If it's business, competition is expected and automobile sector is no different. In fact, we witness one of the the strongest competitions among automakers than in any other field. With every new launch, be it a new car or a bike, automakers participate in the stiff race with their respective models. Here's a fine demonstration of the race to finish line as Indian automobile leader Bajaj launched all-new Pulsar RS 200 to compete with Austrian auto brand KTM.
KTM's bike series has received a positive reception in India. Bike enthusiasts favored the KTM Duke and KTM RC series for their thrilling speed, incredible performance and solid road grip. In short, the KTM bikes demonstrate a downgraded version of high-end superbikes at an affordable cost. But KTM's dominance will not go unthreatened as Bajaj has already prepped up its Pulsar RS 200 as a direct competition to the KTM RC 200.
If you are in the market for bike shopping and confused between these two great bikes, here's a quick comparison of design, specs, performance and price.
Design
KTM RC 200 is lauded for its performance-focused styling with a fully covered body and trellis frame chassis. The RC 200 makes comfortable room for bikers with low front seating and stumped down handle bar. The rear seating feels too high for the pillion rider. The two-wheeler dons a stylish look with its dual-tone colour finish. It features latest dual headlamps with sharp lines, telescopic forks in the front and mono shock with swing arm alloy at the rear. The 17-inch alloys make for a sportier look and incredible road grip.
As for the Pulsar RS 200, Bajaj has done a complete overhaul compared to its prior models. Like the KTM RC 200, the new Pulsar has full body fairing but slightly elevated handle bars made for comfortable cruising. Pulsar RS 200 offers a fresh design overall but KTM has an upper hand with its unique styling cues.
Performance
According to Over Drive magazine, KTM RC 200 and Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 are almost similar. The RC 200 wins out on the initial with its slightly improved 25.65bhp and torque of 19.2 NM at maximum. However, Pulsar RS 200 gets away with its top end speed at 141kmph, if Bajaj claims are true. KTM RC gets 138kmph on a stretch in the long run. Both bikes are powered by 199.5ccc single-cylinder four-stroke engine with 6-speed transmission.
In terms of braking, Bajaj offers optional ABS (anti-lock braking system) in its RS 200 while the KTM makes no such offer. The front brake in the RS 200 is a 300mm butterfly disc and the rear tyre is stopped by a 230mm butterfly disc. In the KTM RC 200, the front braking is fitted with a 280mm disc and a 230 floating rear disc adorns the rear tire.
The Pulsar RS 200 is heavier than its KTM rival at 165kgs compared to 137.5kgs. Bajaj offers 157mm ground clearance while KTM RC 200 gets 178.5mm. KTM also loses out on the fuel tank capacity, which can take in up to 10 liters of fuel compared to Bajaj's 13-liter fuel tank.
Price
Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 is definitely a worthy bike with its lowest price tag. It is priced at ₹1.18 lakh to ₹1.40 lakh (ex-showroom) in Delhi. KTM RC 200, which comes in just one variant, charges ₹1.66 lakh before taxes. It all narrows down to consumers' choice of bikes in terms of looks as both offer similar performance.
