Bajaj Pulsar 180F Vs Hero Xtreme 200S: Image Comparison

We compare the two most affordable faired motorcycles on paper

The idea behind the faired Bajaj Pulsar 180F (Neon) was to provide customers with the looks and features of the larger Pulsar 220 at a lower price. While they did succeed at that, the Pulsar 180F is now Rs 9,267 than the naked Pulsar 180 it replaces. This price point means for Rs 3,610 more you can get the Hero Xtreme 200R. So which one should you go for? We help you out by means of this image comparison. 

The Bajaj Pulsar 180F looks exactly like the larger Pulsar 220. The only difference between the two is the smaller exhaust and new Matte Grey and Orange paint job. The Xtreme 200S gets a completely new front end but carries forward the fuel tank and tail panels from the Xtreme 200R. Both bikes offer good road presence. 

The Pulsar 180F has a sleeker looking profile and smoother flowing lamps. It gets a quarter fairing and an engine cowl. In comparison, the Xtreme 200S has edgier lines and busy looking bodywork. Of the two, it is the Xtreme 200S that looks larger. 

On the Bajaj, you have the familiar tail section that is seen on the Pulsar 150, Pulsar 180 and Pulsar 200. It gets LED tail lamps though turn indicators are bulb-type units. The Xtreme 200S's tail section too is familiar. It is identical to the naked Xtreme 200R. Like the Pulsar 180F, this one too gets a LED tail lamp and bulb-type turn indicators. 

In addition to the fairing, the Pulsar 180F gets a stacked headlamp setup with a projector low beam. It impresses in terms of beam spread and intensity is one of the best setups we have seen on a motorcycle. However, the fairing mounted mirrors on the Pulsar are disappointing as they do not provide a clear rear view. The Xtreme 200S get more modern LED headlamps. We havent tested the bike at night so we can't comment on the headlamp performance. Interestingly the Xtreme 200S gets handlebar mounted mirrors that are more practical and offer better rear visibility. 

The Bajaj Pulsar 180F gets a semi-digital instrument console. It features blue backlighting, shift light and basic digital readouts like speed, fuel level, odometer and two trip meters. In comparison, the Xtreme 200S has a modern all-digital instrument console. The comprehensive display includes speedometer, tripmeter, odometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, service due and gear position. It also gets Bluetooth connectivity and navigation assist which works via a dedicated app.

Switchgear quality for both bikes is on par with one another. However, the Xtreme 200S's layout feels a tad quirky on account of the pass lamp and choke lever placement. The Pulsar 180F's handlebar grips feel painful after extended riding. Both bikes get clip-on handlebars. 

The Pulsar 180F carries the same 178.6cc air and oil-cooled single cylinder motor as the naked Pulsar 180F. It also makes the same 17PS @ 8500rpm and 14.22Nm @ 6500rpm. In a similar fashion, the Xtreme 200S also borrows its 199.6cc air-cooled mill from the naked Xtreme 200R and delivers the same 18.4ps @ 8000rpm and 17.1Nm @ 6500rpm. Both bikes get a 5-speed gearbox.

Given the fact that the Pulsar 180F weighs 6kg more than the naked Pulsar 180 owing to the added weight of the fairing and headlamp, performance is blunted somewhat. Interestingly, despite the additional fairing, the Xtreme 200S weighs just 1kg more than the naked Xtreme 200R. At 149kg kerb, the Xtreme 200S is also 2kg lighter than the Pulsar 180F. We expect the Xtreme 200R to be quicker than the Pulsar 180F on account of its extra performance, shorter gearing and lighter weight. 

The Pulsar 180F gets a double downtube frame and suspension in the form of telescopic forks and dual gas-charged shock absorbers. Meanwhile, the Xtreme 200S gets a diamond type frame with 37mm telescopic forks and a monoshock. Both bikes have similar 795mm seat heights and 165mm ground clearance. 

For braking, the Pulsar 180F now gets a larger 260mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc. The Xtreme 200S has a 276mm front and 220mm rear disc. Both bikes get a single-channel ABS setup. 

The Pulsar 180F comes shod with 90/90 17 front and 120/80 17 rear MRF Nylogrip Zapper tyres. On the other hand, the Xtreme 200S gets 100/80-17 non-radial MRF front and 130/70-R17 radial MRF rear tyre. 

The Bajaj Pulsar 180F (Neon) has been priced at Rs 94,790 (ex-showroom, Delhi). At this price point, it is just Rs 3,610 less than the Hero Xtreme 200S that comes at Rs 98,400 (ex-showroom, Delhi). For Rs 3,610 you get a more comprehensive digital instrument console, more power and better suspension kit. In this paper comparison, the Hero Xtreme 200S offers better value.