After reading tons of reviews about the new 200 NS I recently picked up a Black color. While the bike looks refreshing & mean - I did feel the oomph missing when compared to the raw power the pre 2012 models had to offer. Could be that the engine has been refined over the years - but with a bike like this - you want it to do more than just looks. You demand pure power. I previously owned a 2006 150cc Pulsar and that had more raw power on pickup however the high RPM response tends to taper down.
However it does not disappoint as much on the 200NS. Features of the bike @ this price point are commendable and it could become a great everyday commuter as well. The 6-speed gear box does help in cruising. The tyre quality is shady and upgrading to a better set would boost performance - I am yet to try that out.
I should also mention that the positioning of the indicator switch on the handle bar is poor ergonomics and it takes a while to get used to it - or you need to grow a longer thumb! All in all - nice bike for an under 1L rider. No comparison with CBR 250 etc - don’t even try to. That is a superior bike with better dynamics and of course a 50-70k additional price tag. Same goes for duke. However I’m pretty sure this the NS can put R15 etc to shame.
Not to mention the sporty naked look of the bike is clean and compact, feels stronger in terms of built quality and the mileage is one of the best in its class.
BDW the mileage before 1st service tends to hover around 25-28kmpl and after that, stabilized between 30-37kmpl in city. Highway on 6th gear will push that number beyond 42-45. Unless you are trying to play Schumacher on 2 wheels.