Bajaj has launched the updated versions of its Pulsar NS160 and NS200 street naked motorcycles. The NS160 is now priced at ₹1.35 lakh while the refreshed NS200 will cost ₹1.47 lakh. This marks a price hike of ₹10,000 and ₹7,000 respectively for each model over the older versions (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi).
The NS200 first appeared in 2012, and has received only minor updates since then. So this refresh is a much needed shot in the arm for the NS range. Both models now get an upside down fork in place of the earlier conventional telescopic unit, and dual-channel ABS is now standard. As a result, the curb weight of the NS160 has gone up by almost 1kg to 152kg. However, the NS200 has become slightly lighter, dropping from 159.5kg to 158kg.
The first clue about the arrival of these updated models came a few weeks back, when Bajaj equipped the NS200 and NS160 with upside down forks under the Dominar brand in Brazil. However, those bikes still only get single-channel ABS.
Apart from these two changes, the rest remains the same. The NS160 is still powered by an oil-cooled 160.3cc single-cylinder motor that makes 17.2hp and 14.6Nm, while the NS200 is powered by a liquid-cooled 199.5cc mill that produces 24.5hp and 18.7Nm. Apart from the different engines, both the motorcycles are quite similar, being held together by a perimeter frame, featuring the same styling and bodywork, and getting the same semi-digital instrumentation. The only other notable difference between them is that the NS200 has fatter tires to handle its higher output levels.