Modenas-Bajaj bikes launched, from RM5,650

MOTOSIKAL Dan Enjin Nasional (Modenas) today simultaneously launched three new motorcycles – the naked street bike “Pulsar NS200”, sportsbike “Pulsar RS200” and the cruiser “V15”. The bikes are the result of Modenas’ collaboration with Bajaj Auto Ltd (BAL), India's largest motorcycle maker, the world's third largest motorcycle manufacturer and the largest three-wheeler manufacturer.
With the motorcycles' introduction, Modenas expects its three offerings to increase its overall market share in the street bike segment by 22% in the first year.
DRB-Hicom chief operating officer (automotive distribution and manufacturing & engineering), Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah, said the collaboration with BAL is a natural phase for Modenas as one of the major motorcycle manufacturers in the region, as the company is well-known for its differentiated product lines which have been backed by an innovative R&D team and rigorous product testing.
Modenas is confident of replicating the success achieved by the popular Pulsar NS200, Pulsar RS200 and the V15 models here as they have proven their acceptance globally, being leaders in their respective segments across 74 countries spanning Latin America, Middle East and South Asia.
This confidence is also backed by the steady demand for street bikes below 250cc, which enjoy a five per cent market share locally since the last three years. Modenas currently enjoys a stable local motorcycle market share of eight percent from the moped and scooter segment.
The collaboration will be initiated in stages including front-end distribution and development of a dedicated assembly hub in Modenas’ plant in Gurun, Kedah. These efforts will result in several new launches over the next few years and is expected to redefine the street motorcycle segment in Malaysia.
“Malaysians today will have three new models to choose from Modenas, along with the three bikes we have launched in the past six months,” said Abdul Harith.
The Pulsar NS200 and RS200 are powered by a 199cc, single overhead camshaft, four-valve, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, fuel-injected, digital triple spark ignition-powered engine. Both are offered with a six-speed gearbox, which boasts peak powers of 23.2hp and 24.2hp @ 9,500rpm and their torque figures are 18.6Nm and 18.3Nm @ 8,000rpm, respectively.
“The Pulsar NS200 has been crafted to reflect an aggressive and muscular look and feel, and comes in dual-toned colours and graphic scheme, whilst the fully-faired Pulsar RS200, on the other hand, is highly aerodynamic and meant for stability at high speeds. It will be the first full-sized motorcycle in Malaysia to have a single-channel Ántilock Braking System (ABS) which ensures safety and stability even at high speeds.
“The V15, meanwhile, is a 150cc digital twin spark-powered motorcycle combining the best elements of neo-classical styling, comfort and the right power and torque to deliver the perfect ride. Peak power is 12hp @ 7,500rpm, while its maximum torque is 13Nm @ 5,500rpm.
The sales prices (excluding GST) for the three motorcycles are: Pulsar NS200: RM8,700, Pulsar RS200: RM10,700 and V15: RM5,650. Each model comes with a two-year and 20,000km warranty (whichever comes first).
Motorcycle enthusiasts and those in the market for motorcycles can get a feel of these bikes at the DRB-Hicom Autofest 2017 which will be held from today to Sunday at the EON Complex in Glenmarie Shah Alam.