Is Pulsar AS 200 a value-for-money bike?

The Pulsar AS 200 addresses the shortcomings of the 200 NS with improved refinement and can be deemed as a worthy successor to the 220F, says Indian motoring website MotorBeam.

Bajaj Auto has always been striving hard to bring the best of style and performance in a value for money package. Leading the performance brigade with its Pulsar series, the automaker introduced several segment first features in the country. When the Pulsar 200 NS was launched, the bike despite being advanced over its predecessor couldn't deter the popularity of the Pulsar 220F in Bajaj's own stable. Now, the Pune-based bike maker has introduced the Pulsar AS (Adventure Sport) 200 that can be deemed as a true successor to the 220F, and aspires of exploring a new category of motorcycles, the adventure segment. Does the newest Pulsar meet the expectations, MotorBeam finds out.

While the Pulsar 200 NS was definitely a fun-styled bike, the lack of a fairing seen on the 220F made sure that customers went back to the semi-faired bike. Bajaj too made a note of the same and equipped the AS 200 with a semi-fairing with projector headlight. It also gets a windshield visor that reduces windblast at high speeds. Coming to the overall design, the AS 200 sits tall and is a pleasing bike to look at.

The motorcycle comes void of any graphics that adds to the charm and the new half fairing gels well into the remainder of the bike. Our test Pulsar did have some panel gaps present, which was disappointing.

The AS 200 also gets a tank guard and a conventional mudguard at the rear, while the tyre hugger has been given a miss. With the famous LED tail light retained, the AS 200 qualifies as a good looking motorcycle.

The three-part instrument cluster from the 200 NS has been carried over to the Pulsar AS 200, which is easy to read and well placed. The analog tachometer takes centre stage while the speed is indicated on the digital screen at the right. This semi-digital console also helps keep a tab on the engine revs.

On to the left, the instrument cluster houses all the tell tale lights including the side stand indicator and service reminder. A gear position indicator would have been a nice touch. The switchgear has been carried over from the 200 NS as well and boasts of good quality.

Even though the name would suggest that the Pulsar AS 200 is an adventure bike, the new Pulsar isn't really equipped to take on the road less taken.

The seating position is upright and the clip-on handlebars are easily manoeuvrable that do not need much input. The seat is comfortable as well and accommodates the pillion with ease. However, at no point does the AS 200 tell you that it is ready for off-roading.

The bike is more of an adventure tourer in the real sense.

Power on the Pulsar AS 200 comes from the same 199.5cc single-cylinder, triple-spark, carbureted motor churning out 23.5 PS and 18.3 Nm of torque. While the numbers are identical, Bajaj has worked on the refinement aspect and the bike feels a lot smoother. Despite the added weight, there is minimal lag in performance and the bike does the 0-100 km/hr sprint in 10.5 seconds while the top speed is rated at 136 km/hr.

The engine offers impressive grunt on the highways yet feels at home within city limits; while power delivery is linear and is responsive throughout.

The motor redlines at 11,000 RPM and it is past 7000 RPM that the engine is the most vocal. The liquid-cooled motor is refined at low speeds and the 6-speed gearbox is smooth shifting.

The Pulsar AS 200 gets a strong mid-range and easily does triple digit speeds with the top-end performance being equally good. But vibrations are felt on the handlebar as well as footpegs and is a bummer. In terms of fuel efficiency, the AS 200 will return a frugal 35-40 km/l.

The suspension has been carried over from the 200 NS, which translates to a stiffer setup. Coupled with the perimeter frame, the AS 200 is a joy to ride around the twisties. What does emerge as disappointing though are the TVS sourced EuroGrip tyres that lack traction and does not allow you to push hard.

The seat height is also suited for tall riders and short riders will take some time to get used to it. The ride quality nonetheless is good with a decent balance between engaged handling and absorbent suspension.

This makes the AS 200 remain stable at high speeds while windblast is reduced over the 200 NS.

Stopping power is good from the twin discs but could've been better if the hard tyres weren't the party spoilers. Bajaj will be updating the AS 200 with better MRF tyres later this year.

In conclusion, the Pulsar AS 200 isn't an all-new motorcycle but a 200 NS with better features, which makes it a fitting replacement to the 220F. With the pricing extremely close to the 200 NS, the flagship carbureted Pulsar can be termed as a value for money machine that is quick, agile and feature packed.

For those who loved the 200 NS, think of it is as a much better version of the same with additional equipment on offer.