The Bajaj Pulsar N250 is the latest entrant in the quarter-litre naked bike segment. While it has a couple of direct rivals like the Yamaha FZ25 and the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250, it will also be compared with the highly-popular TVS Apache RTR 200 4V. The Apache is not only considered a benchmark in the 200cc space, but also a segment above. Hence, we pitch the new Bajaj Pulsar N250 against the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V.
Design
Typical of a streetfighter, the Pulsar and Apache both look fairly aggressive and sporty. However, the Apache’s styling is quite old and the last cosmetic update only brought in a revised front fascia, a fresh set of graphics and a new blue paint scheme. The Pulsar, meanwhile, features an all-new design with a robotic headlamp section, a muscular fuel tank and extensions, and a sleek tail with Pulsar’s signature twin strip LED tail lamp.
Features
The Apache outdoes the Pulsar by a huge margin in this area. Firstly, it gets a data-intensive fully-digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity for smartphone pairing. It also gets a GTT (Glide Through Technology) function for easy ride-ability in traffic. What’s more, there are three riding modes namely Sport, Urban, and Rain which is a first in this segment.
As for the Pulsar N250, Bajaj has bestowed it with a semi-digital console that shows just the essential data and misses out on Bluetooth connectivity. The two things it has, that the Apache misses out on, are LED blinkers and a standard USB charging port.
Engine
As for the engine, the Pulsar N250 is clearly leading the number game here. It’s powered by a 249.09cc, two-valve, oil-cooled motor that churns out 24.1bhp of power and 21.5Nm of peak torque. Whereas, the Apache RTR 200 4V runs on a 197.75cc, four-valve engine that pumps out 20.54bhp and 17.25Nm. Both bikes get a five-speed gearbox along with a slipper clutch. But what’s worth noting is that the Apache has a weight advantage of 10kg, tipping the scales at 152kg while the Pulsar weighs 162kg.
Hardware
The Apache RTR 200 4V clearly has an upper hand in the hardware department. It comes equipped with a suspension setup sourced by Showa and the front telescopic forks are adjustable for preload. Even the dual disc brake mechanism is accompanied by a dual-channel ABS. While the Pulsar gets a similar suspension setup, there’s no adjustability available for the front forks. Even the braking hardware gets a single-channel ABS only. Additionally, the Apache gets easily adjustable clutch and brake levers unlike the Pulsar’s basic pair of levers.
Pricing
Bajaj has pegged the new Pulsar N250 at Rs 1.38 lakh in India. Meanwhile, the top-spec dual-channel ABS (with riding modes) variant of the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V also retails for Rs 1.38 lakh. However, it comes in cheaper iterations too that start from Rs 1.27 lakh (all prices are ex-showroom, Delhi).
