Hero Xtreme 200R vs TVS Apache RTR 200 vs Bajaj Pulsar NS200: Price, features, specification comparison

Hero MotoCorp has recently unveiled its Xtreme 200R motorcycle in India. The bike might be late to the party but it shows the company’s plans to step into the premium motorcycle segment and the Xtreme 200R can be seen as a baby step towards the same. The 200cc streetfighter segment has seen a decent growth in the last few years, all thanks to the newcomers and the arising interest among the buyers. The entry of the new Hero Xtreme 200R to the party makes a case for a spec comparison with two of its most challenging rivals TVS Apache RTR 200 and Bajaj Pulsar NS 200. The interesting part is, all three motorcycles have been promoted to the 200cc territory after their younger avatars tasted popularity. The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 is the oldest in this battle and its ABS version has been launched just a few months back. The KTM Duke 200 has not been included in this comparison as it is priced significantly higher than the three motorcycles here. So, here is which one takes it to the top spot and which one bites the dust.

Hero Xtreme 200R vs TVS Apache RTR 200 vs Bajaj Pulsar NS200 Design and Styling

The latest entrant to the segment Hero Xtreme 200R is comparatively humble in terms of design when compared to the two of its rivals here. The motorcycle definitely looks bolder than its younger sibling and the integration of a monoshock at the rear offers it a substantial change. The TVS Apache RTR 200 is the brawniest of the three and it stays true to the aggressive Draken concept that was shown at Auto Expo 2014. Thanks to the sharp lines and edges, the motorcycle looks quite futuristic and numerous people have purchased it just because of the way it looks. Last, the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 also has an aggressive styling and the sharp headlamp section up front with twin positioning lights is one of its prime visual highlights. The motorcycle gets split step-up seats that look sporty and the rear tyre hugger acts as another visual highlight.

Hero Xtreme 200R vs TVS Apache RTR 200 vs Bajaj Pulsar NS200 Engine Specifications

The new Hero Xtreme 200R sources its power from a 199.6cc, single cylinder, air-cooled engine mated to a five-speed transmission. The engine is good for churning out a maximum power output of 18.1 hp along with a peak torque of 17.1 Nm. The TVS Apache RTR 200, in comparison, has a 197.7cc, single cylinder, oil-cooled mill mated to a five-speed transmission as well. The mill is being offered with both, carburetor and fuel injection and latter has comparatively slightly better outputs than the former. The carbureted engine makes a better case in this comparo which makes out 20.23 hp of power and 18.1 Nm of torque. Last but definitely not the least, the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 sources its power from a 199.5cc, single cylinder, liquid-cooled engine mated to a five-speed transmission system. The power and torque figures stand at 23 hp and 18.3 Nm. Hence, the Pulsar NS200 takes the lead here when it comes to engine specs.

Hero Xtreme 200R vs TVS Apache RTR 200 vs Bajaj Pulsar NS200: Braking, Suspension and Tyres

The Hero Xtreme 200R has been assisted with 37mm telescopic forks up front along with an eight step adjustable monoshock at the rear. The TVS Apache RTR 200 gets a similar set up with KYB monoshock at the rear. The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 has a gas charged monoshock at the rear while the front set up is the same. The Hero Xtreme 200R comes assisted with a 276mm disc brake upfront along with a 220mm disc brake at the rear. The Apache RTR 200 gets  270mm petal disc brake up front along with a 240mm petal disc at the rear. The Pulsar NS200 gets the biggest front disc at 280mm while at the rear, it has been fitted with a 230mm disc unit. All three motorcycles get a single channel ABS (Anti-Lock Braking) for safe and effective braking. The Hero Xtreme 200R comes with 100/80-17 front and 130/70-17 rear tyres. The TVS Apache RTR 200 comes fitted with 90/90-17 front and 130/70-17 rear tyres. Lastly, the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 rides on 100/80-17 and 130/70-17 size tyres on the front and rear respectively.

Hero Xtreme 200R vs TVS Apache RTR 200 vs Bajaj Pulsar NS200: Price and Our Take

The price for the Hero Xtreme 200R is yet to be announced and it should be revealed at Auto Expo 2018. We believe that the motorcycle will be launched at a price between Rs 85,000 to Rs 90,000 (ex-showroom). The TVS Apache RTR 200 carbureted version can be yours at a price of Rs 93,685 while the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 will set you back by Rs 97,216 (both prices, ex-showroom, Delhi). The Apache RTR 200 is the most feature loaded motorcycle here as it comes with bits like an all digital instrumentation, optional Pirelli tyres and not to forget, it offers you the choice between a carbureted and a fuel injected engine which its rivals fail to offer. On the other hand, if you belong to the category of riders that prefer power over everything else, the Pulsar NS200 should be the one for you. If Hero manages to price the Xtreme 200R well, it can be a good option for someone who is looking for a powerful motorcycle at a lesser price point.