For months Bajaj fans were waiting for the official launch of the Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS and recently the company launched the motorcycle across the country. The pictures released earlier had teased us all enough and now that the official pricing is out, it seems the bike will give cut throat competition to other sports bikes. Since the bike is already getting a lot of attention, we believe it would be a good idea to compare the bike with the bikes that fall close to it in pricing. So for the comparison we have three motorcycles: Bajaj Pulsar 200NS, Yamaha R15 and Hero Karizma ZMR. All these bikes are priced around Rs. 1 Lakh price tag and and are targeted towards the biking enthusiasts who want more than a simple commuter to reach from point A to B and they have a passion for biking. One of the common elements of these bikes is their high end performance and relatively affordable pricing (near by Rs. 1 Lakh). Lets go ahead and compared these popular bikes from India’s most popular two wheeler brands.
Pulsar NS 200 Vs Yamaha R15 Vs Karizma ZMR
Looks & Features
Bajaj Pulsar 200NS
Starting with the 200NS, Bajaj has presented an altogether different motorcycle. It looks completely different from its sister Pulsars, though the rear is a little like Bajaj Pulsar 135LS. 200NS gets a typical street fighter look with no fairing and all muscle. It’s design looks much sharper and sleeker than the previous Pulsars. What we don’t like is that the 200NS looks heavily influenced by KTM Duke 200 which, according to me is unappealing as the Pulsar doesn’t have anything unique enough, as far as the looks are concerned. We had wished a better effort from Bajaj’s end but that doesn’t mean the NS is not good. In fact we like the styling and the fact that it is easily distinguished from the rest of the Pulsars.
image – 2012 Bajaj Pulsar NS 200
Yamaha R15 Version 2.0
The R15 features pure racing DNA and if looks fabulously good. The fact that it belongs to Yamaha R1’s family is pleasing enough and I am sure none of you would disagree with me. The 2012 iteration of the R15 looks sportier than ever and the specifically designed rear is unmatched. Another very important bodily feature that sets R15 apart is the two tone colour option such as red-white, blue-black and so on.
image – Yamaha R15
Hero Karizma ZMR
Karizma is one of most respected bikes in the 200+ CC category and it has its own charm in its segment, though the competition is tough with Bajaj Pulsar 220. The ZMR looks bulky and has got a full front fairing. No doubt it looks good enough but to me it is not appealing at all. The riding posture is not even close to that of the R15, compared to proportions of the bike even the tyres are not wide enough which makes it look slim from the rear, the design is not that great but overall it looks quite fine.
image – Hero Karizma ZMR
Considering the looks of the above mentioned motorcycles we are sure the R15 is still the clear winner
Engine & Fuel Efficiency
The Pulsar 200NS sports a liquid cooled, 200 CC, 4 Valve engine with triple spark plugs that generates a maximum output of 23.5 BHP @ 9500 RPM and max torque of 18.3 Nm @ 8000 RPM. The engine is the same as on the KTM Duke 200 but unlike the same, the Pulsar’s engine does not feature fuel injection. Instead Bajaj has installed 3 spark plugs to make it technically different.
The R15 features a smaller 150 CC, SOHC, 4 valve, liquid cooled engine that delivers a max power output of 16.8 BHP @ 8500 RPM and max torque of 17 Nm @ 7500 RPM. Unlike the Pulsar NS, it has fuel injection which is a feature that every motorcycle should have.
The Karizma ZMR sports the biggest engine of all. At 223 CC it has more capacity than Pulsar’s 200 CC engine. The same delivers 17.06 BHP @ 7000 RPM of max power and 18.35 Nm @ 6000 RPM of max torque. ZMR’s engine also features fuel injection.
Comparing the above three engines it is safe to say that Pulsar has the most powerful engine of all. The max power is nearly 6 to 8 BHP more than ZMR and R15 and that too comes at 9500 RPM which means it delivers a strong punch of power which is not present in either of the rest.
The R15 and ZMR is claimed to deliver close to 40 kilometers per litre and 38 kilometers per litre which is not that bad keeping in mind that the former is a pure racing machine while the latter features a bigger engine. The NS leads here as well and delivers 58 kilometers per litre provided you ride it at 55 KMPH. This raises a question, why would one ride close to 55 KMPH when this bike can do way more than that?
Performance & Handling
The NS is full of energy and excitement and this shows when it goes around the track. It is stable, easy to handle and has a great power output. The thrust is enormous and impresses you instantly. Whether you are slowing down on sharp corners or accelerating while leaving a corner, the bike seems confident and excited. In fact the bike is extremely violent on the track and we are sure it will behave the same way on the Indian roads as well.
The R15 is one of the best motorcycle made for the track. It is ferocious, has the perfect cornering ability and has adequate power. The pure racing DNA of the R15 helps it conquer sharp turns with stability but if compared to the 200NS, it seems underpowered, though handling is still the best I believe.
The Karizma ZMR is more of a touring bike than a track dedicated motorcycle. It handles well and is pretty smooth but if you are planning to ride it the hardcore way, I am afraid it won’t be as impressive as the R15 or 200NS.
Pricing & Value For Money
- Yamaha R15 is priced at Rs. 1.07 lakhs (Ex-showroom Delhi)
- Bajaj Pulsar 200NS is priced at Rs. 84,096 (Ex-showroom Pune)
- Hero Karizma ZMR is priced at Rs. 98,500 (Ex-showroom Delhi)
The Yamaha R15 is the most expensive of the three. The spare parts are a little expensive and bike is high on maintenance. The Karizma ZMR is priced close to 1 lakh INR and being a Hero product it is extremely reliable. The spare parts are not very expensive and the maintenance cost can easily suit your pocket. The NS is cheapest of all and being a Bajaj, servicing and spare parts are the most affordable. If you want a bike that is value for money, undoubtedly the 2012 Pulsar 200NS should be your choice.
Also check out – Honda CBR150R VS Yamaha R15 Vs KTM Duke 200
