Bajaj Auto today launched the latest Pulsar avatar – the Race Sport 200 aka RS 200. Priced at Rs 1.18 lakh (non-ABS) and Rs 1.30 lakh (ABS) ex-showroom Delhi, the company is targeting sales of around 2,500 units a month with the ABS and non-ABS variant contributing equal sales. The fully faired RS 200, which is available in red and yellow, becomes the first Pulsar to offer ABS brakes, which are a Bosch-made single-channel system.

The all-new Pulsar RS 200 falls in a segment (sports motorcycles) which contributes to less than 1 percent of total industry sales. The reason for Bajaj Auto’s optimistic sales outlook is that at present the Pulsar brand, which straddles a number of siblings, enjoys a 43 percent share in this segment.

The Pulsar RS 200 is powered by a 199.5cc, SOHC, four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine with fuel injection and uses a triple spark-plug equipped combustion chamber. This engine platform is shared with Bajaj’s naked streetbike, the Pulsar 200NS. Power output is one bhp up on the Pulsar 200NS – 24.2bhp at 9750rpm, with maximum torque of 1.9kgm produced at 8000rpm. The RS 200 uses a six-speed gearbox. Top speed is a claimed 141kph – the fastest Pulsar yet.

The aggressive-looking Pulsar RS 200 gets twin projector headlights along with LED pilot lamps. The latest Bajaj also has a see-through visor, which helps deflect wind away from riders. Clip-on handlebars offered as standard. A sporty, compact cockpit is in place with comprehensive, well-laid-out instruments and Bajaj-typical switches. Other highlights include smartly contoured split seats, a stubby, cropped exhaust and LED tail-light along with plenty of lightweight alloy parts to keep weight in check.

Built around a perimeter frame, the bike gets a set of telescopic forks in the front, and a Nitrox monoshock setup at the rear. The RS 200 riding position is a touch on the sporty side, still more upright and comfortable as compared to the relatively aggressive KTM RC series bikes. Bajaj Auto has positioned the RS 200 more as a useable sportsbike for urban India, rather than outright track-focused motorcycle such as the KTMs.

According to Eric Vas, president, Motorcycle Business, Bajaj Auto, the company has spent much time to perfect the RS 200, testing and ironing out all possible problem areas before putting the new-generation Pulsar into showrooms.
 

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