Updated Pulsar 200NS Recommended Service Intervals

The Bajaj Pulsar 200NS was introduced in 2012 with much fanfare then. It was the first 200cc triple-sparked single-cylinder engine that the Indian company ever produced – a technology revolution at that time. As with every new engine, service intervals called out in the owners manual tend to be on the conservative side for some checks. Take the valve / tappet clearance for example – it was recommended to check and adjust if necessary at every 5,000km!

Since 2012, Bajaj has sold a healthy number of 200NS and thus their engineering team also has a better idea of the performance and tolerances of the parts. In the latest version of the 200NS owner’s manual (combined as a 200NS and 200AS owner’s manual), some notable difference from the original Rev 1 (May 12) version of the 200NS manual as follows:

  1. Engine oil change interval is now every 5,000km regardless of engine oil, instead of every 10,000km if using Bajaj DTSi oil previously.
  2. Tappet clearance check and adjustment is now more reasonable at 15,000km interval instead of every 5,000km.
  3. 20W50 API ‘SJ’ engine oil now seem to be acceptable* (previously 20W50 API ‘SL’ or JASO MA).
  4. Spark plugs replacement interval extended to 30,000km (from 20,000km).
  5. Fork oil and oil seal replacement intervals have been removed.

An updated copy of the owner’s manual can be found on their website here:

http://www.globalbajaj.com/global/english/riders/how-to/owners-manual/

*Note that page 26 of the 200NS/AS manual still recommends SAE 20W50 API ‘SL’ or JASO ‘MA’ oil, but page 33 of the same manual mentioned SAE 20W50 API ‘SJ’ Grade in bold. I’ve written to Bajaj to seek clarification on this and will update here when new information comes in.


*Images source: bajajglobal.com

9 thoughts on “Updated Pulsar 200NS Recommended Service Intervals”

  1. Please provide details about the tools needed for this DYI. Also if you can please make a detail video.

  2. First thing’s first, the amount of detail you provide is quite fascinating and I appreciate your efforts in making us clearly understand the process.
    I own Pulsar 200 ns of 2012, I want to know what upgrades has bajaj done to it every passing year and whether those upgrades are worth being incorporated in my Old Pulsar 200 ns.
    The reply would be deeply appreciated!
    Thanks

    1. Hi Ahmed. Thanks for dropping in.

      Thing is, I don’t work for Bajaj, and have this no knowledge on what Bajaj have been implementing on the new Pulsars. But I do know that Bajaj has added fuel injection (mine ran with a carburetor) and ABS to its later models.

      Try posing the question to Bajaj instead?

  3. Hi man. I also own a ns 200 since 2013 (2012 model). All along I been going to alexander there to service the bike. But recently i think they become not honest with some things so i am trying to go other place.

    Would you mind sharing what is the actual real maintenance intervals in you opinion please? (For 2012 model ns200)

    Iv been told,
    engine oil every 2000km. Oil filter (alternate visits. Ie. 4000km in this case). Air filter i cant remb.. 10km? Spark plugs i cant remb too.. 5km?

    Then recently i go research myself and found your blog and posts. Seems like my intervals are too conservertive? Can you help enlighten me please? Thank you!

    1. Congratulations on your bike ownership! The Pulsar has brought me a lot of joy, and I’m sure she will for you too.

      The maintenance intervals recommended by the design engineers are already on the conservative side. By adding conservatism to conservatism, it’s gonna drastically reduce maintenance intervals. Personally, I tend to follow the manufacturer’s (not the workshop’s) recommended maintenance intervals. And for much older machines (>10yrs old), I might apply a 80% factor to that (eg, 4000km oil change interval instead of the recommended 5000km).

      Of course, YMMV. Do what you like. It’s your money after all!

      1. Thanks for replying! 😀
        Alright, I think it’s safe to change my engine oil at every 4000km as you suggested.
        Sorry to ask again, how about oil filter, air filter, and spark plugs?
        Please advice me again :P.

        1. What does your user manual say? I’m sorry, but I’ve sold my Pulsar quite some time ago, and I no longer recall the service intervals for those.

  4. Base on this online manual,
    [https://www.bajajauto.com/pdf/Owner’s-Manual-Pulsar-RS200-NS200-BSVI.pdf],
    looking at the periodic maintenance page, “Air cleaner element** & air filter cover ‘O’ ring. ” – I think this is the air filter, it says every 20,000 km. Then for spark plugs, it says to replace every 30,000km – although I’m not sure what “CL, A, C, R” means… I think CL means clean, R means replace, C means check, but not sure what A means. Then lastly, oil filter is every 10,000km, which is typically during every alternate engine oil change.

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