcycle feels sporty without really feeling too sharp for new riders

It’s very responsive and confident though bumps at really high speeds need you to have the confidence to stay on the throttle. Turn is quick enough – but not very quick – and the motorcycle feels sporty without really feeling too sharp for new riders. Bajaj has, in the past shown an ability to manage the ride and handling balance rather well and the RS200′s capabilities are no surprise.
Single-channel ABS, eh?
Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 (5)