Bajaj Auto launched the updated Pulsar RS200 a few days ago. This was the first update to the fully-faired motorcycle ever since it was first launched in 2015. It goes up against Hero Karizma XMR 210 which was launched in August 2023. Let us look at how these two entry-level motorcycles fare against each other.
2025 Bajaj Pulsar RS200 vs Hero Karisma XMR 210: Dimensions
Dimensionally, the updated Pulsar RS 200 and Karizma XMR 210 are very similar to each other and separated to each other only marginally. For instance, the RS 200 is 3.5 kg heavier than Karizma XMR, while the latter offers 3mm better ground clearance. The Karizma is significantly longer than the Pulsar at 2,068mm and 1,999mm, respectively.The seat height on both bikes are identical at 810mm.
| Dimensions | Bajaj Pulsar RS200 | Hero Karizma XMR 210 |
| Kerb Weight (kg) | 167 | 163.5 |
| Seat Height (mm) | 810 | 810 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 157 | 160 |
| Overall Length (mm) | 1,999 | 2,068 |
| Overall Width (mm) | 765 | 760 |
| Overall Height (mm) | 1,114 | 1,110 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1,358 | 1,351 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (litres) | 13 | 11 |
2025 Bajaj Pulsar RS200 vs Hero Karisma XMR 210: Features
With the latest update, the Pulsar RS 200 receives a fully-digital LCD instrument panel which comes with gear position indicator and Bluetooth connectivity with call and text alerts and turn-by-turn navigation. There are three ride models on offer: Road, Rain, and Off-road. It gets LED headlights, tailight, and turn indicators.
The Karizma XMR 210 offers more or less the same conveniences such as a fully-digital instrument console which packs with gear position indicator and Bluetooth connectivity with call and text alerts and turn-by-turn navigation. Illumination is also full LED, however, the Karizma misses out on ride modes.
2025 Bajaj Pulsar RS200 vs Hero Karisma XMR 210: Hardware specs
In the hardware department too, the Pulsar RS200 and Karizma XMR 210 are very similar to each other. Both bikes get conventional telescopic front forks and a gas-charged rear mono-shock, front and rear disc brakes with identical rotors, and 17-inch front and rear wheels with identical tyre profiles. The only difference is that the RS200 is underpinned by a steel perimeter frame whereas the Karizma is based on a streel trellis frame.
| Specifications | Bajaj Pulsar RS200 | Hero Karizma XMR |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic with anti-friction bush | 37mm, Telescopic Front Forks with Anti Friction Bush |
| Rear Suspension | Nitrox mono shock absorber with Canister | Gas Charged Mono Shock, 6 Step Pre-load Adjustable |
| Braking System | Dual Channel ABS | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brakes | 300mm disc | 300mm disc |
| Rear Brakes | 230mm disc | 230mm disc |
| Front Tyre Size | 110/70 – 17 | 100/80 – 17 |
| Rear Tyre Size | 140/70 – 17 | 140/70 – 17 |
| Chassis | Pressed steel perimeter beam section frame | Steel Trellis Frame |
2025 Bajaj Pulsar RS200 vs Hero Karisma XMR 210: Powertrain specs
Hero offers a slightly larger 210cc engine on the Karizma as opposed to the Pulsar RS200 which gets a 199.5cc. On account of this, Karizma offers higher power and torque outputs than its nemesis. That said, the RS 200 claims a higher speed of 141 kmph than the Karizma which can clock a 130 kmph.
| Specifications | Bajaj Pulsar RS200 | Hero Karizma XMR |
| Engine type | 199.5cc single-cylinder, Liquid Cooled | 210cc single-cylinder, Liquid Cooled |
| Max Power | 24.1 bhp @ 9,750 rpm | 25.15 bhp @ 9,250 rpm |
| Max Torque | 18.7 Nm @ 8,000 rpm | 20.4 Nm @ 7,250 rpm |
| Top speed | 141 kmph | 130 kmph |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual | 6-speed Manual |
| Clutch | Assist And Slipper Clutch | Assist And Slipper Clutch |
2025 Bajaj Pulsar RS200 vs Hero Karisma XMR 210: Price
Both motorcycles are available in single trims and priced very close to each other. The Karizma XMR is a tad bit more affordable at Rs Rs 1.81 lakh as compared to the Pulsar RS200 which now comes at Rs 1.84 lakh (both ex-showroom).
| Bajaj Pulsar RS200 | Hero Karizma XMR | |
| Ex-showroom price | Rs 1,84,115 | Rs 1,81,400 |