Having teased them just a few days ago, Bajaj has now launched updated versions of its Pulsar NS160 and NS200 street naked motorcycles. The NS160 is now priced at Rs 1.35 lakh while the refreshed NS200 will cost you Rs 1.47 lakh. This marks a price increase of Rs 10,000 and Rs 7,000 respectively, over the earlier versions of each model (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi).
- Telescopic fork now replaced by upside-down unit
- Dual-channel ABS offered as standard
- Engine specs remain unchanged
Bajaj Pulsar NS160, NS200: what’s new?
The NS lineup has been getting a little long in the tooth – the NS200 first appeared over a decade ago, back in 2012, and has only received minor updates since. So this refresh is a much-needed shot in the arm for the NS range. Both models now get an upside-down fork in place of the earlier conventional telescopic unit, and dual-channel ABS is now standard.
Both models have also received the lighter wheels from the Pulsar 250s, and as a result, the NS200 has become slightly lighter, dropping from 159.5kg to 158kg. While the NS160 also features the lighter wheels, it now uses fatter tyres than before as a result, so its weight has gone up by around 1kg to 152kg.
The first clues about the arrival of these updated models came a few weeks ago, when Bajaj launched the NS200 and NS160 under the Dominar brand in Brazil, equipped with an upside-down fork. Those bikes, however, still only get single-channel ABS.
Bajaj Pulsar NS160, NS200: what hasn’t changed?
Aside from these two changes, the rest remains the same. So the NS160 still gets an oil-cooled 160.3cc single-cylinder motor making 17.2hp and 14.6Nm, while the NS200 is powered by a liquid-cooled 199.5cc mill producing 24.5hp and 18.7Nm. Aside from the different engines, both motorcycles are quite similar, being held together by a perimeter frame, featuring the same styling and bodywork, and getting the same semi-digital instrumentation. The only other notable difference between them is that the NS200 gets chunkier tyres to handle its higher output levels.
Do you think these updates are worth the premium that Bajaj is demanding? Tell us in the comments below.