2015 Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 review, road test

Bajaj provides a well suited powerplant on the Pulsar RS 200. The basic engine architecture remains in common with the Pulsar 200NS, but in a new state of tune, along with the addition of fuel-injection. The Pulsar RS 200 has a 199.5cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder and liquid-cooled engine that now makes slightly more power, 24.2bhp at 9,750rpm, and 1.9kgm of torque at 8,000rpm.

The new Pulsar comes with a four valve-per-cylinder head with single overhead camshaft drive. The RS 200 also uses Bajaj’s patented triple-spark technology. The clutch has a well-weighted feel, and the six-speed gearbox shifts precisely, in a one-down, five-up pattern via a toe-shift lever.

The RS 200 is good for sustained cruising on the highway at an indicated 110kph. It's a quick bike and can sprint to 60kph in a respectable 3.76 seconds, thereafter achieving 100kph in 9.71secs. We achieved a true top speed of 137kph, the engine achieving maximum rpm in sixth gear. The fairing works well, helping the rider to achieve high speeds thanks to its thoughtful aerodynamics.

Throttle response is nice, and the power delivery smooth. The Pulsar RS 200 is a really refined motorcycle. The RS 200 has a wide powerband, performance output in a nice, linear flow, although in typical sportsbike territory, Bajaj has kept this a really fun bike to ride, with performance best when up-shifting with the revs nudging redline territory. The Pulsar RS 200 lives up to its sporty tag, with a heady, intoxicating rasp emitted at the silencer when riding at high speed, and the high revving engine performs at its best when ridden at the race track. Bajaj has engineered the bike to make you want to ride hard, and fast. The RS 200 easily lives up to being the sportiest of all Pulsars to date.