Bajaj’s latest offering, the Pulsar AS200 Adventure Sport motorcycle, has arrived in the Indian two-wheeler market and is now available at a dealership near you. The motorcycle is equipped with a semi-fairing, a windscreen and a factory installed projector headlight which should make it a good touring tool. But how does the motorcycle measure up against its competitors? While the Karizma R is the closest competitor to the new Bajaj Pulsar AS200, we decided to add the KTM Duke 200 (as both motorcycles have similar displacement) to get a better perspective of this latest addition to the Pulsar family for the potential buyers.
Here’s our analysis of the tech specs and the prices of these three motorcycles
| Model | Bajaj Pulsar AS200 | KTM Duke 200 | Hero Karizma R |
| Engine | |||
| Type | Single cylinder, 4 stroke, 4valve, Liquid cooled, DTS-i | Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, Liquid-cooled | Single Cylinder, 4-Stroke, Air cooled |
| Displacement | 199.5cc | 199.5cc | 223cc |
| Power Output | 23.5PS @ 9,500rpm | 25PS @ 10,000rpm | 19.5PS @ 7,500rpm |
| Torque | 18.3Nm @ 8,000rpm | 19Nm @ 8,000rpm | 19.35Nm @ 6,000rpm |
| Transmission | 6 Speed MT | 6 Speed MT | 5 Speed MT |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length | 2,070mm | 2,002mm | NA |
| Width | 804mm | 873mm | NA |
| Height | 1,205mm | 1,274mm | NA |
| Wheel Base | 1,363mm | 1,361mm (+/-15mm) | NA |
| Ground Clearance | 167mm | 165mm | NA |
| Seat Height | NA | 810mm | NA |
| Kerb Mass | 153 kg | 139 kg | 154kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 litre | 10.5 litre | 15 litre |
| Brakes and Tyres | |||
| Front Brake | 280mm Single Disc | 280mm Single Disc | 276mm Single Disc |
| Rear Brake | 230mm Single Disc | 230mm Single Disc | 130mm Drum |
| Front Tyre | 100/80-17 | 110/70×17 | 80 / 100 x 18 |
| Rear Tyre | 130/70-17 | 150/60×17 | 120 / 80 x 18 |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | Rs 91,550 | Rs 1.38 lakh | Rs 83,900 |
Dimensions of the Hero MotoCorp Karizma R are not available
The KTM Duke 200 and the Bajaj Pulsar AS200 have identical displacement but the Duke 200 manages to deliver 25 PS of power at 10,000 RPM from its 199.5cc liquid cooled fuel injected motor. The Bajaj Pulsar AS200, on the other hand, churns out 23.5PS of power at 9,500 RPM. The Karizma R, despite having a largest displacement among the three, puts out least amount of power. The 223cc single cylinder air-cooled motor delivers 19.5PS of power at 7,500 RPM.
However, the Karizma R is the cheapest motorcycle here with ex-showroom Delhi price of Rs 83,900. The Bajaj Pulsar AS200 is priced slightly higher at Rs 91,550 (exshowroom Delhi) while the KTM Duke 200 is the most expensive motorcycle at Rs 1.38 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
The Hero MotoCorp Karizma R received a mixed bag of responses with a few positive and a handful of negative comments. Lack of mono suspension at the rear, an old instrument cluster and a relatively under powered motor has received a lot of criticism. The KTM Duke 200, on the other hand, is equipped with premium features such as upside down telescopic suspension at the front, a powerful motor with fuel injection and steel braided brake lines. But absence of a fairing, lack of wind protection and smaller pillion seat does not make it a preferable motorcycle for touring. The RC200 does offer wind protection but the aggressive riding posture would not be suitable for long journeys.
The new Pulsar AS200 ticks most of the right boxes, most importantly the pricing bit, and should help Bajaj clock better sales and profits. But how good is the motorcycle in the real world? We will talk about that once we lay our hands on the motorcycle for an exhaustive review. In the meanwhile, do share your views about the tech spec comparison and the new Bajaj Pulsar AS200 with us through the comments section below. Don’t forget to share the comparison with your friends with the “Share” toolbar below.