Kawasaki Rouser RS200

The Kawasaki Rouser RS 200 is one attention magnet on the roads, but not in a handsome manner though. The motorcycle attracts one with its super aggressive design which looks extremely distinctive, but it has been over-styled beyond one extent and its busy lines might not attract to those who prefer subtlety.

The Kawasaki Rouser RS 200 welcomes you with its pair of round projector headlamps stacked within a very futuristic looking front fairing. These projector bulbs are flanked with slim daytime running LEDs on their outer edges. A transparent cowl sits at the top of the fairing, whereas there are fairing-mounted rearview mirrors that are placed very well in terms of ergonomics.

The fairing extends on the side profile as well, with too many lines and curves, masking the golden coloured engine at the bottom. The fuel tank too looks muscular and comes with nice paddings towards the edge of the seat. The thoughtfully designed knee recesses not only go well with the design but are also quite functional too.

The slim side body cowls make way for the large and wide rear side body panels, which do integrate the stepped up split pillion seat as well as pillion grab rails. At the back, the Rouser RS 200 comes with a uniquely designed crystal clear LED tail lamps, which are mounted on the rear fender of the motorcycle. To round off, the motorcycle comes with LED turn indicators at both front and rear. The alloy wheels as well as the stubby exhaust pipe of the motorcycle have been finished in black theme.

The rider’s cockpit of the Kawasaki Rouser RS 200 leaves out a sporty impression on you with its high mounted clip-on handlebars and backlit switchgear. The part digital instrument console of the Rouser RS 200 gets an analog tachometer and a split LCD panel, which showcases readouts for speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer, trip meters, and clock.

The Kawasaki Rouser RS 200 is pitched as a sporty ride for daily duties, which is explained by its ergonomics setup. The bike looks big and has slightly high handlebars and mildly rear set foot pegs, which make the riding posture quite comfortable. The bike has been fitted with telescopic forks at the front and mono-shock at the rear and comes with single disc brakes at both the ends.

The Kawasaki Rouser RS 200 has its powertrain in the form of a four-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 199.5cc engine, which employs four valves and three spark plugs for efficient combustion of the fuel. Coupled to a 6-speed gearbox, the engine is capable of producing a maximum power output of 24.2 PS, while the peak torque output is rated at 18.6 Nm. The engine feels refined and has a good mid-range torque on offer, however, it does suffer from mild vibrations as the speeds rise.

While the Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 (the bike on which the Kawasaki Rouser RS 200 is based) gets dual-channel ABS back in its home market of India, the Rouser RS 200 misses out on one, which is quite surprising. The disc brakes, however, are quite efficient and offer a safe and progressive feel on application.

While the design of the Kawasaki Rouser RS 200 does generate polarised opinions, it has that love it or hate it kind if design which surely is its most highlighted talking point. Beneath that controversial styling, however, lies a fine sample of engineering prowess in the form of a technologically advanced powertrain and good set of modern day features.