WHAT is most striking when someone first sets eyes on the Modenas Pulsar RS200 is the slick design, specifically the full fairing with fierce twin headlamps.
The Pulsar RS200 is definitely a head-turner, with some details striking as unconventional.
Overall, the comments are mostly positive, with some mention of the tail lamps and rear hugger being easily modified to please one person or the other.
The favourite features are its “eyebrow” LED daytime running lights and sharp-edged bodywork.
The Pulsar range is a sub 250cc streetbike, with the NS200 being the “naked” version of the fully-faired and subsequently 20kg heavier RS200.
Both share the same 199.5cc fuel-injected SOHC liquid-cooled 4-valve single piston engine with triple-spark (count ‘em) ignition system.
The Pulsars produce a horsepower of 24.5PS at 9,750rpm, and 18.6Nm of torque at 8,000rpm. The power output at high revolutions makes the bike sound like its working hard. However, it is exceedingly smooth and very little of the vibration reaches the rider.
Throttle response is smooth and easily modulated, with no jerkiness or surging, making quick progress easy in traffic or on the highway.
The RS200 will easily exceed 150kph, which means it is no 250 killer, although to be fair, it does give away 50ccs to the opposition.
The clutch is light and controllable, and the six-speed gearbox is smooth. Crucially, the gear ratios are very well selected, being fairly close to each other and matching the engine, especially in top gear.
It is easy to trickle down to 50kph in top gear, and smoothly accelerate again without the snatchiness.
This flexibility is down to the smooth fuel-injection and vibration-free engine. The RS200 will rev to 11,000rpm, but there is much to be said for shifting gear at the torque peak of 8,000rpm.
Only in racing conditions will the useful over-rev come into use. Despite this, the little engine will happily rev it guts out, if you so wish.
The ergonomics of the RS200 puts the rider in a slight forward lean, with footpegs and seat in a comfortable position.
The fairing directs air mid-chest at anything above 120kph, which counteracts the forward lean nicely. A quiet and aerodynamic helmet is a must, of course, if you value your comfort (and hearing).
The seat (810mm) is flat but comfy enough for 200km stints. I managed over 280km on a full tank (12 litres).
The instruments are a mixture of an analogue tachometer and digital of everything else, with selection buttons on the console.
A useful digital clock is paired with the accurate fuel gauge, and the trips and odometer are on the lower right.
The RS does not have a temperature gauge, only a warning light, with other idiot lights being service, ABS, battery and side stand.
The cool blue instrument backlight is coordinated with backlighted switchgear in the same blue. And, lest we forget, the Bajaj logo is imprinted there to remind us where the RS200 came from.
The RS200 is equipped with a telescopic fork up front and a monoshock rear. Although not adjustable (except for preload at the rear), the spring rate and damping is on a par for the course of me (65kg) and never felt wanting.
The rear will sometimes bottom out on hard hits, but never to the point of being uncomfortable. The twin spar perimeter frame is steel and offers solid handling characteristics.
Neither racer-like nervous or touring-like slow, the RS200 has very neutral characteristics and remains on your chosen line with aplomb.
The brakes are a single disc on the front and another on the rear. The front brake is fairly controllable and dependable, with a single channel ABS system (non-switchable) for your safety.
The rear is a bit fiercer and, with no ABS, requires careful modulation. The front and back cast wheels run on 100/80 and 130/70 sized tubeless tyres, both on 17-inch rims. This means plenty of sticky rubber choices if you wish to exploit the excellent, stable handling.
The best aspect of the RS200 is its ability to perform anything its rider wishes. A quick sportsride in the twisties is easily done after a 500km ride on the North-South Expressway.
Fit some sticky tyres and a trackday is no problem. Daily commuting to the office is one of its repertoires. In short, the RS200 may seem sporty, but it handles long distances well with a large fuel tank and comfortable suspension.
The smooth and revvy engine is definitely an ace up the RS200’s sleeve. The clincher? The Modenas Pulsar RS200 costs RM11,342 only with GST.
The Pulsar may have been born in India, but I think it has found its spiritual home here in Malaysia.