In the realm of 200cc naked bikes, the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 and the KTM Duke 200 stand tall as the undisputed leaders, offering a perfect blend of exhilarating performance and head-turning style. These two motorcycles have captured the hearts of young riders across the nation, promising a ride that is nothing short of thrilling. As we delve into the details, let’s explore how these two titans of the 200cc segment stack up against each other.
Bajaj Pulsar NS200 v/s KTM Duke 200
Design and Style
When it comes to design, both the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 and the KTM Duke 200 exude a sporty and athletic character, but with distinct personalities.
The Pulsar NS200 boasts a muscular, boxer-inspired design, while the Duke 200 has a sharper, sprinter-like appearance. Bajaj Auto has kept the Pulsar NS200’s design largely unchanged since its launch, but it has received updates like an inverted fork, an updated LED headlight, and a fully digital console with smartphone connectivity. The 2024 Pulsar NS200 comes in three sleek color options: Brooklyn Black, Pearl Metallic White, and Racing Red.
On the other hand, KTM has kept the Duke 200 fresh by borrowing design cues from its larger siblings, the Duke 250 and 390. In 2020, the Duke 200 received the Duke 250’s design, and more recently, it was graced with the LED headlights from the Duke 250, making it sportier and sharper than ever before. The Duke 200 is available in two attractive color options: Electronic Orange and Dark Silver Metallic.
Engine and Performance
Under the hood, both bikes deliver similar power and torque outputs, cementing their position as leaders in the 200cc segment. The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 is powered by a 199.5cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine derived from the Duke 200, producing an impressive 24.5PS of peak power and 18.74Nm of torque. This power is channeled through a six-speed gearbox, and the bike boasts a 13.4-liter fuel tank with a real-world tested mileage of around 40 kmpl.
The KTM Duke 200 is no slouch either, with its 199.5cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine churning out 25PS of power and 19.3Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed gearbox. The Duke 200 offers a mileage of around 34 kmpl and has a 12-liter fuel tank capacity.
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Underpinnings and Handling
When it comes to underpinnings, both bikes are designed to deliver a thrilling and confident ride. The Pulsar NS200 is built on a perimeter frame and comes equipped with an inverted fork and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear. It boasts a 300mm disc at the front and a 230mm disc at the rear, with dual-channel ABS as standard. The Pulsar NS200 rides on 17-inch wheels fitted with 100-section front and 130-section rear tires, and it has a kerb weight of 158kg and a ground clearance of 168mm.
The KTM Duke 200, on the other hand, is built on a split-trellis frame and features a 43mm diameter inverted fork and a 10-step preload adjustable WP Apex monoshock. Braking power is provided by a 300mm radially mounted disc at the front and a 230mm rear disc with a floating caliper, complemented by dual-channel ABS. The Duke 200 rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels with a 110-section tire at the front and a 150-section tire at the rear. It has a seat height of 822mm, a ground clearance of 155mm, and weighs 159kg.
Instrumentation and Features
Both bikes have adopted modern instrumentation and features to enhance the riding experience.
The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 boasts an all-LED lighting setup, including an updated LED headlight with LED DRLs, indicators, and taillight. It has been updated with a fully LCD instrument cluster that offers smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation via Bluetooth. In addition to basic information like speed, fuel level, odometer readings, and tripmeter, it provides call and SMS alerts, shows phone battery and signal levels, and offers modern features like distance-to-empty, real-time mileage indicator, and a gear position indicator.
The KTM Duke 200 is also equipped with an all-LED lighting setup, including the recently updated LED headlights from the previous gen-Duke 250. It comes with a fully digital instrument cluster that displays the speedometer, odometer, tachometer, tripmeter, fuel gauge, and a digital clock. Additionally, it features a Supermoto mode that allows you to switch off the rear ABS and lock the rear wheel for sliding the bike.
Verdict
While both the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 and the KTM Duke 200 offer similar performance and sporty looks, the Pulsar NS200 comes loaded with more features compared to the Duke 200. The Pulsar NS200 seems to offer better value for money at Rs 1.57 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Duke 200 commands a premium price of Rs 1.96 lakh (ex-showroom), almost Rs 40,000 more than its Bajaj counterpart.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between these two 200cc naked bike titans ultimately boils down to personal preference and budget. If you’re looking for a feature-packed, value-for-money option with impressive performance, the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 might be the way to go. However, if you prioritize the sharper looks and the brand cache of KTM, the Duke 200 might be worth the premium price tag. Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed a thrilling ride that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.
