Bajaj Auto, the Indian two-wheeler manufacturer, has launched updated versions of its Pulsar NS160 and NS200 street naked motorcycles. The refresh comes with an upside-down fork and dual-channel ABS as standard, which has been a much-needed shot in the arm for the NS range.
The NS200 first appeared over a decade ago in 2012 and has only received minor updates since. The NS160 and NS200 are priced at Rs 1.35 lakh and Rs 1.47 lakh (ex-showroom) respectively, marking a price increase of Rs 10,000 and Rs 7,000 over the earlier versions of each model.
Both motorcycles feature lighter wheels and the same styling and bodywork, held together by a perimeter frame. The NS200 gets chunkier tyres to handle its higher output levels while the NS160 features fatter tyres than before, causing its weight to increase by around 1 kg to 152 kg.
The NS200 has become slightly lighter, dropping from 159.5 kg to 158 kg. The bikes still come with their respective engines, with the NS160 powered by a 160.3cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 17 BHP and 14.6 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. On the other hand, the NS200 is powered by a 199.5cc mill that churns out 24 BHP and 18.7 Nm of torque, with a 6-speed transmission.
Bajaj Auto had launched the NS200 and NS160 under the Dominar brand in Brazil a few weeks ago, equipped with an upside-down fork, but with only single-channel ABS.
The updated Pulsar NS160 and NS200 are expected to strengthen Bajaj Auto’s position in the highly competitive Indian motorcycle market.