A design dissection of the Pulsar 200NS..
I have been following the online reaction to the new Pulsar 200NS after it was unveiled on 30'th January. It has been really heartening to see that even hardcore "Pulsar" haters couldn't stop themselves from praising the new Pulsar.
Apart from going gaga over its features like the "Liquid cooled, 4 Valve engine and "Perimeter Frame", nearly everyone has been impressed with the styling of the new Pulsar 200NS. So is the new Pulsar 200NS currently the "Best Styled Naked Sports Bike in India"?
Surprisingly, I was one of those very few individuals who at first glance of the new Pulsar 200NS did not go WOW..!! I really don't know why. Maybe after seeing the signature Pulsar tank for 10 years, the latest avatar was too radical for me. But I have to say that the new design is growing on me and the more I look at it in photos, the more it has started to impress.
Evolution or Revolution?
The Yamaha FZ was the first real challenge to the dominance of the Pulsar when it came to naked sports bikes in India. When Yamaha launched the FZ (16) in 2008, it made every other naked sports motorcycle in India look a generation older including the Pulsars. Minor styling upgrades did help the Pulsar retain its handsome lines/proportions which still appealed to a large section of bikers. Nevertheless it was clear that the Yamaha FZ was now becoming the choice of the new generation.
The next gen Pulsar therefore had a thin line to tread. On one hand it had to be designed a notch above the Yamaha FZ and on the other hand it had to carry over the lines/proportions of the Pulsar which we have been used to seeing on our roads for a decade now.
From what has been unveiled on Jan 30, it seems that the designers at Bajaj Auto has pulled it off. The side panels, tail section and the way in which the rider's seat merges with the tank reminds one of the signature Pulsar styling. The twin strip LED Tail lamps makes sure that the new bike still doesn't get mistaken for anything elase but a Pulsar. The rear number plate holder has been carried over from the Pulsar 135LS.
The tank is the biggest change here. The orginal shape has been replaced with a sharper looking tank that extends right down to the radiator shroud.
Design Details: "God is in the details"
Apart from the puffed up body panels, the FZ had wonderful design details which really made it stand apart in the crowd. Well, at least till the Pulsar 200NS was unveiled on Jan 30.
A closer look at the Pulsar 200NS reveals the attention to details that has been showered while designing even minute details. The headlamp of the Pulsar 200NS is a detailed design job. The curve, creases, cuts, slashes and layers on the headlamp is mind blowing. The way the pilot lamps are positioned at the bottom of the headlamp is pure evil.
A few nit-pickers are crying foul (don't know why?) that the headlamp looks inspired ("copied" according to them) from the Honda CBR1000R. Well, it does look similar but I don't care, in fact the headlamp on the Pulsar 200NS has been better executed than the CBR1000R.
Even the perimeter frame of the Pulsar 200NS also has not spared the designer's touch, it has been thoughtfully scooped and scraped and gels well with the rest of the body.
Other small details like the footpegs, the half chain cover, the petal shaped disc brakes, the new design alloy wheels and the radiator shroud (not a decoy but an actual working radiator) looks like have been sculpted by an artist and not just put together in a factory. Even the screws and allen bolts add a touch of mechanical class to the overall package.
So is the new Pulsar 200NS currently the Best styled naked sports bike in India? I certainly think so. All that is left is to have a look at it in the flesh.
Related Posts
- Next Gen Pulsars (Pulsar 200NS) unveiled [Photos/Specs] [Jan 2012]
- Best looking motorcycles of India: My top 10 till 2010 [Dec 2010]
- Not the best styled motorcycles of India: My top 10 till 2010 [Dec 2010]
Disclaimer:
This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.
29 Comments:
Satadal brother! I do not know what fussy pseudo-intellectuals say on 2012 pulsar. I say it with iron hand this time - looks are genuinely godlike! It is very hard to believe that it is a Indian bike which the first generation pulsars had. There was no way to fool someone saying it is a Japanese or European bike. But this time bajaj accepted the challenge and did a sensible and electrifying work. What more do you want from a sub 1 lakh bike - it has got amazing looks, great power and what not? And guys please stop talking about torque-ism, power-to-weight-ism, bhp-ism, spark-plug-ism. At the end you want a bike which has got great looks, affordable, amazing ride quality ,high precision pickup and mileage. This has got all! So stop yelling and grab a one if you like naked sports concept.
the more I look at it in photos, the more it has started to impress. - this is happening to me too. like A.R.Rahman music.
apart from technical specification, Pulsar 200NS look itself make me to wait & stop booking KTM.
i am in love .. all over again .. just the way i did when the P-180 UG3 (my first bike) came out .. it has stolen my heart .. whoever designed this bike .. I am their biggest fan .. what a design .. now the pulsar cult will be unstoppable .. this is also a lesson for TVS .. who innovated a lot with RTR technically but not with design they need something like this ..
No doubt, it's an outstanding effort by Bajaj. It's a close contest between Duke 200 & P200. My vote goes to Duke, but it just manages to scrap through. Placement of pilot lamps is unique, it certainly reminds transformers movie!! Yellow on Pulsar looks nothing short of amazing, even the photoshopped one in white looked really dazzling, can't wait to see this in black/ferrari red.
the design looks like that a fairing could be fitted on this one.....
maybe bajaj is working on it.....
the plastic strip over the engine indicates that.......
@Shekhar, I think by "Plastic Strip over the engine" you mean the engine radiator guard.
Yes, the bike has everything a full faired bike needs.. A liquid cooled engine, a perimiter fairing. Who knows lets wait and see Bajaj also might launch Full Faired Pulsars.
@Anirban, Veeru, Sanketh & Prabhu.. the level of detailing on the bike is just amazing. Probably no one expected Bajaj to come up with such a neat job
The handlebars are set very high. If it had been set a little lower it would have looked so much more desirable. Dont you think so @Payeng
@above,
Would have to see it in the flesh.
in between why u need clip ons handle bars on naked bike?? i never seen naked street fighter bike clipons...
silencer is under belly one i dont how gud it works in rainy seasons...especially in india roads are heel
@Clips on on Street Bike.. welcome to India..!! :-)
@Above,
Haven't ridden one so far let alone in the rain.. but just for the record the Chetak and Eterno scooters had their exhaust opening at a low level from the ground. Also Royal Enfield bikes have their exhaust openings at low height from the ground.
@Payeng: When can we expect you to give a ride report on it(and when ever you do it, make sure you wont give a biased one :P )
BTW, what kind of fairing(semi/full?) do you think bajaj must be planning for this bike, i feel only a aerodynamic fairing like R15 will do justice to this bike...
if honda would announce this bike, all the bike pundits start to shed flowers on it... & if bajaj do this, then its copycat....huh?
hum kare to pyaar, tum kare to lafda...???
be the man... if bajaj did this great work, lets thumps up for it... without any hesitation....
Like I said,its a no brainer,one of the better looking nakeds out there.What bajaj has managed to come up with is just so commendable.Its every bit the and maybe a little more than what we expected the PULSAR to be.It'll continue doing what it does best,setting benchmarks for the competition
I am a proud owner of Apache RTR, lover of TVS and follower of Mr.Rajiv Bajaj!!! Though I don't like pulsars, I'm always impressed by the way Mr.Rajiv Bajaj takes Bajaj ahead! I follow most of his techniques for my business and even in personal life!
While Mahindra showcased Mojo and TVS showcased 'n' number of concepts to show their vision, Bajaj is the one who jumped into the field, learnt things in a hard way and has become a leader.
Pulsar 200 NS is an answer to the world what an Indian can do! I'm sure, damn sure, that Pulsar 200 NS would have brought sweat out of the Japs...
@ Author: When every other blog is talking about the specc, insights and technologies, I found, you were the first one to post such a wonderful topic! Great going.
@Sai, review why not?
This blog is my personal online diary, therefore I'll alway post straight from MY heart.
Baised or not depends on the perspective and pre conceived notions ("Bias") of what somebody might have against me.
@Samiappan, thanks bro.
Can't wait now for a ride on the Pulsar 200NS.
Hey Payeng Bro...after so many years, i have been reading ur blog back from yr 2004/2005 (just in few months, u started this site)...i am one big fan of this site n keeping telling my friends/colleagues to look at this site...i say "if u luv bikes then read this blog site as it my good frnd (MSH Apt - Blre) - biker nxt door...wht i luv abt it...its simple n straight from heart with Passion for Bikes"....Pls continue the Good work...
- SK
>> "Dead" or "Agile" <<
@Payeng - is it possible for u to get access to Pulsar in nxt couple weeks to take test ride n review 200NS??...i am just one of those Happy n Proud indian biker tdy....who is really of Proud of Bajaj...who inspires n try to deliver the desires/expectation of indian nxt gen biker...First Duke n now 200NS...i feel 200NS in looks n design wise much better than Duke...Japs r left behind by Bajaj...Wht do u say?...Waiting to knw from u...overall comparision n value for money...Duke vs 200NS? i am bit confused now...which to buy...i luv full fairing bikes (as i am biggest fan of V.Rossi from 1999...hope to own a bike like Motogp bike like his above 200cc atleast)...but after R15v2.0 (best design in india with full fairing bike) but only 150cc (disappointed)....now looking at Duke n 200NS (Naked bike)...WISH Bajaj had launched full fairing bike...but these are outstanding bikes...now lots of confusion created in my head...whether to listen to heart or head...but good confusion of bikes....:-)
$$ I don't own a bike...but did ride most of bike from Rx100 to latest ones (nxt on list is Duke / 200 NS)...n own a Swift - Diesel car (luv it)...but want to buy bike someday for my passion/Krazy/mad-lover of bikes, for weekend long ride with Bike hugged to me n wind in my hair...)
Those ugly clip ons are ruining the whole look and of course a more meatier front suspension or an USD front forks may be would have added so much to the brawny look.
Ohh well, as some told I was thinking that Duke 200 is a perfect bike and its going to be in mind for long. But everything changed when they launched the Pulsar 200 NS. It is amazingly great looker and the price is very attractive. A genuine reason for a potential buyer to shit to Pulsar. may be its too early to judge as any one haven't ridden the bike.
Payeng my friend. How r u bro. Great article and love it. It will also be a huge surprise in Indonesia for this Pulsar 200NS. Two thumbs up for Bajaj creativity, design, engine and capability to deliver a very perfect bike in Asia region.
Waiting you to come to Indonesia bro.
Gary - your fans from Indonesia.
Wow! I am hooked to this bike. Will start saving right away to get myself one of these beauties. Anyone know the when it will hit the markets and what are the color options available?
Hey SP, nice topic there! (wait, am I too late posting on this?) the designers of 200NS have really given attention to the minutest of details, and it shows.
The bike however, (to me) looks bit tall in the pictures but that could be a resolution issue with my laptop (since I am the only one here, complaining about that)..
In contrast with your reaction, as the first few pictures of 200NS happened to me, "OH MY GOD!", the words blurted off my mouth, my jaw dropped..
The admiration started with the new tank design, followed by the headlamp, followed by the under belly exhaust, followed by rest of the machine. The strategic placement of parking lights underneath the headlamp would be one thing that appealed to me the most I'd say.
As the excitement of beautiful new motorcycle took a back seat, my eyeballs started rolling on the pictures trying finding out details.. I wish I had not seen the spy pics shared by you. the 135LS inspired tail design, under belly exhaust and monoshock were three attributes I was sure about on 200NS. As I observed carefully, boy! there I see a perimeter frame. Honestly, I thought it was too early for this generation of Pulsar (or was it too late when India had seen perimeter frames almost ten years back on Kinetic GF125/Comet) considering the rate of evolution of Pulsars over the years. But all in all, it was a delight to see the new frame on Pulsar. Flicking the bike in city traffic should be fun now.
I move forward and see the all new petal discs on the bike. From the spied pics of bike, it appeared same as on KTM and hence expected world class brembo, but I am sure Bajaj’s wont compromise on braking and these too should be capable of retarding the bike efficiently. As opposed to spy pics, the presence of rear disc was a sweet surprise. Then (in spied pics) ugly looking exposed swing arm due to lack of exhaust too now looked complete with the mud fender installed, another plus. Also I was glad to see Bajajs had finally replaced those pair of mirrors with the Duke's. The former's were the biggest eye sore on the "older pulsar's"..
As if this all wasn’t enough, they shortly released the pictures of its yellow sibling. While the red 200NS had this fierce yet calm look on it, the yellow came in screaming SPORT! The yellow one looked tad sportier than the red. I wish NS gets launched with two more color options - White and Matte Black. I can "see" what beauties they'd make in the said colors.
(Post 1 Conti.. ) As I spent some more time staring the beauty of this machine and admiring its makers, gradually, I felt there was something about this bike that was incomplete. On putting all the neurons in my brains to work, I realised, in attempt of making a compact engine unit, the designers at Bajaj ignored the increased gap between engine and front wheel, hence resulting a big void and an eye sore. I am no automobile designer, but feel a belly cowl would have done a lot of justice to this otherwise super-handsome lad.
Also, the bikini fairing appears to be placed bit high than would be its perfect spot. This results in a slightly awkward side profile; and from the front view too, the shock absorbers are exposed more than required. Had the 200NS had the likes of Duke, and blessed with USD forks, over-exposed telescopes would surely be welcomed, but that should certainly be expecting too much from Pulsar for now. The front number plate however, I believe would help in hiding these slim ones to an extent.
Then we have this golden/copper engine casing. While many would fall for it, personally I feel it looks bit immature from designers and would have loved it black.. "Fear the Black".
Call me a "nit-picker" but while this motorcycle is winning accolades from all over, it is launched for us, the customers. Having said that, these little nits and picks do not hamper the image of brand Pulsar that is built over years, it only goes to further improve the product if are addressed, as we have witnessed with the R15 version 2.
Signing off, can’t wait to see these beauties in flesh and hope all my so observed shortcomings of the machines are limited to the pictures only.
PS1: The headlight comparison of 200NS is done with Honda CB1000R, as mistakenly referred by you to CBR1000R.
PS2: Labelling any motorcycles lover a "Pulsar hater" (or any other bike hater for that matter) is so an unBiking spirit.
Seems like Bajaj designers have got inspired by Apple..
IT SENSITIVE AND SEXY BIKE
Over all looks good but not best.Rear part is monotonous & rear wheel is not wide too.You have to concentrate on that part,I think. I have Pulsar 150 Dts-i & decide I'll buy a naked style bike.
what is the RPM of the new pulser bike
Whatz every1s opinion about the colour..!!
red or black 200 NS is the best.??..^_^
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