New Bajaj Pulsar NS200 vs TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Spec Comparison: Which One Should You Buy?

Bajaj Auto has just launched the updated Pulsar NS lineup in India, consisting of the NS200, NS160, and NS125. For 2024, the refreshed motorcycles bring changes in the form of revised styling and a new LCD console. The company has priced the NS200 and the NS160 at Rs 1.57 lakh and Rs 1.46 lakh, respectively. The former has rivals in the form of the KTM 200 Duke (Rs 1.97 lakh), the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V (Rs 1.47 lakh), and the Honda Hornet 2.0 (Rs 1.39 lakh), while the latter takes on the likes of the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V (Rs 1.27 lakh to Rs 1.37 lakh), the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V (Rs 1.24 lakh to Rs 1.38 lakh), and the Bajaj Pulsar N160 (Rs 1.46 lakh).

Meanwhile, the NS125 carries a sticker price of Rs 1.05 lakh and, at this price, it competes against the Hero Xtreme 125R (Rs 95,000 to Rs 99,500) and the TVS Raider 125 (Rs 95,219 to Rs 1.03 lakh). The prices are ex-showroom, Delhi. We compare the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 with its close competitor, the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, to see how they fare against each other. 

New Bajaj Pulsar NS200 vs TVS Apache RTR 200 4V: Styling

What's new on the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 is an LED headlamp cluster, boomerang-shaped LED DRLs, and LED turn indicators. Other than that, the bike remains the same. The NS200 rival also gets an LED headlight setup, having borrowed from the RTR 160 4V. As part of updates for the model year 2022, the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V now comes with a horizontal all-LED DRL, rather than fang-style DRLs. 

New Bajaj Pulsar NS200 vs TVS Apache RTR 200 4V: Features

The biggest update to the Pulsar NS200 is in the form of a digital console, which is a Bluetooth-enabled LCD instrument cluster. Once paired with a smartphone, it displays turn-by-turn navigation, distance to empty, real-time and average mileage, and call/SMS notifications. Furthermore, Bajaj has given the motorcycle an additional switch on the left switchgear. Similar features are available with the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V; except that the riding modes are only offered with this bike: Sport, Urban, and Rain. 

New Bajaj Pulsar NS200 vs TVS Apache RTR 200 4V: Powertrain

Powering the new Bajaj Pulsar NS200 is a 199.5cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with four valves and DOHC. Mated to a six-speed gearbox, the E20-compliant engine churns out 24.13bhp at 9,750rpm and 18.74Nm of torque at 8,000rpm. Meanwhile, the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V uses a 197.75cc, single-cylinder, air/oil-cooled engine that produces 20.54bhp at 9,000rpm and 17.25Nm of peak torque at 7,800rpm. Power is transmitted through a five-speed gearbox.

New Bajaj Pulsar NS200 vs TVS Apache RTR 200 4V: Hardware

Hardware-wise, the 2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS200 features upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock. As for the braking hardware, the motorcycle gets a single disc on either end, mounted on 17-inch wheels. The Apache RTR 200 4V, in comparison, features preload-adjustable front suspension and span adjustable clutch and brake levers. The braking duties are taken care of by discs at both ends.

New Bajaj Pulsar NS200 vs TVS Apache RTR 200 4V: Price

The recently launched Bajaj Pulsar NS200 is offered in a single variant, priced at Rs 1.57 lakh, while the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V is available in two variants – single-channel ABS and dual-channel ABS. The former is priced at Rs 1.42 lakh, whereas the latter asks for Rs. 1.47 lakh. The prices are ex-showroom.