Bajaj and KTM are two bike brands that have the largest market shares in India. Bajaj Auto is an Indian brand. KTM on the other hand is a renowned motorcycle manufacturing brand from Austria. Both brands offer several bikes across all biking and pricing segments. However, this post, in the following sections will compare two popular bikes. The bikes are the Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 and the KTM Duke 250.
Comparing the Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 Vs KTM Duke 250 cannot begin without analyzing the overall aesthetics of the two motorcycles.
The NS 200 has a dated design but the sales haven’t dipped as the streetfighter bike still looks appealing. The Pulsar NS 200, even with the 2022 updates, retains the looks of its predecessor. It means that the overall design language of the motorcycle remains unchanged. The motorcycle retains the distinctively designed, halogen bulb-equipped headlight. The headlamp unit is flanked by the usual two halogen bulb-equipped pilot lamps. The fuel tank thankfully retains its aggressive and muscular design. The tail lamp is the time-tested split-styled unit. The bike entails a whole range of new colour schemes. The names of the colour options are mentioned below.
The Duke 250 is a naked streetfighter bike that recently got a wide range of updates from its maker. The range of updates includes the following.
Additional Read: Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 Vs KTM Duke 200 - Comparison
Bajaj bikes has always received periodic updates to keep them relevant. The NS 200 has also received updates but they are mostly cosmetic. To put it bluntly, the bike is missing out on modern features. But, the overall enthusiastic nature of the motorcycle is still intact! The motorcycle is offered with pretty basic features. They are a semi-digital instrument cluster and backlit switchgear.
The KTM 250 Duke, on the other hand, is equipped with all the modern bells and whistles. The bike has a full-digital instrument cluster that displays detailed ride-related readouts. The bike is equipped with an LED headlamp unit, LED tail lamp unit and LED indicators.
The NS 200 is powered by a 199 CC, single-cylinder, fuel-injected, BS6-compliant, liquid-cooled engine. This is the same motor that can be found on the RS 200. The only difference between the two engines is the one on the NS 200 is tuned down. The motor on the NS 200 has peak power and torque mappings for 24.13 bhp and 18.5Nm respectively.
The Duke 250 on the other hand is powered by a 248.8 CC, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected motor. It is compliant with the BS-6 emission norms. The engine is paired with a DOHC. DOHC stands for Direct Overhead Camshaft. The camshaft is precision timed thus allowing the machined part to control the intake and exhaust valves. In a nutshell, the addition of the DOHC allows the engine of the Duke 250 to deliver unmatched performance and mileage. The peak power and torque mappings for the engine on the Duke 250 are 30 bhp and 24 Nm. The peak power is available at 9000rpm. The peak torque, on the other hand, is available to the rider after the engine surpasses the 7500rpm mark. The motor is paired with a sleek-shifting 6-speed transmission that is racing tined. The bike is offered with a slipper clutch and it is part of the OEM standard fitment.
The Pulsar NS 200 offers a planted ride at high speeds on straight lines. The rider has to put in some effort while cornering the bike. The rider would have to sit with an aggressive stance due to the streetfighter ergonomics of the bike. The vice has adequate ground clearance.
The bike’s seat height is ideal for tall and short riders. The bike can be manoeuvred with precision. The bike is offered with MRF Zapper tyres that offer impressive traction in dry road conditions. The bike is offered with a 300mm disc for the front wheel. A rear brake is also a disc unit with a 230mm rotor. Single-channel ABS is part of the package.
The Duke 250 rides like a true racing bike. The reasons are many and they are mentioned below.
Additional Read: Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 Vs KTM RC 200 - Comparison
Both motorcycles offer maximum value for the money one will be spending on them. However, when one needs a feature-packed and powerful motorcycle, the Duke 250 takes the cake. In terms of pricing and raw biking experience, Pulsar NS 200 is second to none. For a more detailed verdict, it would be best that the rider takes a test ride of the bikes.
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