**Think carefully before buying this bike!** The bike itself is excellent, and there's no denying its performance. However, it has several problems that you should know about before buying it. **1. Very low ground clearance** The ground clearance is quite low. Whenever you ride over a pothole or a speed breaker with a pillion, the silencer and even the centre stand hit the ground. It feels really bad when this happens, especially when you're riding with two people. **2. Lack of pulling power below 6,000 RPM** The bike doesn't offer much pulling power below 6,000 RPM. So, if you're planning to use it primarily in the city, think carefully before buying it. In typical city traffic, you won't be able to use its full power most of the time. **3. Engine refinement isn't great** The bike produces good power, and I agree with that. However, the engine refinement isn't particularly impressive. Over the long term, this can take away some of the enjoyment of owning the bike. **4. Average mileage** The mileage is just average. You might get around 40 km/l if you ride very carefully, but otherwise, don't expect much. Believe me, getting more than 32–33 km/l can be difficult because of the bike's character. It naturally encourages you to ride fast, so forget about getting great mileage if you enjoy using its performance. **5. The biggest headache: Air filter replacement** One of the biggest reasons to reconsider this bike is the air filter replacement process. You have to remove the fuel tank, tank fairings, and other components to replace the air filter. If a mechanic accidentally leaves a nut loose or doesn't refit the fairings properly, the bike may start producing annoying rattling noises, ruining the riding experience. Many mechanics don't particularly like working on these bikes. Everyone enjoys riding them, but not everyone enjoys servicing them! **6. Chain noise and frequent chain loosening** Another annoying issue is chain noise and frequent chain loosening. You have to keep checking the chain tension and getting it adjusted regularly. If the chain isn't properly maintained and adjusted, it can start making irritating noises. This becomes frustrating over time because you have to keep spending time and money on adjustments. For someone who wants a hassle-free motorcycle for long-term ownership, this can be another drawback. **7. Engine oil and coolant mixing issues** Another concern is the possibility of engine oil and coolant mixing after four or five years of ownership. Several owners have reportedly experienced this problem because of oil seal failures. There's no way to completely eliminate this risk. The quality of some components is also a concern, making it difficult to have complete confidence in the durability of every OEM part. You never know which component might fail and when. **8. Not the best choice for long-term ownership** If you're planning to keep this bike for many years, I would suggest considering other options. Some people might argue that every bike requires maintenance, and they're absolutely right. However, routine maintenance includes things like regular servicing, oil changes, and replacing consumables. When components start failing frequently and the bike keeps developing new problems every few days, that's a different story. In my opinion, that goes beyond normal maintenance. The bike isn't particularly common on the roads, either. Although Bajaj sells plenty of motorcycles, you still won't see the NS200 as frequently as some other popular models. **9. It starts looking old surprisingly quickly** No matter how much you polish and take care of this bike, I don't know how it manages to start looking four years old after just one year! Its appearance doesn't seem to age particularly well. **10. Engine noise and timing chain problems** This is another major reason to think twice before buying the bike. After some time, the engine may start making annoying noises. Tappet noise and timing chain problems are among the concerns owners may encounter. Even if the repairs are covered under warranty, you could still end up spending a considerable amount on labour charges, depending on the warranty coverage and the nature of the repair. Similar concerns are reported with several Bajaj motorcycles. If you can live with these potential issues, the NS200 can still be a great bike. ### My final opinion I want to make one thing clear: **the NS200 is an excellent motorcycle when it comes to riding experience and performance.** However, these problems can turn ownership into a headache for some people. And we all know that the quality of after-sales service at some Bajaj service centres can be disappointing. ### So, if not the NS200, what should you buy? You can consider the **TVS Apache RTR 200 4V**. It produces slightly less power, and it lacks a sixth gear. However, it offers plenty of features, and its engine feels more refined. Based on my experience and observations, I would consider it a potentially more reliable option than the NS200 in terms of long-term engine durability. Of course, individual experiences may vary, and proper maintenance plays an important role in the lifespan of any motorcycle. ### A little about my ownership experience I own a **2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS200**, and my bike has covered more than **45,000 km** on the odometer. Believe me, many of the issues I'm talking about don't become apparent immediately after buying the bike. You may start noticing them only after 1–1.5 years of ownership. That's why I believe it's important to consider long-term ownership experiences rather than judging a motorcycle solely by its performance during a short test ride. The NS200 is genuinely fun to ride, but before buying one, make sure you're also prepared for the potential problems that can come with owning it over the long term.