New Bajaj Pulsar NS200 vs KTM 200 Duke Spec Comparison: Which One Should You Buy?

Bajaj Auto has just unveiled two updated motorcycles under the Pulsar banner – the NS160 and the NS200. The major updates to the Pulsar NS models include a new LED headlamp with integrated daytime running lights (DRLs) and a new digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity. The prices of these models are yet to be announced; however, expect the updated Pulsar NS160 and NS200 to command a slight premium over the existing versions, which are available at a starting price of Rs 1.37 lakh and Rs 1.49 lakh, respectively. The prices are ex-showroom. While the Indian manufacturer is readying the motorcycles for launch in 2024 in the Indian market, we pit the Pulsar NS200 against its close rival, the KTM 200 Duke to see how they fare on paper. 

New Bajaj Pulsar NS200 vs KTM 200 Duke: Engine, Gearbox

Both bikes are powered by a 199.5cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with four valves and DOHC. The new Bajaj Pulsar NS200 churns out 24.13bhp at 9,750rpm and 18.74Nm of torque at 8,000rpm, while the KTM 200 Duke makes 24.67bhp at 10,000rpm and 19.2Nm of torque at 8,000rpm. The bikes' E20-compliant motors are mated to a 6-speed gearbox. 

New Bajaj Pulsar NS200 vs KTM 200 Duke: Chassis, Suspension, Brakes

Hardware-wise, the 2024 version of the Pulsar NS200 remains the same. It is built on a perimeter frame, while its Austrian rival sits on a trellis frame. Both bikes get upside-down forks at the front and a preload adjustable mono-shock at the rear. The braking hardware also remains the same: both streetfighters feature a single disc at each end, assisted by dual-channel ABS. Both the new Bajaj Pulsar NS200 and the KTM 200 Duke roll on 17-inch alloy wheels. 

New Bajaj Pulsar NS200 vs KTM 200 Duke: Design

For 2024, Bajaj has updated the Pulsar NS200 with a new LED headlamp cluster (as opposed to a halogen unit), boomerang-shaped LED DRLs, and LED turn indicators. Other than that, the bike looks the same. Like the NS200, the KTM 200 Duke, which received upgrades last year, comes with an LED headlight, LED turn indicators, and an LED tail light. 

New Bajaj Pulsar NS200 vs KTM 200 Duke: Features

Features-wise, the Pulsar NS200 has the same digital display as the NS160 and the NS150. The display comes with Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, call and message alerts, and more. It also offers real-time fuel efficiency, distance to empty, and average mileage. On the other hand, its close rival gets an LCD instrument cluster, which includes a speedometer, trip meter, odometer, tachometer, gear position indicator, and fuel level indicator. 

New Bajaj Pulsar NS200 vs KTM 200 Duke: Price

The new Pulsar NS200 is expected to be priced north of Rs 1.49 lakh, which is the ex-showroom price of the 2023 version. Meanwhile, the KTM 200 Duke sets you back by Rs 1.97 lakh (ex-showroom).