List of 8 Differences Between Pulsar 200NS & AS200

The Pulsar 200 NS, when it was first launched in June 2012, emerged as the most refined Pulsar ever. Its superior build quality, large features list and well-cultured engine gave the Pulsar maniacs a new breed of pedigree to ride away. Sales were expected to register phenomenal growth, however three years later, for some reasons, the Pulsar 220 still outsells the new-gen 200NS!

Bajaj recently launched the new Adventure Pulsar AS200 to further build on their 200cc segment and shed dependence on the older 220. At the upfront there appears to be not many changes between the naked 200NS and the AS200, we list whatever differences are, between the two bikes, minor or major!

Pulsar AS200 vs Pulsar 200NS

1. Fairing & Looks: The prime-most difference between these 200 siblings is the fairing on the AS200. Half-fairing is considered as one of the reasons why Pulsar 220 still sells in huge numbers in this fairing-crazy country. As a result, the AS200 appears to be a bigger motorcycle.

Apart from that the Pulsar AS200 continues with single shade color scheme against the sportier ‘Speedlines’ of the 200NS. It also gets the more traditional rear mudguard without the tyre hugger of the 200NS and basic number plate assembly. Interestingly, the frame is so identical that Bajaj did not bother to take the hugger latch out from the AS! Take a look below….

Pulsar-AS200-Tyre-Hugger-Latch

 

2. Projector Headlamps: The biggest shortcoming of the Pulsar 200NS was the lack of projector headlamp, specially when it was available on the cheaper 220. Bajaj has plugged the gap by offering it on the low beam on the AS200. As a result, it should be a better night-rider than the NS (we haven’t ridden it during dark).

3. Dimensions: While the wheelbase of both the bikes remains the same, the overall height has increased on the AS due to the visor. Apart from that the AS200 is longer by 53 mm (Why?).

Pulsar-AS200

4. Weight: The fairing also has its downsides. It adds weight to the Adventure Pulsar which is heavier by 2 kilograms. Yes, the new Pulsar NS200 has also miraculously gained weight and is now 151 kg heavy from the 145 kg of the older version.

Bajaj-Pulsar-200NS

5. Lower Ground Clearance: For some reason (possibly the weight), the ground clearance of the Adventure Pulsar, which is promoted as a Go-anywhere motorcycle, has reduced by 2 mm. Adventure Sports Bajaj…?

6. Wind Blasts: We have ridden the AS200 for a few kilometers on open highways and clearly the wind blast is much lesser than the naked NS200. The upright seating posture with those high raised handlebars provide a nice and comfortable ride.

Pulsar-RS200-vs-AS200

7. Suspension: We asked Eric Vas, president of Bajaj Auto about the suspension of the AS200 and he said they have slightly tuned them. However, they are not raised and whatever tuning, if any, doesn’t impact the ride much.

8. Price: Despite the added fairing and projector set-up, Bajaj is not charging you any bit extra on the AS200. In fact, the official ex-showroom Delhi price of AS200 is Rs 3 cheaper than the 200NS! But, Bajaj has cleared that the pricing of Pulsar AS200 is introductory and it may increase in the coming few months (if it performs according to expectations).

Also Read: Pulsar 220 vs Pulsar AS200: List of 6 Differences & COMPARO

9. Availability & Production: A lot of our readers have reported that the Pulsar 200NS is no more available in showrooms. We connected with Bajaj and as we have already shared with you (here), the official word is that the company has stopped production of the naked and given its lines to the Adventure sibling. However, it (200NS) has NOT been discontinued and production will resume in some months!

In our test ride of the AS200, we also felt that the refinement has increased a bit and at similar prices it appears to be a better motorcycle, unless you are suckers for naked…!