[Group] Singapore BAJAJ Team (SBT)

[alvinyansg]

that's fast! i guess all those who needed to go has went last few days. anyway how much they charge for oil change? can pm me if sensitive...

 

$10/bottle of 1L Mineral EO

for full syn 1.2L UM charge $22...

[ORen]

$10/bottle of 1L Mineral EO

for full syn 1.2L UM charge $22...

 

Which is a good price. LAB sells the same FS EO $19 /1L.

[asakura_hao88]

Hi guys! Will be getting my P180 tmr! Look forward to meeting u guys n learn more abt the bike!

 

I intend to do up the boxes tmr as well, may I know where n wad box shld I get? I hv 2 FF helmets, thanks!

[ORen]

@asakura_hao88 congrats on your P180

Sorry I'm not much of a top box person, others here will know better the topic than me.

Do join us next meet-up : it will be posted here as well as on our FB group.

 

Cheers

[shorty]

$10/bottle of 1L Mineral EO

for full syn 1.2L UM charge $22...

Fully syn for $22? Thats reasonable. David advised me to put semi syn. any difference? n their fully syn is the mobil 10w40 right?

[shorty]

Hi guys! Will be getting my P180 tmr! Look forward to meeting u guys n learn more abt the bike!

 

I intend to do up the boxes tmr as well, may I know where n wad box shld I get? I hv 2 FF helmets, thanks!

Dont they give u box? Im sure u can ask for it.

[alvinyansg]

Fully syn for $22? Thats reasonable. David advised me to put semi syn. any difference? n their fully syn is the mobil 10w40 right?

 

$22 for 1.2L of oil...

after overhaul treat it as brand new engine...

1st 3 oil change can use mineral or semi syn...

then would recommend you change to full syn oil...

[m0bIlEnErD]

Hi guys, I will also be getting my Bajaj tomorrow. Not really looking forward to meeting you guys cos I am afraid of all of you. Hahaha

[speedaddict]

Don't worry we know where u live.. Hehe

[ORen]

hahaha.. I will go sit at Saffron and wait only. You are bound to show up sooner or later

Congrats on the NS, can't wait to hear more about it from you !!

[Cyberpig]

Nickname or Name: Cyberpig

Previous Ride: (Brand and model) : Honda Phantom TA200

Current Ride: Bajaj 200NS

Color: Red

Date of bike collection: 28 Dec 12

Current Kms clocked as of today: 250

Initial reasons why you chose 200NS before you bought: Looks, Price, Can't pass 2A

First impressions on first day you collected bike: Looks nicer than I remembered, Posture feels much higher compared to TA200, Smooth acceleration, Sounds a bit like a vacuum cleaner

Short summary of any issues you have faced since first day: Side stand indicator is not working, Feels bumpier on uneven roads compared to my old TA200

Overall impression: I think 200NS should be one of the top choice for a 2B bike. Good price, good looks, good handling (so far).

Daily commute : 30% roads, 70% expressway

[m0bIlEnErD]

Thanks for the update. Appreciate the feedback. If you compare ta200 suspension its like a spring bed which bounces. I know cos I owned 3 phantoms before.

 

Also assume that since u clocked 250kms your fc figures not out. Please update us later. Thanks.

[ORen]

@Cyberpig thanks a lot for the feedback!

Did you check with the bike shop about the side stand sensor?

Come on NS riders, let us hear from you as well!

[Cyberpig]

@Cyberpig thanks a lot for the feedback!

Did you check with the bike shop about the side stand sensor?

Come on NS riders, let us hear from you as well!

 

Nope. Didn't notice it until after I got home. Will check with them during the first service.

 

BTW, anyone knows if labour is free for the first X number of services? I forgot to ask David when I bought the bike. duh..

[StrongBow]

 

pulsar200ns spotted!

belong to any guy here? parked under my block!

[Wonderless]

jus wanna ask how much is ns200 brand new? (COE included)

[Darylcty]

jus wanna ask how much is ns200 brand new? (COE included)

 

7200k OTR if im not wrong

[StrongBow]

Hi guys, I will also be getting my Bajaj tomorrow. Not really looking forward to meeting you guys cos I am afraid of all of you. Hahaha

 

moniberd buy 200NS also? WOWWWW

[ORen]

7200k OTR if im not wrong

 

Yep, that's before Insurance. SO must add your insurance which will vary depending on your past history, age, rider experience.

But includes Road Tax, COE @1700 (COE will probably change next Wed with the new bidding), Registration and transfer fees.

 

Hope the COE doesn't shoot up to 2k+ again.. How I miss the days where COE was $600-800

[smgoh6]

will the 200ns be cheap to maintain for a ns guy? I am thinking of getting 200ns or fz160st.. hmmm

[m0bIlEnErD]

will the 200ns be cheap to maintain for a ns guy? I am thinking of getting 200ns or fz160st.. hmmm

 

Let me post my review later tonight. Stay tuned.

[m0bIlEnErD]

Review of Bajaj 200NS (Singapore) – January 2013

 

 

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e378/mobilenerd/200NS/20130106_102337.jpg

 

Background

 

Bajaj Pulsar 200NS (200NS). The highly anticipated new release from India has finally hit our shores. From what I gathered from the agent Universal Motors (UM), over 40 units have been released to excited owners over the last week. The first shipment of 80 will likely be snapped up quickly also. The colors which we will see on our roads are Black, Blue, Red and Yellow.

 

I will try to provide “would be” buyers of the Bajaj Pulsar 200NS with an honest and transparent review. I am in no way endorsed by Bajaj or Universal Motors.

 

Before I begin, perhaps a quick introduction about myself. I have owned and cared for 39 motorcycles and scooters over the last 35 months. These ranged from 70cc Hondas to 400cc Suzukis. Water-cooled, air-cooled, 7HP, 59HP, you name it, I may likely have ridden it. Sadly though, I do not have a Class 2 license in Singapore (which I am working on by the way), hence I am unable to comment on bikes bigger than the allowed 400cc which I am licensed to ride. Out of the 39 bikes, I have taken on the Bajaj Pulsar 200, Pulsar 180 and XCD 135.

 

I will try to cover this bike from the angle of a person who has owned a 200cc or smaller machine and also someone who is currently riding a larger bike and may be considering this as a “downgrade”.

 

Sometime in May 2012, our group Pulsarians Singapore was all excited over the release of the 200NS in India. Many of our members were reading up on the specifications and this made them even more anxious over the release date in Singapore. Why do you ask?

 

Introduction to Pulsar 200NS

 

Most Class 2B 4-stroke engines in Singapore produce an average of 18hp. When I realized that the 200NS was reputed to have a 23hp power plant, I got a little excited. This meant that the engine was truly efficient. What made me even more excited was that the designers of this machine had taken its cues from the KTM Duke 200, which is coincidentally produced and assembled by the same Bajaj production plant in India. Imagine street fighter looks at Bajaj prices.

 

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e378/mobilenerd/200NS/20130106_102522.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e378/mobilenerd/200NS/20130105_185057.jpg

Truth be told, I am not really a fan of street fighter or any fighter for that matter, but I was ready to embrace a bike with fuel efficiency rating of 35-45km per litre and 23hp. Commuting in Singapore, you rarely need the beastly power of 52hp. Perhaps only on the occasion that you need that quick power trip fix. But for most of us, a machine which allows us to overtake safely and keep up with traffic on our 80-90km/h expressways is sufficient.

 

So here we go….

 

At the time of writing this, the machine price of the 200NS including COE (Ceritificate of Entitlement) is SGD 7,200. Insurance is not included. KTM Duke 200 costs SGD10,500 the last time I checked. The specifications for the Duke 200 is different, with improvements in the front shocks, brake hoses, etc and it is a lifestyle machine tailored to their clientele’s needs. I shall not cover that as a comparison here. This is about the 200NS.

 

So on a fateful Friday, I popped into UM and enquired about the cost breakdown of the 200NS. It was tempting. The only thing that nagged me at the back of my mind was whether I was willing to sacrifice my 52hp Honda CB400 Hyper Vtec for a 200NS. I took the plunge and signed on the dotted line (amidst some peer pressure selling from my buddies online).

 

Collection was swift as the agent arranged for me to collect my bike the day after. He had kindly reserved a yellow-colored model for me as he knew it was my favorite color. How kind of him.

 

Styling and Ride Comfort

 

I took a walk around the bike. It just screams of attention. The street fighter headlamps, the clip-on handlebars and tail is a whole new generation compared to the older Pulsar 200. The whole bike from an angle looks like a Ducati Street Fighter S without the belly pan and trellis frame. It is indeed modern.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e378/mobilenerd/200NS/20130106_102347.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e378/mobilenerd/200NS/Singapore-20120720-00177.jpg

 

For my height (6.1t), the saddle height is just perfect at 805cm. Shorter riders may need to either tip-toe or shave the seat upon receiving the bike.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e378/mobilenerd/200NS/20130105_185224.jpg

 

The shape of the fuel tank is comfortable for me as it allows my knees to hug the tank without knocking into it when braking. I had this issue when I mounted the Duke 200.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e378/mobilenerd/200NS/20130105_185015.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e378/mobilenerd/200NS/20130105_185009.jpg

 

The seat is nothing I have experienced with a Bajaj. It was firm and the quality of the seat wrap is commendable. There is a little arch on the pillion seat to give it that sporty look.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e378/mobilenerd/200NS/20130105_185046.jpg

 

The handle bars looks meaty. The connecting arms are thick and materials looks good. When riding this position seems to be fairly forward leaning. With the absence of a tall windshield which I had on my CB400, I almost felt as if my head was positioned past the handlebars. The wind is definitely in your face. Compared to previous Pulsars, this handlebar feels wider. The grips given are new and slightly more comfortable compared to the old stock grips on the Pulsar 200 and 180.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e378/mobilenerd/200NS/20130105_185109.jpg

 

The tail design was nothing to shout about. Twin LED strips like the older Pulsars. The tail deflector and license plate holder will win over many toy boy racers as it is neat.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e378/mobilenerd/200NS/20130106_102406.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e378/mobilenerd/200NS/20130105_184901.jpg

 

 

The 200NS also comes standard with rear mudguards and hugger. The Pulsar insignia is molded into it.

Being a Naked Sports (NS) bike, things like the engine guard and main stand is now sold as accessories instead of being standard factory shipped items. Bear this cost in mind if you need them. Please refer to UM for prices.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e378/mobilenerd/200NS/20130105_184912.jpg

 

The foot peg position is a mixed bag for me perhaps due to my height. I didn’t face this when I rode the old Pulsar 200 but I had this issue with the old Pulsar 180. The clutch lever was okay for my left leg but the brake lever could have been designed tilted a little lower. The angle for the brake lever is about 10 -15 degrees too high for me. For shorter riders it may work, but for me, it is a little uncomfortable.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e378/mobilenerd/200NS/20130105_185235.jpg

 

The instrument panel cluster is typical Bajaj fair. With the exception that it now includes a digital clock. Yipee!!!

However, please note that the indicator switch may take some getting used to as it is positioned slightly further away than before. Even with my large hands, I needed to stretch my thumb a little to get to it.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e378/mobilenerd/200NS/20130105_185846.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e378/mobilenerd/200NS/20130106_102312.jpg

 

 

Ride Handling and Experience

 

Once I got on the road, this is where the fun starts. I understand from the dealer that I had to run in the engine by keeping a speed of about 60kmh. Honestly I tried. But there were times I felt that this bike is begging to go harder and faster. On a flat road at 5000rpm, I was clocking 60-65kmh on 5^th gear. The engine redlines at 10000rpm.

 

Handling on the 200NS has improved considerably compared to the P200 and P180. The bike feels more agile and when leaning into corners, it goes where it is pointed to. The front end feels light and is much easier to handle than a CB400. Turning is precise and riders who have handled older Bajaj bikes will understand what I mean when I say this. Nothing wobbling or flying back ends here. It just feels planted. This could be due to the rear monoshock suspension and underbelly exhaust.

 

The engine feels livelier and although its nothing to shout about when you compare it to a beast like a GSXR400 or a brute like a CB400, it is definitely punchier than the preceding model. The bike runs up to 60kmh faster than before. I shall give an update on pickups from 60-100kmh later after my engine break-in.

 

The braking system on the 200NS feels miles better than older Bajaj Pulsars. Its firm and the Bybre system does its job well. It isn't spongy and improves a rider's confidence. Definitely a winner on the brakes.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e378/mobilenerd/200NS/20130105_185156.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e378/mobilenerd/200NS/20130105_185205.jpg

 

 

Overall Impression

 

What actually drew my attention to this bike with all the fanfare in India was it worth it? In short, yes. The 200NS is definitely an improvement over the Pulsar 180 and 200 which I have previously owned. The technology that it is built from is commendable. Three spark plugs??? Good job!

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e378/mobilenerd/200NS/IMG-20120720-00166.jpg

 

The bike is tuned for city commuting for sure. With reported fuel efficiency of 35-45km/litre, I think this bike will favor those looking for some street action and occasional touring experience. It has a claimed top speed of 137kmh with a 12 litre fuel tank.

 

Whether I would recommend this to someone depends; if you are looking for something that is eye catching, something with an efficient engine and good fuel economy, this is for you. For me? I am just happy that it puts a smile on my face when I hop on.

 

Pros

Good brakes and handling

Modern street fighter styling and tail

Good fuel consumption on paper (not tested by me)

Lively engine, Better power delivery

23hp engine an improvement over earlier models

Stiff rear suspension. Feels Secure and planted

 

 

Cons

Finishing could be a little better on fork area and rims

Rubber buttons on instrument panel may wear quickly if under the weather for long periods

Its not a 52hp power plant (nit picking)

Smaller fuel tank compared to P180 and P200

No after market rack at this time

Main Stand considered accessory

Rear Brake lever slightly uncomfortable for long legged riders

 

 

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it.

 

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e378/mobilenerd/200NS/20130105_184836.jpg

Edited January 6, 2013 by m0bIlEnErD

[Bodhi Bum]

Took an afternoon ride to Desaru Beach this afternoon on the NS. Beautiful day, beautiful ride. Was a bit worried about the slightly aggresive riding stance, but comfy for the hour plus ride. But, and a big but, my hands had the bad vibration tingles after such a relatively short ride. I plan on taking this bike long, cross country rides. Not sure it's possible if the vibrations on this bike are that bad. Just doesn't seem normal on a new bike, unless it's bad design. But I can't find any other complaints about this online, so maybe it's just a problem with mine? Anyone see this problem?

[Bodhi Bum]

Great review. I agree with all of the points made. It's an amazing bike, far exceeding my expectations. Especially for the price. My only cons are the vibrations I just mentioned (could be only me), and also I have a yellow NS same as you and the durability of the paint job is pretty bad. Minor rubs has seen the yellow chip off to reveal the black underneath. Not great when the yellow finish makes the bike such a head turner.

[ORen]

@ m0bIlEnErD: thanks a lot for the prompt review ! It covers a lot of things and is objective, good job ! You didn't mention the horn, didn't get to use it yet ?

If you do another photo shoot, would be great to have photos of the headlight throw at night in a dark place (go find that in Singapore...) for both beam positions please !

 

@Bodhi Bum: I am assuming you ride with gloves ? WHat bike were you riding before? Maybe it just needs a bit getting used to ? (a bit like the cramp you sometime get when riding at high cruising speed for a long time after riding mostly in city roads). What speed were you riding at ?

I'm also interested in reading about your upcoming trips: where are you planning to go ? Do you already have a few destinations in mind ?

 

Edit: about the paint, this has been reported by riders in India as well.. maybe in future batches they will improve :

Isn't there a way to coat these parts with some transparent film or sticker? That would be worth the investment if you're taking in on dusty roads a lot..

Edited January 5, 2013 by O'Ren