Next generation Bajaj Pulsar 200 to feature a air cooled-4 valves/cylinder and a DOHC layout?
That the next generation Bajaj Pulsars will be inspired heavily by the KTM Duke 125 and 200 is something that has been going around the interweb for quite sometime now. Now, we are just hearing that the next generation Bajaj Pulsar 200 could use the bottom end of the KTM Duke 200 as it is along with changes to the top half of the engine. This potentially means a six speed tranny being offered on the Bajaj Pulsar 200.
KTM Duke 200
What could change however is that the liquid cooled cylinder could be dumped in favor of an air cooled block, albeit with four valves per cylinder and a DOHC layout. The suspention on the next gen Pulsar could also be de-speced from the Duke’s USD and monoshock units to a more conventional double downtubes up front and dual shocks at the rear. Our friends at Overdrive are carrying this information in their latest story about the KTM Duke 200, which was given to select members of the automotive media in a PR exercise by Bajaj a few days ago.
Speculative Render of the Next Gen Bajaj Pulsar
The article on Overdrive also mentions that the next generation Bajaj Pulsar 200 could be priced at about INR 90,000. All of this actually makes a bunch of sense considering the fact that the Bajaj Pulsar 200 could turn out to be the flagship Bajaj offering, which still managing to keep an unique brand identity, independent of the KTM Duke 200, a motorcycle with which the Pulsar 200 could share a lot of similarities.
Also, given the sheer lack of next gen Pulsar test mules in and around the Bajaj factory even as Bajaj hints at a launch date in early 2012 also points to Bajaj retaining plenty of existing components on the Pulsar. By these moves, Bajaj could clearly differentiate the KTM Duke 200 as well as the Bajaj Pulsar 200 both in terms of price as well as performance. While the KTM Duke 200 could carry a price of over a Lakh, the Bajaj Pulsar 200 could be priced below a Lakh, making it the affordable performance motorcycle for the masses with the KTM Duke 200 retaining its niche appeal and branding. Watch this space.
Via Overdrive
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3 Responses to “Next generation Bajaj Pulsar 200 to feature a air cooled-4 valves/cylinder and a DOHC layout?”
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DOHC means that Bajaj will have to skip DTS-i which seems unlikely as DTS-i improves fuel efficiency which is important for Indian customers. A monoshock at the rear has also being doing the rumor rounds from quite some time.
I have booked a Classic 350 but still confused between the Classic 350 and Bullet 350. The Bullet 350 has a heavier crank-shaft like the one in C5 unlike the C3 which has a lighter one. I am not aware of the advantages of this difference and would like to know your opinion. I am more towards the looks of the Classic and additional features (disk brake, self-start). Also, please tell me if the Bullet 350 has any other advantages over the C3. Thanks and Regards!
I have tried using the Ask Experts section, but failed to get my query submitted.
Dear Aditya,
Heavy crank means more torque at a lower rpm which while being an advantage at lower rpms will mean a more sluggish engine that doesn’t exactly like higher revs. If you love being in the 40-60 Kph zone most of the time, go for the STD350UCE. The Electra will be a better bet in all other aspects. Also, you’re question in the Ask Experts section might be stuck in the moderation queue as I’ve been held up with various things for the past few weeks. Meanwhile, we’ll be publishing out Desert Storm 500 review very soon on the blog. Watch out for that.
Cheers,
Jay