Kawasaki Rouser 200NS

Overview

The differences between the Indian and the Philippines motorcycle market are not easy to find. What does well on Indian roads should do well here too (converse may not be true). Kawasaki has realized this fact and leveraged its relationship with Bajaj Motors to bring the Pulsar NS200 under the moniker of Rouser NS 200. Apart from a few badges, you would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the two. The other advantage derived from the Indian origin is the extreme value for money that comes with such a prospect. Kawasaki asks for a price of just under Php 100,000 for this 200 cc bike. This makes it very competitive in the segment populated by the likes of 150 cc underbones and options such as Yamaha FZi and the Suzuki Gixxer. Newer versions have brought in new dual tone color schemes. With so much going for it, here is a detailed look at everything that this bike has to offer.

Features

The NS200 is powered by a SOHC 4 valve single cylinder engine. Bajaj has this habit of sticking on extra spark plugs and this with its triple digital spark plugs is no exception. The engine is also fuel injected and water cooled for extra measure. A maximum power output of 24.5 ps at 9750 rpm and peak torque of 18.6 Nm at 8000 rpm gives this bike some bite for all that growl. The NS 200 is capable of reaching a top speed of 136 kmph. 0-100 km/h comes at just 9.83 sec. Power is smoothly delivered using a 6-speed transmission. The power delivery is linear and is available across the range. 

Design

The Pulsar range has been in the market for ages. The NS200 marked a departure from its trademark design and frankly, we could not be happier. The Transformer aesthetic is strong here. Look at one in yellow and you will know what we are talking about here. The headlight cluster with the dual pilot lights at the bottom make it extra aggressive and give it a wolf-like appearance.

From the side, it looks inspired by Italian streetfighters. There are a broad fuel tank and a high rear end that lay bare its sporty inclinations. The brawny perimeter frame is out on display from under the tank extensions. Moving to the rear, the signature LED taillight goes very well with the split two-piece grab rail. The overall mass is located in the front of the bike, which with the black engine components gives it a very compact appearance.

Most noticeable in this compactness – or rather unnoticeable – is the centrally mounted exhaust which is damn near invisible for all purposes. There is nothing like this on the road today at this price. Everything from the halogen bulbs to the conventional suspension is there to keep the price low. Yet its aesthetics are unmistakable. The bike may look tall but it is just 2017 mm long, 1195 mm tall, and 895 mm wide with a wheelbase of 1363 mm.  The 167 mm of ground clearance keeps it practical on all kinds of road surfaces. But the seat height of 805 mm will raise some eyebrows in worry. The bike rides on 17-inch 10 star-shaped wheels front and back, shod with 100/80 tires front and 130/70 tires in the rear.

Ride & Handling

Coming from a nation of straphangers, this bike is deceptively commuter friendly. Although the rider sits high, the seating position is fairly upright. Despite being clip-on, the handlebars are wide and high making them good for fast manoeuvring through city traffic. There is telescopic suspension on the front and the nitrox monoshock setup in the rear. Combined with the rigid perimeter frame and kerb weight of 145 kg the bike is not afraid of corners either. The compact and high seating also favours aggressive riding should the rider choose to do so. This then is a naked streetfighter when you want it to be and a commuter the rest of the time.

Braking & Safety

Braking has also been given special attention with a 280 mm disc on the front and a 230 mm disc on the rear wheel. Both are provided with floating callipers. Unlike its bigger cousin the RS 200, there is no option for ABS at present but the brakes have a lot of bites and can stop the bike from a speed of 60km/h to 0 in just 16 m.

Verdict

Going through this review, you would be forgiven for forgetting that this bike comes at just under Php 100,000. This is an extreme amount of value for the price. Kawasaki has taken a very good decision by bringing this bike here.