Pulsar AS 200 vs Pulsar 200 NS: And the winner is...

Keeping aside the aesthetic differences, the Pulsar 200 twins are identical in every aspect, says Indian motoring website MotorBeam.

The 200 NS was an excellent product that took the Pulsar brand forward by a quantum leap. However, with the Adventure Sport (AS) 200 here, Bajaj Auto is all set to retire the naked Pulsar 200 that has grown a following in the past years. With 99 per cent parts same on both the models, does the new AS 200 better itself than the 200 NS to be a worthy successor?

MotorBeam rides the two worthies to find out just that and the answer is an interesting one.

Sharing its design language with the 200 NS, the Pulsar AS 200 differentiates itself with a semi-fairing reminiscent of the Pulsar 220F. The fairing merges perfectly in the existing design and also gets a single-lens projector headlamp for the low-beam. The AS 200 also gets a taller profile while the conventional mudguard has increased the length marginally.

The width remains the same on both models. With the host of changes, the AS 200 emerges much fresher in appearance over the 200 NS adding some novelty to the bike. Bajaj has also carried over the same instrument cluster on the AS 200 with no changes.

The analog-digital console offers a host of information with the tachometer in the centre. You get a service due reminder, clock and side stand indicator while the shift light also doubles up as a low fuel warning.

That said, the cluster on the AS 200 could have been improved with a gear position indicator given the tourer tag attached to the bike. Ergonomically, you sit upright on both models, while the seat is comfortable for the rider and accommodates the pillion easily. The tall visor on the AS 200 works well by minimising the wind blast, and allows you to ride for a longer period.

Power on the Pulsar 200 NS and AS 200 comes from a 199.5cc single-cylinder engine that is tuned for 23.5 PS of power and 18.3 Nm of torque. The triple spark powerplant is the same, but the unit on the AS 200 has been improved which does show when you ride. Despite being heavier than the 200 NS, the AS 200 is quicker off the line till 60 km/hr, even though the street-fighter is able to reach the 100 km/hr mark faster in 10.50 seconds.

Both the models are far more powerful than the 220F and the AS 200 also holds the redline longer. The 6-speed gearbox remains the same, but shifts better on the AS 200 with the top speed rated at 135 km/hr. In terms of fuel economy, the bikes easily return between 35-40 km/l.

Both the models are underpinned by a perimeter frame and get the same sized tyres. The suspension though slightly tweaked on the AS 200 does not make much difference and despite the Adventure tag, the absence of a long travel suspension makes for the same riding comfort as the 200 NS.

Hence, the stiffer setup offers good handling, but the EuroGrip tyres do play spoilsport in the otherwise compelling package. Nonetheless, better MRF tyres will soon come on the AS 200. Braking performance is good on both the bikes, while the large visor makes the Adventure Sport a better cruiser.

The new AS 200 takes over from where the 200 NS left and just betters the latter in many ways. Sharing the same underpinnings, one does feel if there is a need for both the products in a similar price bracket. Keeping cosmetic upgrades aside, there are no dramatic changes and as 220F sales convey, the half fairing is greatly appreciated by the masses. Hence, it only makes good business sense to continue without the 200 NS, which continues to live on underneath every new Pulsar.