Bajaj Pulsar AS 200

Quarter faired bikes have been doing a great business for the last few years. These bikes are not aggressive as full faired bikes, but better in ride quality and long distance commuting. Of which the Pulsar AS 200 from Bajaj is considered to be the best seller. This is the first model from Bajaj in the Adventure Sports category. This AS 200 shares majority of its components with the Pulsar NS. Bajaj has indulged many features in this bike to go head on head with the rivals.

Engine
This Pulsar uses 199.5cc, liquid-cooled, DTS-I engine, which uses Bajaj's own Triple Spark Technology to churn out 23.5 PS of maximum power and 18.3 Nm of peak torque. This same engine is featured in the naked sibling NS 200. Engine is then meshes with a 6-speed gearbox for optimum power delivery. The extra fairing in the bike might have added an additional 2 kgs from the NS, but it has no hesitation to cruise at higher speeds. Engineers of Bajaj had claimed that, they had did some refinement in engine to overcome minor defects from the NS model.



Design
Pulsar has its own identity, but it fails to become a unique model from Bajaj as this one looks similar to the Pulsar NS from many angles. The front fascia of this bike is bit aggressive and part classy due to the use of alpha male designing. It has used a new headlamp with an extended visor. This windscreen is used as a styling component as well as an aerodynamic aid. Fairing of this bike has done in such a way that, it is blended towards the fuel tank and headlamp cluster upfront. Like the Pulsar NS, it has rear panels and tail lights, which represents the trademark Pulsar design. Since it is an adventure bike, the seating position of the rider and pillion of AS 200 is different from other Pulsar models.

Features
One of the main highlights of this bike is the use of new Projector headlamps for superior lighting. This one changes the outlook of this motorcycle from other variants. Bajaj has used perimeter frame as the main chassis for flexibility and sharp handling in the trickiest terrain and city traffics. It uses a semi-digital instrument console featuring, two trip meters, an odometer, clock, fuel gauge and service indicators. The star shaped, 10-spoke alloy wheels and backlit switchgear adds the cosmetic appeal of this bike.

Suspension and Braking
Bajaj has used disc brakes for this bike at both the ends. It features a 280mm disc brake upfront and 230mm disc brakes at the rear. Both these figures are best in the class. Since it is an adventure bike, a Nitrox mono suspension with Canister is used at the rear, to provide perfect balance and stability to the bike. At the front it uses a telescopic fork with anti friction bush. Along with a ground clearance of 167mm and advanced suspension system, it can be taken to any roads and terrains without any second thinking.

Final Word
Pulsar AS 200 is priced bit more than the Pulsar 220F. This adventure machine is available at a pricing of Rs 91,550 (ex-showroom Delhi). With a top speed of 127kmph and even capable of speeding from 0 to 60kmph under 5 seconds is quiet fascinating figures for a 200cc motorcycle. With a 12 litre fuel tank and overall fuel efficiency around 40 kmpl, this Pulsar is worth the money. It might seem bit overpriced, but this is a much improved and refined Pulsar from the Bajaj Motorcycles.