2012 Bajaj Pulsar NS 200: Disruptor or Revolutionary?
May 10, 2024Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z: Chapter 2 – Back to the beginning
2012 Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 – Mumbai, 30 January 2012
The Pulsar 200NS was launched at a grand conference in Mumbai ITC Grand Central. With this new motorcycle Bajaj Auto Unveiled the world’s first motorcycle to adopt Triple Spark Engine Technology. This next generation technology offered the rider unmatched overall performance, that which we will get to in a bit. However, lets understand what this motorcycle had on offer.
2012 Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 – Technical Specifications
General details as per the official website are as under:
Engine
Type: Type SOHC – 4V – Liquid Cooled
Combustion system: Triple spark
Ignition system: Independent spark control through ECU
Crankshaft Type: Integral
Max Power: 23.52 PS @ 9500
Max Torque: 18.3 Nm @ 8000
Bore: 72 mm
Stroke: 49 mm
Displacement: 199.5 cc
Fuel system: Carburettor, UCD 33
Air filter: Paper element
Exhaust system: Exhaust TEC enhanced centrally mounted
2012 Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 – Vehicle
Frame Type: Pressed steel Perimeter Frame
Wheel Base: 1363 mm
Length x height x width: 2017 mm x 1195 mm x 804 mm
Seat ht-Rider: 805 mm
Ground Clearance: 167 mm
Vehicle Kerb weight: 145 kg
FAW/RAW: 72/73 kg
Fuel Tank capacity: 12 L
2012 Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 – Suspension
Front suspension: Telescopic Front Fork with Antifriction Bush Dia 37
Rear Suspension: Nitrox Mono Shock Absorber with piggy back gas canister
Brakes – Type
Front: Petal Disc with floating calliper
Rear: Petal Disc with floating calliper
2012 Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 Brake Size: Front: Dia 280 mm Disc & Rear: Dia 230 mm Disc
Tyres
Front: 100/80 – 17, 52 P, Tubeless
Rear: 130/70 – 17, 61 P, Tubeless
Rims
Front: 10 spoke 2.5 x 17, Alloy
Rear: 10 Spoke, 3.5 x 17, Alloy
Acceleration
0-60 kmph: 3.61 sec
0-100 kmph: 9.83 sec
Max Speed: 136 Kmph
2012 Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 Braking Performance: Braking Distance – Both brakes (60 – 0 Kmph): 16.33 meter
Electricals
System: DC Ignition
Battery: 12V 8AH VRLA
Head Lamp: H4 bulb 12V 55/60W
Tail/Stop Lamp: 0.3/3 W, LED
Today, with various iterations and MYs the 2012 Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 has truly evolved however before we get to the 1st impression review of the NS400Z we will deep dive into history of the NS200. A question was raised that-
“Will the NS400Z” bring in the numbers?
Well, all scribes are not motorcyclists and all motorcyclists are not scribes. So let’s bridge that gap as well. I’d like to begin with my review of the Cherry Black 2012 Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 as published on Bikeadvice (May 6, 2013):
“Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (the beast within) … the Real Transformer! – 2012 Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 Review
- The price of a brand new one is close to about 95,000 on-road (inclusive of Saree and leg guard), However as mentioned earlier that I bought my NS 4 months and about 5,000 Kms past its life I got a decent deal on it.
- As far as mileage goes this kind of a machine is never measured by its mileage and basis my experience with my last bike in terms of visits to the gas stations and similar riding conditions it does return about 40+ to the litre despite the fact that I put the throttle and my luck to test in an event that I am required to check in to punch my work card (fortunately for me I have an open dark road less the daunting mongrels and potholes).
- Otherwise I keep the bike well in 3500 RPM range irrespective the gear and speed and it has never stalled on me yet. Thus keeping up an average speed of 45 in traffic seems to work here.
- The handling and ride quality as posted by another reviewer delivered to its expectations and more, for those who as sceptical about trading in their ZMAs for the NS my brothers you will never miss them. It carries a good riding stance, just keep in mind that is about a 3rd more powerful than the ZMA. However the tires could be swapped for something more road friendly and am already knocking on every available avenue so that I can best mate the tires with its build.
- Speaking of which the tires are tubeless so beware of the roadside muggers should you encounter a flat or a road hazard (a nail or thorn glass etc. Etched in the tire.) Do not encourage their endeavour to fix it, unless he is your regular tire guy.
- However let him fill the tire to optimum pressure (you need to look up the manual in case you haven’t) and gently ride back home in the night, fix it at your nearest dealership in the morning. I had a similar encounter and rushed to my regular tire shop dealer who shared this advice with me.
- Well I know as part of this exercise I must mention about the instrumentation and the like – the instrumentation is well placed with a digi-analog combination. I do like to add that the fuel gauge seems to be a tad off the mark however being habitual to re-fuelling only when the reserve fuel is asked for the gauge never really has gotten to me.
- The headlamps is not only adds “Sex Appeal” to the road but is a darkness assassinator. In fact when the electricity board decided to cut the lights in area on an impromptu basis while I was almost home.
- I turned away from the lane that lead home and covered every dark street in the area on the high beam. The result “Impressed beyond words” , from the Humara Bajaj scooter to the 2012 Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 lighting has always Bajaj’s forte.
- The switches seems a little down market for your investment but as long as they work – No worries! The pass beam does speak for you where the horn may fail to convey its feelings.
- Lastly my favourite part (here is where the Pulsar and KTM stand worlds apart) –When you ride well within the 5000 RPM limit and tap on the gear, the 2012 Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 comes across as your regular commuter bike. This is Doctor Jekyll calm composed and if you are a rider with skills to skim through traffic at low revs you may need a stethoscope to hear the purr of the engine.
- Cross 2nd gear and relay your subsequent shifts whenever the orange light blinks (@ around 10,000) and in comes “Mr. Hyde” charging like a raging bull, now forget the horn it’s the engine that is doing the talking in simple words – a 2 wheeled Scramjet. Need I say more?
2012 Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 – 11 years, 98000+ kilometres and counting..
Cut to a decade later did my opinion change? Well actually not! In fact the motorcycle spawned the world’s largest NS 200 owner managed group – The Naked Wolves motorcycling Club. This community, is not limited to just India, it has its presence in most countries where the NS200 is sold. The average kilometres clocked by these purists is in excess of 1 lakh kilometres and the highest being in excess of 3 lakh kilometres. All of this in under a decade of ownership.
So, yes the fan base is not only larger than life, “It’s always a special moment for any bike lover to get a preview of their favourite bike. Here, the biggest fan club, the Naked Wolves are the lucky ones to be getting the preview of the new Pulsar NS 200 and they all are on cloud nine. Watch them reveal their reasons for liking the Bajaj Pulsar NS 200. They are showering heaps of praises for the Pulsar NS200 and it’s worth the watch. “
2012 Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 – The reincarnation
Yes, after a brief halt the 2012 Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 was reborn in a BS4 avataar and there’s been no looking back ever since. Soon, the NS160 & NS125 followed in order to cater to those who wanted the “NS” but had limitations. Add to this there are newer iterations of the NS200, NS160 & NS125 who are taking the centrestage as you read this piece.
In addition to the current pack of wolves, these younger siblings will soon stake claim on the the big baddest of all wolves yet, the Flagship – 2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS 400Z! So, yes the market for this new offering is already set. It is only a matter of time for the upgrade phase to begin, kyu mitro?
Stay tuned for PART 3 – The review…
2012 Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 – Acknowledgements:
Images & excerpts from – BIKE ADVICE
Indeed, without a doubt the NS200 is not just a motorcycle it is much more than that, it is a Pulsarmaniac!
Having said that, it is time to get to know what the NS400Z has on offer. Click here to read chapter 1 of the series –
Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z – The Daring Flagship Assassin?
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