With the launch of one of the most anticipated motorcycles, the Bajaj Pulsar RS200, just around the corner, here are 5 facts we know about the new sportsbike. Bajaj made it clear earlier this week that the new motorcycle will be called the RS200 (where 'RS' is expected to be Racing Sport) and not the 200 SS.
1. Weighs roughly 6 kg more than Pulsar 200 NS
The fully-faired Bajaj Pulsar RS200, based on the 200 NS's platform, weighs 151 kg according to Bajaj's Turkish website. This is 6 kg more than the 200 NS's 145 kg, with the fairing accounting for most of the added weight.
Also take into account that the Pulsar RS200 will get a smaller 12-liter fuel tank, whereas the naked 200 NS comes with a 14.3-liter tank. The RS200 will have its measurements at 2,060 mm in length, 750 mm in width and 1,160 mm in height. A 165 mm ground clearance should see the fully-faired motorcycle tackle our poor roads well.
2. Engine borrowed from the 200 NS
The triple-spark single-cylinder 199.5 cc engine in the RS200 is borrowed from the 200 NS. However, where the 200 NS makes 23.52 PS and 18.3 Nm of torque, the Pulsar 200RS (again, according to the Turkish website) makes 24.4 PS and 18.6 Nm of torque. A 6-speed transmission is seen on the motorcycle. The Pulsar RS200 certainly has a lot to live up to as it is claimed to be the 'Fastest Pulsar Yet' by Bajaj.
Engine aside, the RS200 seems to come across as a well specced motorcycle with features such as twin projector headlights (with a possible automatic headlight function), LED daytime running lights, LED taillights and a semi-digital instrument cluster.
When launched, the RS200 will be available in at least four color choices - Red, Yellow, Blue and Black. The latter would be a solid shade, whereas the others will feature a dual-tone scheme.
3. First Pulsar to get ABS brakes
According to one report, ABS will be standard on the Bajaj Pulsar 200 RS, while the top-end variant will get a sensor on each wheel. Either way, the Pulsar RS200 will be the first Pulsar to get ABS. The Honda CBR 250R is the only other motorcycle in this segment to sport this feature.
The braking hardware would also be carried over from the 200 NS. A 280 mm butterfly type disc up front and a 230 mm butterfly disc at the rear will be seen on the RS200. While the brand of tyres are unknown, the motorcycle would be shod with a 100/80 at the front and a 130/70 spec at the back, on 17-inch rims of a webbed design.
4. Bookings open
Certain dealers are accepting bookings for the Pulsar RS200 against a sum of INR 5,000. Initial demo units are expected to arrive in dealer forecourts in the coming days, as production of the motorcycle has already started at Bajaj's Chakan plant. The Pulsar RS200 will be the third launch for the Indian bike manufacturer this year (Bajaj has launched the Platina ES and sales of the CT 100 have restarted in certain parts of India).
5. Launch on March 26
The Bajaj Pulsar 200 RS will have its commercial launch on March 26 in Mumbai. Trade media reports state that Bajaj will be targeting an aggressive price point in the region of INR 1.2-1.3 lakhs, ex-Showroom. A few dealers told Indian Autos Blog that the on-road price would be in the region of INR 1.4 lakhs, hence a 1.2-1.3 lakh price ex-Showroom is the ballpark.
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