Twin magic

With the recent launch of AS 150 and 200 Bajaj has proved there is still much left to play around with Pulsar

April 19, 2015 03:15 pm | Updated 03:15 pm IST

Eric Vas, President of Motorcycle Business at Bajaj Auto Limited, at the launch of Pulsar RS 200.

Eric Vas, President of Motorcycle Business at Bajaj Auto Limited, at the launch of Pulsar RS 200.

This past week was special for the biking industry. And, here is what you should know of it. The Phuket Bike Week 2015 kick-started its 21st annual edition, Suzuki Motorcycle India announced its two new Gixxer super bikes, Yamaha India launched its flagship YZF bikes, and Bajaj unveiled its new Pulsar(s). And, if that’s not enough you could look for the European and the American markets for more. But, wait. Let me just take you, for now, a little closer to the Pulsar(s).

Bajaj launched its Pulsar AS 150 and Pulsar AS 200 recently. With these two new motorcycles, Bajaj has introduced an all new ‘Adventure Sports’ range of motorcycles for the Pulsar family. The family that now houses over half a dozen members. And, why not! The sales of Pulsar have been record-breaking. But, I must say despite all the hype and popularity I, personally, didn’t feel much excited. No, that’s not for the manufacturer witnessing an overall low in domestic sales. That is, partly because I have been over-exposed to Pulsar – it being my first bike- and thus it losing its exotic sheen for me and partly because I felt there is not much scope left to toy around with it.

But Bajaj wishes to stay one step ahead each time. As part of its strategy of launching six new products in the first six months of 2015, the brand made a confirmation of Pulsar 400. Well, it is living up to its glory and sheen. And, with the recent launch of AS 150 and 200 it has proved there is still much left to play around with. The manufacturer claims that former is the most powerful 150cc bike and the latter is the raw power brute. Both, working with a 4-valve, DTS-i engine technology sport the same dimensions with the same 12litre capacity fuel tank. They have the same nitrox mono suspension. In terms of looks and styling as well both the bikes look the same. Of course, that’s because they come from the same family. They could be twins but not all the same.

While the big brother puts forth liquid cooling mechanism, has triple spark and has disc brakes on the rear, the younger one is air cooled, has double spark and offers drum brakes on the rear. And, by the way, the AS 200 is quite like the earlier 200 NS save for the Alpha Male Styling with an extended visor and Projector Headlamp for superior lighting.

Oh yes! They are all from the same family. And, so even though there has been a launch of two new machines, I refuse to call them two Pulsars. Instead it is Pulsar(s). And, even though the manufacturer might be eyeing a big market with big sales figures it still isn’t the most excitingly new thing around.

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