In the form of Pulsar AS200, while they may not say so, but Bajaj has introduced the successor of their fantastic seller, the Fastest Indian Pulsar 220. However, for the coming many month, we do not see the Pulsar 220 getting axed simply because Bajaj can not afford to discontinue a bike which is earning them as many as 8000-10000 units (including Avenger) every month! And they clarified this at the launch event of their Adventure twins on 14th April.
Now that both the bikes will co-exist, if it is getting difficult for you to chose, we list a quick price and spec comparo of these two bikes along with differences between them!
The Pulsar 220, despite being an old horse, still manages to hold its head high when one talks performance. Both of them get front and rear disc brakes and projector headlamps (on low beam)… Let us talk then….
Pulsar AS200 vs Pulsar 220: Differences
Here is what separates them…….well basically everything!
- Engine: The single biggest point of difference between the two bikes is their engines. The P220 uses the old 220 cc carburetted mill, which despite the capacity advantage, manages to produce 21.05 PS of maximum power at 8,500 as against AS200’s 23.5 PS at 9,500 rpm from its 199.5 cc triple spark, four valve mill. The P220 however scores ahead in terms of torque which is pegged at 19.12 Nm instead of 18.3 Nm in the AS 200.
- Chassis: The Pulsar AS200 obviously gets a better overall build quality against the older Pulsar 220. The new kid also gets the much better perimeter frame which, for the first time, established that Pulsars can corner and handle well, on the 200NS!
- Looks: The 220 looks dated with a fairing which doesn’t gel well with the overall body. The new AS200 has a more matching fairing and gives it a more purposeful look. However, the flowing exhaust of the Pulsar 220 lends a more menacing look against the underbelly of the AS.
- Suspension: While the front suspension in both the bikes are telescopic units with anti-friction bush, the AS200 uses a better mono-shock absorber against the traditional dual side shock absorbers of the 220.
- Tyres: The AS200 comes with fatter MRF tyres. The front wheel gets a 100/80 setup, the rear gets a wider 130/70 rubber. Though Bajaj claims soft compound tyres for the Pulsar 220, we never felt so. On the other hand, the AS200, without any claim, are stickier!
- Price: The Pulsar AS 200 costs Rs 91,550 against Pulsar 220’s Rs 86,699 (Both ex-showroom Delhi), a difference of under Rs 5000!
Generic Pointers:
- Pulsar 220’s engine has better grunt and the exhaust note is more music to ears. It imbibes a raw feeling somewhere. However, it is more vibey at almost all rpms, specially the top end.
- Our owned Pulsar 220 returned about 36-40 kmpl of fuel efficiency in its 4 years of lifespan it remained with us. During our ride of the AS200, we couldn’t test its fuel efficiency but considering that there is not much differentiating the 200NS and AS200, we believe the AS will be around a similar ballpark as well.
- Fairing vibration was one big issue with all 220s and we just hope it has been rectified in the new Pulsars – both AS200 and RS200. We rode the AS200 and took it to some off-road trails as well and there was no noise whatsoever and the fairing felt better bolted. However, it was a brand new factory fresh product and this needs to be seen on a slightly longer run motorcycle…
- The seating posture of AS200 is more relaxed and the seat is wider and better cushioned. In our first ride, it felt a better tourer than the 220!
Pulsar AS200 vs 220: Spec Difference Sheet
Also Read: Pulsar 400CS Launch Confirmed for this Financial Year!
Frankly speaking, Pulsar AS200 outdoes the 220 in almost every department if we talk about technology and as an overall product. It is a much better finished product, is superior in performance and is more upto the times against the old 220. But, the grunt of the older 220’s engine and that typical Pulsar feel is what pulls you towards it! We still see at least 50 percent of you reading this picking up the 220 over AS200 after a brief test ride of both of these…
