Modenas Pulsar RS200

The Modenas Pulsar RS 200 is designed to draw a lot of attention towards it – there are no two ways about it. However, in the process, Modenas (or rather should we say, Bajaj Auto) has gone too far and has come up with a design which is too busy to start with. It is a mix-up of a lot of cuts and creases which do make the motorcycle look sporty, but too loud. Some may like it, some may not.

The heavily designed transformer like front fascia of the Pulsar RS 200 engulfs two projector units for the main headlamp assembly, above which are positioned slim eyebrow-like LED positioning lamps. The Y-shaped front visor within the fairing looks unique as well, whereas the fairing mounted rear view mirrors are ergonomically well positioned too.

The full fairing of the Modenas Pulsar RS 200 looks bulky and heavily crafted, thanks to a mixed bag of a lot of cuts and creases, and blends effortlessly with the fuel tank as well. The split seats of the motorcycle are wide and well cushioned, and are intended to make your long rides comfortable. The side panels too are designed in a zig-zag manner, which extends all the way towards the rear.

At the rear, the Pulsar RS 200 has got a very unique positioning for the LED tail lamps – on the rear fender, which looks a bit awkward, in our opinion. To prevent mud-splashes, the rear tyre comes with a hugger, since the rear fender misses out on full covering due to tail lamp positioning.

The rider’s console is the most subtly designed aspect of the whole motorcycle, with the Pulsar RS 200 getting a part digital instrument console from its naked counterpart, the Pulsar NS 200. It has got a centrally mounted analog tachometer, with a small LCD panel towards its right displaying a digital speedometer, odometer, trip meters, clock, and fuel gauge.

With clip-on handlebars which are set slightly higher and backlit switchgear, the Pulsar RS 200 makes you feel that you are riding a proper sports bike

The engine is not the only mechanical aspect which the Pulsar RS 200 shares with the NS 200. In fact, the whole chassis beneath the flashy skin of the Pulsar RS 200 is the same as that of the Pulsar NS 200, including the perimeter frame, front telescopic forks and rear gas-charged monoshock, front and rear tyres and front and rear petal disc brakes. However, on the Pulsar RS 200, the ergonomics are heavily revised to make you feel that you are riding a proper fully faired sportsbike.

The Modenas Pulsar RS 200 shares its single cylinder, liquid-cooled, four valves, triple spark, 199.5cc engine with the Pulsar NS 200. However, to suit its sporty characteristics, the engine has been tuned to deliver slightly better performance outputs, which are rated at 24.5PS of maximum power output and 18.6Nm of peak torque output. The 6-speed gearbox too has been lifted off from the Pulsar NS 200’s powertrain as well.

To keep costs in check, Modenas has equipped the Pulsar RS 200 with a single channel ABS system which works on the front disc brake. Given its entry-level positioning in the fully faired sportsbike category, the inclusion of a single channel is a decent step.

The Modenas Pulsar RS 200 tries to be a player of both the worlds by offering a considerably good amount of performance to make it feel fast, while at the same time, the ergonomics and ride quality are slightly on the relaxed side, to make sure it feels practical at the same time as well.