Pulsar NS200 vs Apache RTR 200 4V vs Hornet 2.0: Performance Numbers Explained

Published March 22, 2021
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Which of the three bikes aces the comparo?

Pulsar NS200 vs Apache RTR 200 4V vs Hornet 2.0: Performance Numbers highlights

When it comes to the 200cc motorcycle segment, there are three bikes competing for the top spot: Bajaj NS 200, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and the Honda Hornet 2.0. Yes, the Honda Hornet 2.0 isn’t a purebred 200cc motorcycle, but it shows promise. More often than not, the spec sheet only reveals half the story, so we put all three bikes through a thorough performance test to see which one comes out on top.

Acceleration

Pulsar NS200 vs Apache RTR 200 4V vs Hornet 2.0: Performance Numbers details

Acceleration	Pulsar NS200	Apache RTR 200 4V	Hornet 2.0
0 to 60kmph	4.21 sec	4.37 sec	4.67 sec
0 to 100kmph	11.68 sec	12.23 sec	14.44 sec
30 to 70kmph	5.37 sec	5.57 sec	5.74 sec
40 to 80kmph	7.07 sec	7.34 sec	7.60 sec

Bajaj hasn't really tinkered with the NS200's engine ever since its inception back in 2012. Despite this, it's still a competitive motorcycle. And the numbers speak for themselves. Thanks to the power advantage, the NS manages to beat its rivals in outright acceleration as well as rolls, despite being the heaviest bike here.

Braking

Pulsar NS200 vs Apache RTR 200 4V vs Hornet 2.0: Performance Numbers overview

Braking	Pulsar NS200	Apache RTR 200 4V	Hornet 2.0
100 to 0kmph	56.16 m	50.70m	50.62m
80 to 0kmph	36.12 m	29.46m	30.05m

The Pulsar NS200 gets a single-channel ABS, which affects its braking performance. Any attempt to stop the bike quicker with the use of the foot brake and the rear end of the NS200 starts locking up. In comparison, the RTR 200 4V has seen a definite improvement in its braking department over the previous model. While the Hornet 2.0 uses single-channel ABS, it too does the job quite well. The brake levers offer good feedback with a good braking bite and help you put down the anchor sooner. All in all, the Apache takes the win here.

Mileage

Pulsar NS200 vs Apache RTR 200 4V vs Hornet 2.0: Performance Numbers gallery

Mileage	Pulsar NS200	Apache RTR 200 4V	Hornet 2.0
City	40.84 kmpl	47.61 kmpl	57.35 kmpl
Highway	40.36 kmpl	49.80 kmpl	55.77 kmpl

One of the most commonly asked questions in India, kitna deti hai? To answer this we rode all three bikes extensively in the city and out on the highway. And the results were quite interesting. The Honda Hornet 2.0 offers significantly higher mileage than its rivals thanks to its engine tune. Its lower performance figures do have an upside: the motor sips fuel more sparingly.

The RTR 200 4V’s power delivery is quite linear which means you don’t have to rev the bike too hard. And that allows the engine to be quite fuel-efficient. On the other hand, the NS200 has a peaky engine, which means it needs to be revved hard to stay in the powerband. And that doesn’t translate well when we talk about efficiency.