Introduction

The Bajaj Pulsar series has been a popular choice among motorcycle enthusiasts since its introduction in 2001. Over the years, Bajaj Auto has continued to innovate and upgrade its bikes, and the latest additions to the Pulsar family are no exception. The 2023 Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and NS200 come equipped with USD forks, making them the most affordable motorcycles in India with this advanced feature. In this article, we will take a closer look at these bikes and explore their features, specifications, and performance.

History of Bajaj Pulsar

Before diving into the details of the NS160 and NS200, it's worth taking a brief look at the history of the Bajaj Pulsar. The Pulsar was first introduced in 2001 and quickly became popular for its sporty design and performance. Over the years, Bajaj Auto has continued to update and upgrade the Pulsar, adding new features and improving its performance. Today, the Pulsar is one of the most popular motorcycles in India, with a range of models to choose from.

The Benefits of USD Forks

The USD (Upside Down) fork is a suspension system that is commonly found on high-performance motorcycles. Unlike conventional telescopic forks, the USD fork has the larger and stiffer diameter tube on top, with the smaller diameter tube on the bottom. This design provides several benefits, including improved handling, better stability, and reduced weight. USD forks are also more expensive to manufacture, which is why they are typically found on high-end motorcycles. However, Bajaj Auto has managed to bring this advanced technology to its more affordable Pulsar series.

The 2023 Bajaj Pulsar NS160

The NS160 is the smaller of the two bikes, with a 160cc engine that produces 17.2 bhp of power and 14.6 Nm of torque. It comes with a 6-speed gearbox and a top speed of around 120 km/h. The bike has a sporty design, with a sharp and aggressive front end, and a muscular tank. The USD forks on the NS160 are a first in this segment and provide improved handling and stability.

The 2023 Bajaj Pulsar NS200

The NS200 is the bigger brother of the NS160, with a 200cc engine that produces 24.5 bhp of power and 18.5 Nm of torque. It also comes with a 6-speed gearbox and has a top speed of around 140 km/h. The NS200 has a similar design to the NS160, with a muscular tank and a sporty front end. The USD forks on the NS200 provide improved handling and stability, making it a great choice for riders who enjoy pushing their bikes to the limit.

Other Features and Specifications

Both the NS160 and NS200 come with a range of other features and specifications that make them great value for money. These include:

  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard
  • Split seats for improved comfort
  • LED tail lights and indicators
  • Digital instrument cluster with speedometer, tachometer, and trip meter
  • Wide rear tire for improved grip and stability

Performance and Ride Quality

In terms of performance and ride quality, the NS160 and NS200 are both impressive bikes. The USD forks provide improved handling and stability, while the ABS ensures that the brakes are responsive and reliable. The bikes are also lightweight, making them easy to handle and manoeuvre in traffic. The engines on both bikes are smooth and responsive, with plenty of power and torque for both city and highway riding. The split seats and comfortable riding position make for a pleasant riding experience, even on longer journeys.

Price and Availability

One of the most impressive aspects of the NS160 and NS200 is their affordability. The NS160 is priced at around INR 1.10 lakh, while the NS200 is priced at around INR 1.50 lakh. These prices are significantly lower than other motorcycles with USD forks, making the NS160 and NS200 great value for money. Both bikes are expected to be available at Bajaj Auto dealerships across India from mid-2023.

Conclusion

The 2023 Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and NS200 are impressive motorcycles that bring advanced technology to an affordable price point. The USD forks provide improved handling and stability, while the range of other features and specifications make them great value for money. Whether you're a city commuter or a highway rider, the NS160 and NS200 are both capable and enjoyable bikes to ride.