The 2018 Bajaj Pulsar NS200 ABS is one of the most affordable bikes in India to offer the much-needed safety net
Bajaj Auto has officially announced the introduction of the ABS version on its naked streetfighter Pulsar NS200 for the Indian two-wheeler market. The motorcycle is being offered with a single channel ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) and is priced at Rs. 1,09,715 (ex Showroom, Delhi). It has been made available in three different colours options – Wild Red, Mirage White and Graphite Black. It is now introduced in all Metros and will be progressively available across all dealerships in the country. Having said that, the new ABS model commands a premium of close to Rs. 12,000 over the standard variant.
For those not in the know, a single channel ABS operates on the front wheel of the motorcycle only. Since the major portion of braking is done with the help of front brake, manufacturers equip the front wheel with the said safety equipment. Bajaj says the new 2018 Bajaj Pulsar NS200 ABS is now introduced in all Metros and will be progressively offered across all dealerships in the country.
Mechanically, there are no changes to the 2018 Bajaj Pulsar NS200 ABS and it continues to get its power from the same 200cc, single cylinder engine that runs the standard model. The liquid-cooled engine generates a maximum power output of 23.17 bhp along with a peak torque of 18.3 Nm. The company has stated that it has received a large number of requests from its customers for ABS and thus extended the offering to the NS200.
The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 comes with an aggressive streetfighter styling with a sharp headlamp up front that looks like a charm. The motorcycle was given a complete visual makeover when it was reintroduced in India at the beginning of this year. Before that, for those of you unaware, the production of the Pulsar NS200 was suspended for more than a year due to limited production capacity at Bajaj’s Chakan factory and the entry of newcomers like the Pulsar RS200 and Avenger series.
The bike will now challenge the likes of the TVS Apache RTR 200 ABS and is said to provide the highest level of stability and control for the rider and ensure “ultra-safe braking over any surface”. The Suzuki Gixxer SF also gets an ABS at this price point and hence can be considered if you are in for the market to pick a motorcycle close to Rs. 1 lakh but performance-wise the NS200 is obviously the superior. All new two-wheelers having an engine displacement of 125 cc and above need to come with an ABS, starting April 2018 as per Government instructions.