While there have been many spy-shots of the test mules of the upcoming Bajaj Pulsar 200SS, there are virtually none of the Pulsar 400SS. The Pulsar 400SS was showcased at the auto expo held in Delhi earlier this year and was supposed to be launched a little later this year, and it comes as no surprise that Bajaj has already begun testing the new motorcycle.
Bajaj Pulsar 400SS (Spied) – FrontFascia
Pictures of the Bajaj Pulsar 400SS test mule have now appeared on the internet, and these pictures were taken while it was spotted testing near Pune, Maharashtra. At first glance it may look exactly like the 200SS, but an eye for detail will reveal that it really is the 400SS, as this test mule sported LED daytime running lights up front, above the projector headlamps, exactly like the 400SS concept at the auto expo did. There will be many similarities in design between the 200SS and 400SS as well, except for a slight change in the design of the projector lamps owing to the the LED daytime running lamps. The fairing will be same as on the 200SS and both the 200SS as well as the 400SS will use the same instrument cluster as on the 200NS but with a different background light. Both the 200SS and the 400SS will sport a compact side-mounted exhaust system instead of the underbelly exhaust like the 200NS, the Dukes and the RC series.
The Pulsar 200SS will be getting the same engine currently being used in the 200NS, albeit with a few rumored changes such as an optimized fuel-injection system, but the final power output is expected to remain the same. The 400SS meanwhile will be powered by an engine based on that of the Duke 390/RC390. This engine though will include many changes like different engine internals, different gear ratio’s and a different engine head for sure. Bajaj will mount an engine head which incorporates their patented triple-spark ignition technology, with all these changes the final Power output is expected to be around 40 PS.
Bajaj Pulsar 400SS (Spied) – FrontView
The 200SS will have ABS as an option, but ABS will be offered as standard on the 400SS. The KTM Duke 390 is shod with grippy Metzeler tires and the upcoming RC 390 too will make use of the Metzelers, but we doubt Bajaj will use Metzelers on the 400SS as the Metzelers are imported and costs a lot, if Metzelers are used, Bajaj will not be able to meet their target price for the 400SS, and hence they might resort to the use of new, grippier MRF tires.
We also have some sad news for the Pulsar enthusiasts, and for those who were eagerly waiting for the launch of the fully faired Pulsar’s. Even though the performance motorcycles from the Bajaj stable have been doing really well, the commuter motorcycles from the Pune based manufacturer haven’t been doing very well. The crowds loved the design aspect and also the performance aspect of the faired Pulsar’s which were showcased at the Auto expo, and many are already ready to pay the amount for the bikes once the booking opens, but it looks like it wont be happening anytime soon now, as Bajaj Auto intends to concentrate on it’s mass-market commuter bikes for a while now.
Bajaj launched many variants of the popular Discover series commuter motorcycle in the past few months, and though they are selling pretty well, Bajaj has not been able to reach the expected amount of sales and this is due to the performance Image. Bajaj has been noted and is in the limelight because of its Pulsar series, and the Pulsar series has overshadowed their commuter vehicles’ capabilities. The consumers instead choose to opt for manufacturers like Hero MotoCorp who are known for their commuter motorcycles.
Bajaj Pulsar 400SS (Spied) – RearView
Bajaj is now making plans to revive their commuter motorcycles and increase sales figures, and this revival drive will begin with the launch of the F-150, which will be a one of a kind commuter motorcycle, because it will be the first ever fully faired commuter motorcycle, and Bajaj will also revamp their product line by discontinuing production of their slow moving products like the Platina.
As for the faired Pulsars, it looks like the 200SS will not be launched until October, and the launch of the 400SS has definitely been pushed to early 2015 while the 400CS, the bike that stole hearts at the auto expo will be launched only by late 2015. While Bajaj postponed their plans for the faired Pulsars, other manufacturers are busy trying to enter this segment. Mahindra two wheelers will be launching the mojo 300, Honda will be launching the CBR 300R, Yamaha will be launchng the YZF R25 and KTM will be launching both the RC 200 as well as the RC 390, all by the end of this year.
By the looks of things, it definitely looks like things in the low capacity high performance motorcycling segment are heating up.
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Also see – Bajaj Pulsar 200 SS spied again, this time without any camouflage on!
Source – Overdrive
