Bajaj Pulsar NS200 vs KTM Duke 200 motorcycle drag race on Video

Only hours ago, we posted a story on a drag race held between the TVS Apache RR310 and the KTM 390 Duke. In this post, here, we have another video showing a race between two closely-related motorcycles that offer the highest performance in their respective price brackets – Bajaj Pulsar NS200 and KTM Duke 200.

https://youtu.be/Blma1OAXSAQ

As is pretty widely known, the Duke 200 benefits from a clear power and weight advantage over the Pulsar NS200. However, let’s not forget that the NS200 can achieve higher top speeds due to taller gear ratios. Also, another big factor is that the Duke 200’s top-speed is limited to roughly 133 kmph. This means that while the Austrian motorcycle is quicker to reach this figure than the NS200, it’s actually the latter which can hit a higher top speed. No surprise, then, that the Pulsar wins the race you see in the video above. Actually, in a conventional quarter-mile drag race, the NS200 is slower to the finish line. On a long stretch, however, the higher speeds enable the Pulsar to overtake the KTM Duke 200. This, in spite of the D200 enjoying a higher power output.

To put things in perspective, the NS200 comes equipped with a 199.5cc engine that outputs 23.5 PS of maximum power at a 9,500 rpm along with a peak torque of 18.3 Nm at 8,000 rpm. The Duke, on the other hand, is considerably more powerful and goes on to produce a maximum power of 25.1 PS at 10,000 rpm along with a peak torque of 19.2 Nm at 8,000 rpm. Also, compared to the Pulsar NS200, which weighs 151 kgs, the Duke 200 tips the scales at 129.5 kgs. Both the motorcycles come with a six-speed transmission.

As can be seen in the video, the races are being conducted on a rather busy highway. This is something that we totally condemn. Racing on public roads is not only a punishable offense but also too risky. Also, none of the riders are in full safety gear, which is another thing that we strongly advise against. Talking about the drag race, the Duke 200 rider is off to a slow(er) start in the first round and the NS200 is seen pulling away throughout the race. In the next round, the KTM is off to a better start but the NS200 again manages to pip it to the finish line. Also, as clearly mentioned in the video, the Duke 200 hits the speed limiter at roughly 133 kmph. On the other hand, the NS200 continues to build speeds even beyond this figure.

So, what do you think of this Bajaj Pulsar NS200 vs KTM Duke 200 race?