New Bajaj Pulsar AS AS Review Action Shots

Bajaj Pulsar AS150 and AS200 Review: Touring Twins

Engine and Performance

The Pulsar AS200 shares its 199.5cc triple spark four-valve liquid cooled motor with the NS200. The AS150, on the other hand, unlike what many of us would presume, is an all new motor. The 149.5cc “twin” (not three) spark four valve air cooled motor delivers 17 PS of power at 9500 RPM and 13 Nm of torque at 7000 RPM, giving credibility to Bajaj Auto’s claim that it is “the most powerful 150cc motorcycle.” In comparison, the current Pulsar 150 DTS-i delivers 15.06 PS of power 9000 RPM and 12.5 Nm of torque at 6500 RPM.

New Bajaj Pulsar AS150-AS200 Review - Action Shots (44)

Numbers don’t give us the full picture, however. And that’s precisely why we are here.

After a short briefing and introduction about the motorcycles from Manish Tandon, DGM Customer Insight at Bajaj Auto Ltd, we were let loose on the fine stretches of Lavasa and here’s how the duo fared.

Pulsar AS150

The new motor on the Pulsar AS150 feels remarkably refined. In fact, with all branding removed, one might even mistake it for a thoroughbred Japanese 150cc motorcycle, and that’s the highest compliment we can give. There is sufficient power in the lower band to cruise around the city. Some vibrations do begin to creep in after the 5000 RPM mark but they remain well within the limits of tolerance. The motor feels happy to rev all the way to the redline and you would have a fun time venturing north of the 7000 RPM mark.

This being a touring machine, Bajaj has given both the AS duos a pretty tall gearing for relaxed mile-munching. This long-legged nature works very well, giving the bike a relaxed and fuss-free feel but it does have a slight downside. The power delivery is linear but it somehow doesn’t feel as punchy as a 17 PS machine ought to. Do not expect the motorcycle to clock high three digits speed numbers and be prepared to settle for a two digit cruising speed on highways. Perhaps this would give you more time to soak in the beautiful views on those long weekend hauls.

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The five-speed transmission is spot on and slick and we didn’t have any trouble during up or downshifts. Adding a pillion does change the scenario against the motorcycle and you may have to downshift a cog or two than your regular practice. This is an engine you have to keep on the boil to really get the best out of it.

Braking on the AS150 is on par with its segment albeit nothing to boast about. The motorcycle receives 240mm disc grabbed by a single-piston caliper at the front and a 130mm drum unit at the rear. The front tends to dive under heavy braking but that is forgivable considering the fact that the suspension has been set up for touring and not for aggressive riding.

Pulsar AS200

New Bajaj Pulsar AS150-AS200 Review - Action Shots (9)

The Pulsar AS200, as you’d expect, isn’t much different than the 200NS in performance. Compared to the latter, the added weight of the AS does not bother the engine as it carries the mass relatively well. In fact, the added weight gives the motorcycle better stability, at least in a straight line. Venturing into the three digit speeds is also relatively easy with the additional protection from the wind blast thanks to the added windshield and semi-fairing.

It is also a peppy machine, this thing. Cruise as low as 2000rpm or wring it all the way to its redline, the AS200 responds to your input with equal enthusiasm. The six-speed transmission is precise and taller gearing ratio in higher gears as on the 150 comes handy for cruising on highway. But that’s about it with the AS200. You barely feel any difference than the 200NS as the motorcycle is equally refined and offers a similar, linear power delivery throughout the powerband.

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Bajaj has come a long way in terms of engine refinement and it really shows in the 200cc unit that does duty not just here but also on the original 200NS. While not as rev-happy as the KTM 200 Duke’s mill, this engine is remarkably stress-free and we reckon it will be a pleasure on long rides. Still, there’s no substitute for cubic inches and we still fell that a bigger engine would have really fit snugly into that advanced perimeter frame and given this chassis the performance it deserves.

Unlike the AS150, the AS200 comes with disc brakes at both ends, a 280mm dia unit gripped by single-piston caliper upfront and a 230mm dia disc at the rear. This endows the bigger motorcycle with a much better braking ability, something that fatigued long distance riders will appreciate. Still, ABS as an option, even if it is the single-channel unit on thee RS200, would have really sealed the deal for the As200.

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7 thoughts on “Bajaj Pulsar AS150 and AS200 Review: Touring Twins”

  1. The 200NS seats were rock hard, not adequate for touring. the AS seats are no different than the NS. The NS engine had vibes which percolate through the handlebars, foot-pegs and seat; similiar vibes exist on the AS too. NS suspension was stiff, pretty choppy ride on bad roads, AS isn’t different in this dept though it should have been. Somehow not convinced of the AS touring intentions,

  2. Its a total let down ,instead on bringing some thing new they brought a fusion between 200NS & discover 150F and named it 150AS/200AS .Is it old wine in new bottle. If you are looking for exclusivity then look for other brand because Bajaj is doing same thing which it did with the discover series i.e (discover 100 to 150 cc)

  3. Dear Amit,

    Sadly we did not have the motorcycles for long enough and hence it was difficult to calculate the fuel efficiency. We will be getting the motorcycles for a longer time frame in days to come and we will make sure to update our readers with the fuel economy figures.

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