Don’t Dismiss The 2025 Bajaj Pulsar RS200 Yet!

Bajaj just revealed a new Pulsar and as is the norm, it is an iterative update of the same motorcycle that has been on sale for over 10 years! The Pulsar RS200 remains one of the oldest models in the sports touring category as far as small displacement engines are concerned. Compared to the Yamaha R15 and the Hero Karizma XMR, this Pulsar is based on the underpinnings of a bygone era!

But don’t ignore it yet! The Pulsar RS200 might be dated underneath but when you look at it as an overall proposition, this might be the ideal 200cc motorcycle money can buy. 

Bajaj Pulsar RS200: Understated hero?

Back in 2015, Bajaj was writing a new chapter for the high-performance motorcycle segment with the RS200 – a faired version of the much-loved Pulsar NS200 streetfighter motorcycle. At the time, Bajaj expected the RS200 to gain momentum amidst the rising dominance of Yamaha’s R15 and the Honda CBR250R. With a trendy front fascia and an exciting engine, the Pulsar RS200 seemed like a recipe that would take off. 

Bajaj, however, could barely move enough units of the fully-faired Pulsar and relied solely on the NS variants. While the Adventure Sport (AS) variants were discontinued, the RS200 remained on sale and seldom got basic updates like new colourways and revised pricing. 

The 2025 update, which was hyped beyond belief on social media, was once again limited to cosmetic changes. Just like the updated 2024 Pulsar NS200, the mechanical aspects of the motorcycle remained untouched. No words on the build quality yet, which was a concern on the 2015 model.

Despite the lack of meaningful changes, the Pulsar RS200 remains a good choice for those seeking a stylish and fairly powerful sports tourer. 

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Reasons for buying a Pulsar RS200

- Part of that notion comes from Bajaj’s tried and tested 199cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. Borrowed from the NS200, this engine makes 24.5 hp of peak power at 9,750 RPM and 18.7 Nm of peak torque at 8,000 RPM. These statistics suggest the high-revving nature of the Pulsar RS200, thus encouraging riders to push the motorcycle. With the 6-speed gearbox that is mated to a slipper clutch, the RS200 is a serious toy for spirited riding. 

- Unlike the Yamaha R15 that demands a dedicated riding position with its low-set handlebars, the RS200 gets a streetfighter roadster-inspired high-set handles. While this may sound less sporty, the high-set handlebars of the RS200 will prove to be more comfortable for highway touring and general city commutes. 

- While the motorcycling community may criticise it for its older mechanicals, it translates to a proven setup. In a country like India where the roads continue to be harsh on our precious motorcycles, the RS200’s familiar mechanics could be easier to fix. 

- You miss out on traction control but dual-channel ABS remains a standard fitment. This ensures safe braking performance for relatively inexperienced/new riders who are taking to the roads. 

One of the biggest reasons, however, has to be the pricing. The Pulsar RS200 will set you back by INR 1.85 lakhs (ex-showroom), which is on par with the lower-spec variants of the Yamaha R15 V4. Hence, for those seeking the joys of a faired motorcycle without sacrificing everyday commute comfort, the Pulsar RS200 comes across as a solid alternative to the Yamaha R15 and the Suzuki Gixxer SF150. 

But what about the Pulsar NS400z?

The Pulsar NS400z is a formidable tool for motorcycle enthusiasts and considering its ex-showroom price of INR 1.8 lakhs, it remains a stupendously good deal. The 373cc engine on this Pulsar makes 40 PS of peak horsepower and 35 Nm of peak torque, thereby putting this motorcycle in a completely different league than the similarly priced RS200. 

Hence, for those seeking value from every single penny, the Pulsar NS400z remains the best choice in the Pulsar family. 

The Pulsar RS200, however, is more accessible to a wider range of riders seeking an easier-to-drive motorcycle. The lower displacement engine will also result in better fuel economy and on the highways, the fairing works to an extent for making life easier on the saddle. For parents planning to gift their child their first motorcycle, the RS200 comes across as a friendly option compared to the NS400z.

The NS400z, however, makes life difficult for the RS200 and Bajaj needs to figure out a way to keep the product desirable. Additionally, we won’t mind seeing a Pulsar RS400 based on the Dominar 400!

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