Bajaj Pulsar 200 AS: Value for money

At Rs. 1.03 lakh (on road, Mumbai), the Pulsar AS 200 should be seen as a tourer rather than an adventure motorcycle

While the Pulsar RS 200 is the automaker's first full faired bike, Bajaj Auto's tryst with semi-fairings isn't over as yet, as the new Pulsar AS (Adventure Sport) 200 brings back the half-fairing in an all-new form. 

Call it a successor to the highly popular Pulsar 220F, the Pulsar AS 200 is the latest offering from Bajaj's stable and here is what MotorBeam gathered after extensively testing the bike that promises to open the 'adventure' category of motorcycles in the country.

1) The Pulsar AS 200 shares its styling with the 200 NS for the entire fuel tank and tail section, but the well-crafted semi-fairing is all-new and compliments the remainder of the bike without looking too hefty. 

2) In contrast to the overdone RS 200, the Pulsar AS 200 is more balanced in terms of design and looks extremely pleasing with the semi-fairing, tall visor and the single projector headlamp. The conventional mudguard surprisingly does not look dated and adds to the touring feel of the bike.

3) The three-part instrument console rests on the fairing which makes the handle lighter and is also easy to read with a host of information on display. 

4) You sit upright on the Pulsar AS 200 and given the tall stance, the seat is positioned higher than average bikes. Nonetheless, it is accommodating for riders of all sizes and keeps the pillion comfortable as well.

5) The 199.5cc single-cylinder carbureted engine continues to produce 23.5 PS and 18.3 Nm of torque, but now comes with added refinement and calmer NVH levels that allow smoother power delivery throughout the rev range. 

6) Courtesy of the semi-fairing which makes the Pulsar AS 200 a tad bit aerodynamic, 0-100 km/hr is achievable in 10.5 seconds while the top speed is rated at 136 km/hr. The 6-speed gearbox is smooth shifting and responds quickly to changes.

7) With the redline coming up at 11,000 RPM, the Pulsar AS 200 continues to get vibrations at the upper end of the powerband; whereas the exhaust gets a bit too loud before the rev limiter kicks in. 

8) The stiff suspension setup from the 200 NS has been retained on the Pulsar AS 200. Couple that with the perimeter frame and the bike offers a lot of cornering fun. The TVS EuroGrip tyres though do not provide adequate grip though to compliment the performance of the motorcycle.

Bajaj Pulsar 200 AS

9) The ride quality is good and the AS 200 gobbles up undulations with ease. The added weight from the semi-fairing has made the bike slightly nose heavy, which helps in high-speed stability. Braking performance from the twin discs (280 mm at the front and 230 mm at the rear) is impressive, but the hard tyres don't help.

10) At Rs. 1.03 lakhs (on-road, Mumbai), the Pulsar AS 200 is a value for money package that keeps the positives of the 200 NS intact while adding improved performance, features and better styling. That said, it should be seen as a tourer rather than as an adventure motorcycle. 

Source: www.motorbeam.com