Bajaj sets Pulses racing

The most-awaited motorcycle of 2012 and one that is touted to change the course of Indian motorcycling, Bajaj’s bestselling Pulsar, in its new avatar, will soon hit the Indian roads. Ammar Alvi gets up close with the 200NS.

With stiff competition from Hero Moto Corp and TVS, Bajaj has been steering itself to the top, in ground-breaking product launches under Rajiv Bajaj. A mechanical engineer, Rajiv has been instrumental in developing new products and understanding the need of the Indian market, taking the company to the number two spot in India.

Continuing the journey, Bajaj recently unveiled the next-generation Pulsar. Revolutionary and reliable, the new Pulsar 200NS (NS denotes Naked Sports) will take over the current range, which has completed almost a decade and sold over 4 million units. The 200NS is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and world class components. Engineered entirely at Pune, the bike is powered by a 199.5cc 4-valve, liquid-cooled single cylinder engine that pumps 23.52 PS at 9,500 rpm. It will also carry a new in-segment triple spark plug, for improved efficiency without compromising overall performance.

Designed with strategies and philosophies adapted worldwide, it has superb styling cues. It is believed that Joseph Abraham, the chief technology officer of Bajaj Auto and head of their ‘Stars Ahead’ R&D department played an important role in it. Rajiv Bajaj also brought in many international designers, like ex-BMW Motorrad whiz Edgar Heinrich, who worked closely with Abraham and his team to perfect the overall stance, makeup and proportions, including the striking wraparound tank shield, split seat, headlamp, color-coordinated theme, sculpted front mudguard, rear registration plate carrier. It runs on 10-spoke, 17-inch cast alloy wheels, which are designed beautifully.

The Pulsar 200NS is expected to hit Indian roads by April 2012 and should be priced under Rs 1 lakh.