2023 Pulsar NS 200 and NS 160 review

The Bajaj Pulsar NS range has been present in the Indian market for over a decade, and it still holds a good reputation among buyers not just in India but across the globe. Bajaj has made changes to both the Pulsar NS 160 and NS 200 models for 2023, which are progressive but honestly a bit conservative too. The Pulsar NS 200 is priced at Rs 1.47 lakh (ex-showroom), while the NS 160 is priced at Rs 1.35 lakh (ex-showroom).

The design of the 2023 Pulsar NS 200 though a decade old still has an appeal, though we are sure the new generation of younger buyers would have appreciated at least a slight re-design. The stubby headlamps, flared tank shrouds, and slim tailpiece, when put together still look interesting. The addition of new graphics and paint schemes along with the upside front forks compliment the motorcycle’s big-bike appeal.

The 2023 Pulsar NS 200 misses out on modern-day electronic gadgetries, such as Bluetooth connectivity, colour displays and turn-by-turn navigation etc. However, when you really think about it, do we really use these? Our mobile phones do all these and more. The good ol’ meter on the NS features – distance to empty, a clock, gear indicator, live mileage(200 only) along with the standard odometer, trip meters and the lovely analog tachometer. Yes, we still love to see the revs building needle style.

The 2023 Pulsar NS 200 has a motor that has come a long way in terms of power delivery and refinement. It belts 24.5 PS and 18.74 Nm with triple spark plug tech in use. The power sits in the higher portion of the rev range, but the NS 200 is still a fun motorcycle with its 6-speed gearbox. The NS 160 delivers 17.2 PS of peak power and 14.6 Nm of max torque, with a 5-speed gearbox in place. The combination is a fuss-free setup, and the braking setup has been changed to use Grimeca systems (Sub-brand of Endurance). The bigger NS 200 gets dual-channel ABS, which amplifies the safety quotient. The NS 160 also gets the dual-channel ABS module but now features larger rotors. But basically what you need to know is that the both the motorcycles now have better braking systems and stop when you need it too. They are sharp and provide good feedback even during hard braking.

The big change on both of these motorcycles is the addition of upside-down front forks. This change results in a reduced unsprung mass, increasing motorcycles’ ability to handle change direction with more confidence. The overall stability in hard braking, acceleration, and while cornering maneuvers feels superior in comparison to the outgoing model. A welcome change definitely.

The Pulsar NS has always been ahead in terms of providing a mechanically advanced motorcycle at a competitive price. The perimeter frame, triple-spark technology, and upside-down forks make the Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 and Bajaj Pulsar NS 160, the only motorcycles in their segment to boast of these fitments. The Pulsar NS 160 is now also the most affordable motorcycle in India to come with USD forks. The 2023 Pulsar NS 200, still packs a punch and is still fast by todays standards. Yes, would have loved to see some more updates like a better console, a redesign etc etc. But then we think that defeats the point of the Pulsar series as a whole – “Affordable Performance”.