The engine has been taken straight off the Pulsar NS 200 but with some mods. For starters, this bike gets fuel injection in place of the NS 200’s carburetion. As a result the cylinder head is different. The throttle bodies are larger too at 38mm. The engine also revs 500 RPM higher. On the transmission front there’s a six-speed ‘box at work. However, the rear sprocket is now a 41-tooth unit in place of the 39-tooth sprocket of the NS. The combo works well enough and there is enough grunt that is delivered in one smooth arc that corresponds to your throttle wrist. The gearbox too is light and slick to shift through.
Around the twists and turns of the Bajaj Auto test track, the RS 200 came across as a corner-happy fun-to-ride motorcycle. Quick changes in directions or sweepers, the RS 200 holds its line and inspires confidence. Given the smoothness of the track it’ll be difficult to predict the bike’s ride quality on our Indian roads but we would think it should be comfortable and won’t give you a sore bum at the end of a day’s ride. What does merit special mention though are the specially developed MRF tyres that offer superb grip.
These are our first impressions. For the detailed review of the bike, watch out for the May issue of Bike India
