KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- At Rs 1,73,850, the Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 is more affordable than both of its rivals
- The Pulsar RS 200 is the only motorcycle without a full-LCD instrument console, Bluetooth connectivity, USB charger, and assist/slipper clutch
- The Pulsar RS 200 has the largest brakes and is the only motorcycle with backlit switches
Almost a decade ago, the Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 launch was a landmark moment for Bajaj Auto. It was the first-ever fully-faired motorcycle from Bajaj Auto and was being introduced as its new flagship motorcycle. Based on the Pulsar NS 200, it also had an A-game when it came with the best-in-class engine and chassis setup for its time. However, almost a decade ago, the Pulsar RS 200 still is nearly the same motorcycle. Still, the competition has increased with the most recent launches the Hero Karizma XMR and Yamaha R15 V4. Can the Pulsar RS 200 hold a candle against its more modern rivals? We take a look, but before moving ahead, join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay updated on the latest automotive news.
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Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 vs Rivals: Price
Compared to its rivals' relatively newer motorcycles, the Hero Karizma XMR and Yamaha R15 V4, the Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 has the lowest starting price point. It is around Rs 6,000 cheaper than the Karizma XMR and at least Rs 8,700 more affordable than the R15 V4.
| Model | Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 | Hero Karizma XMR | Yamaha R15 V4 |
| Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) | Rs 1,73,850 | Rs 1,79,900 | Rs 1,82,600 Rs 1,97,700 |
Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 vs Rivals: Engine
Like the other two motorcycles, the Bajaj Pulsar RS 200's single-cylinder 199.5cc engine is also liquid-cooled. It delivers slightly lesser power and torque outputs than the benchmark in this comparison, the Hero Karizma XMR. The Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 engine is the only one with a three-spark plug arrangement.
| Model | Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 | Hero Karizma XMR | Yamaha R15 V4 |
| Engine | Single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 199.5cc | Single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 210cc | Single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 155cc |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Maximum power | 24.5PS @ 9,250 rpm | 25.5PS @ 9,250 rpm | 18.4PS @ 10,000 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 18.7Nm @ 7,250 rpm | 20.4Nm @ 7,250 rpm | 14.2Nm @ 7,500 rpm |
Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 vs Rivals: Hardware
The perimeter frame of the Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 is as dynamically sorted as the trellis frame of the Hero Karizma XMR and the excellent Deltabox frame of the Yamaha R15 V4. Like the Karizma XMR, the Pulsar RS 200 also has a conventional telescopic fork at the front and a gas-charged mono-shock at the rear. However, the R15 V4's upside-down telescopic fork at the front and linked-type mono-shock at the rear feel superior and make the overall handling sharper than the other two 200cc fully-faired sports bikes.
In this company, the Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 has the largest brakes for both front and rear wheels, similar to those of the Karizma XMR. However, the Pulsar RS 200 is the only motorcycle without a 140-section rear tyre.
| Dimensions | Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 | Hero Karizma XMR | Yamaha R15 V4 |
| Frame | Pressed steel perimeter | Steel trellis | Deltabox |
| Front suspension | Telescopic | Telescopic | Upside-down telescopic |
| Rear suspension | Gas-charged mono-shock | Gas-charged mono-shock | Linked-type mono-shock |
| Front brake | 300mm petal disc | 300mm petal disc | 282mm disc |
| Rear brake | 230mm petal disc | 230mm petal disc | 220mm disc |
| Front tyre | 100/80-17 | 100/80-17 | 100/80-17 |
| Rear tyre | 130/70-17 | 140/70-17 | 140/70-R17 |
Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 vs Rivals: Features
It is where the age of the Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 comes at the front foot, making it feel older than both of its rivals, the Hero Karizma XMR and Yamaha R15 V4. The Pulsar RS 200 is the only motorcycle to not get LED for its projector headlamp setup, though the halogen projectors are decently bright. It was the first fully-faired motorcycle in India to get LED turn indicators, while its LED tail lamp is uniquely integrated into its rear fender.
The Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 is also the only motorcycle here to get a full LCD instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity while retaining the decade-old part-digital instrument console. Its quite strange, because other Pulsars have been upgraded with a full-LCD instrument console, but not the RS 200. It is where the R15 V4 justifies its premium positioning by having a best-in-class features list, that includes a USB charger, assist and slipper clutch, traction control and a quick-shifter, with the Karizma XMR also getting a few of them, but not all.
| Features | Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 | Hero Karizma XMR | Yamaha R15 V4 |
| Headlamps | Halogen projectors with LED position lights | LED projectors with LED DRLs | LED projector with LED DRLs |
| Tail lamps | LED | LED | LED |
| Turn indicators | LED | LED | Halogen (Standard) / LED (R15 M) |
| Instrument console | Part-digital | Colour LCD | Full-LCD (Standard) / Coloured TFT (R15 M) |
| Bluetooth connectivity | No | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable windshield | No | Yes | No |
| USB charger | No | Yes | Yes |
| Clip-on handlebars | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Split seats | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Assist & slipper clutch | No | Yes | Yes |
| Traction control | No | No | Yes |
| Quick-shifter | No | No | Yes |
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Verdict
The Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 might be a dated proposition in front of its relatively fresher competition, offering many more features and modern appeal. However, under its skin, the Pulsar RS 200 still has a lot of mettle to compete with them, with a powerful engine and a well-sorted chassis with good brakes and tyres. Whether you love it or hate its quirky styling, the Pulsar RS 200 still has a lot of road presence, which makes it hard for a decade-old motorcycle to carry.
