2012 Bajaj Pulsar 200NS – the Indian KTM Duke 200

Bajaj Auto has unveiled its new naked model for the Indian market. The Bajaj Pulsar 200NS (Naked Sport) is shares many of the same components of the also recently launched KTM Duke 200, but with a few cost-cutting measures.

Bajaj, of course, owns a 39.26% share of KTM so such crossover of technology should be expected.KTM will be positioned as a premium brand while the Bajaj brand will be presented as a more-affordable alternative.

The Bajaj Pulsar 200NS is powered by a similar engine as the Duke, with a Single 199.5cc cylinder (bore and stroke are an identical 72mm x 49mm as the Duke’s thumper) with a six-speed transmission. Both models will also be produced from the same factory in India.

What’s different however is the Pulsar is carbureted with a single overhead cam while the Duke is fuel-injected with a DOHC. The Pulsar also makes use of a triple-spark configuration compared to the Duke’s single spark plug.

The Bajaj Pulsar 200NS’ engine claims an output of 23.1 hp at 9500rpm compared to the KTM Duke 200′s 24.7 hp at 10000rpm. Torque also takes a slight dip with the Pulsar claiming 13.5 ft-lb. at 8000rpm compared to the Duke’s claimed 14.0 ft-lb. at 8000rpm.

Other differences include a larger fuel tank for the Bajaj (3.2 gallon compared to the KTM’s 2.8 gallon tank), non-USD fork, and smaller tires. The Pulsar 200NS also claims a curb weight of 320 pounds, about 20 pounds heavier than the KTM Duke 200.

[Source: Bajaj]

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2012 KTM 200 Duke Review
KTM 200 Duke, 350 Duke Announced … But Only for Emerging Markets

By Dennis Chung