We are all excited about the launch of the all new Pulsar RS200 and we very well know that the production of this bike has been started already. Another thing that we came across in the most recent set of pictures taken in the Bajaj's Chakan Plant is that the Pulsar 200AS (Adventure Sports) production has also been started.We know a lot of details about the RS200 but not much about the 200AS. The latest pictures shows that Pulsar 200AS to be placed next to the production ready RS200 which is going to be launched very very soon.
Briefing on the Pulsar 200AS, this was another surprise from Bajaj to us. First showcased to Thailand people, was initially mistaken to be some sort of modification by some random Pulsar fan but seeing another or some bike in different colour and also on closer inspection, we found out that this is a whole new bike. Well, not really. It is actually a semi-faired version of the naked 200NS. The bike shares many parts with the 200NS, but it has got some extra add-ons, like the tail gets an extended mudguard like you see on the Pulsar 150/180 models, semi-fairing with a slightly different styled headlight with a single projector.
The bike may get some changes in the suspension to make it a go anywhere bike, which the name suggests. Expect a little or no changes to engine as it is going to carry the same engine from that of 200NS and even this doesn't get a FI, guess it's mainly Bajaj's way of keeping the cost under check.
Basically, we liked this strategy by Bajaj, taking a tried and tested engine and dressing it with different clothes to make it fit for different places. The Pulsar 200NS is for the streets, while the RS200 takes the highway and this 200AS will get the best of both worlds (on/off roading) and it may replace the present Pulsar 220. Do let us know what you think of it.
By: Rakesh Gowda
