Bajaj Auto’s new strategy revealed in Pulsar 200 NS

Bajaj Auto has unveiled the latest generation of its popular Pulsar motorcycle, dubbed the Pulsar 200 NS (for Naked Sports), and the new product strategy along with it. The new-generation Pulsar comes after 10 years of the first Pulsar’s launch.

The new bike will expand the Pulsar portfolio into more powerful segments. KTM, 40 percent owned by Bajaj Auto, plans to launch a 350cc bike in 2013. Bajaj Auto is likely to do something similar with its Pulsar. All Rajiv Bajaj, MD, will say now is Bajaj Auto will launch a “much bigger Pulsar next”. The strategy is to raise the entry level for the Pulsar brand. “The aim is to incentivise them to upgrade,” a senior official told Autocar Professional.

Pulsars and KTM models will use the monthly production capacity of 100,000 units at the Chakan plant. The Pulsar 200 NS will go on sale from April and will sport a price tag of “less than Rs 1 lakh”.

“We believe that 2012-13 will be an exciting period where Bajaj Auto will excite customers both here and abroad,” says K Srinivas, president – motorcycles, Bajaj Auto.

The current Pulsars will remain and the decision to phase out any of them will depend on consumer demand.

The 200 NS uses a liquid-cooled, 199.5cc four-valve SOHC carbureted engine. The highlight is the introduction of the new triple-spark-plug system, a step advanced than the current twin-spark technology. This technology will be seen in more Bajaj motorcycles.

The engine produces 23.18bhp at 9500rpm and 1.86kgm of torque from 8000rpm. This gives the bike an impressive claimed acceleration of 0-60kph in 3.61 seconds. The chassis now gets a pressed steel perimeter frame and a rectangular tube-section swingarm which, the company claims, offers over three times the lateral stiffness of the old Pulsar 220’s frame. It also employs a gas-filled monoshock suspension and a central exhaust, for better balance. There are petal disc brakes front and rear, measuring 280mm and 230mm respectively, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The new bike will be available across all Bajaj dealerships which stand at around 600 now. Earlier big bikes were sold through Bajaj’s Probiking outlets which are currently being changed into KTM showrooms.

The Pulsar 200 NS' entry should help stimulate the market, which is currently witnessing a slowdown. “There has been some kind of a slowdown since November. Retail sales were negative in December, though January is better. The industry growth this year may be around 10 percent compared to last year,” says Srinivas.

SUMANTRA BAROOAH