Just what, in the big scheme of things, constitutes a Pulsar? It’s a versatile bike that can be used for a wide variety of purposes; it looks great, performs well, and shouldn’t break the bank. With the NS160 still available for purchase, is the newly released Pulsar N160 a genuine blue-blooded Pulsar? What role, if any, does it play in the Pulsar series? We rode the brand-new motorbike around Pune to find out!
Bajaj Pulsar N160 Look & Feel
The N160 looks exactly like the N250, other than its unique stickers, so it’s easy to see why people like it. That’s not a terrible thing, seeing as how the N160 is Rs. 22,000 less than the quarter-liter N250 and has a 7 mm larger wheelbase because of sprocket adjustments. However, this does help make riding the N160 pleasant by allowing the user more freedom of movement. Some of the more noticeable features of the Bajaj Pulsar N160 are its LED projector headlamp, which is accompanied by sharp LED Daytime Running Lights; its split seats, nine-spoke alloy wheels in a Y-pattern; blackened engine area, it’s the compact rear end, which features vertical twin LED tail lamps; its halogen turn indicators; its split grab handles; its neatly positioned stickers; and its 3D Pulsar wording.
Bajaj Pulsar N160 Dimensions
The N160 is the third motorbike to use Bajaj’s revolutionary tubular frame construction, and it’s part of the company’s plan to roll it out across the Pulsar lineup. When compared to the NS160’s perimeter frame, this upgrade makes the naked streetfighter far more stable. The split seats are excellently constructed, providing more cushioning for both the rider and the pillion. The 37 mm telescopic front forks and the mono-shock rear suspension are not specifically designed for sportiness, but are rather soft and accommodating to all riding situations, so they provide solid support.
| Kerb Weight | 154kg (Dual Channel ABS), 152Kg (Single Channel ABS) |
| Wheelbase | 1358mm |
| Ground Clearance | 165mm |
| Seat Height | 795mm |
One of the bike’s primary selling points is its dual-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS), which helps the 230-millimeter disc in the backstop as well as the 300-millimeter disc up front. The discs are burdened with Grimeca. The ABS system performed admirably, allowing the rider to feel safe enough to test the boundaries of the N160 even if they were being tested in the awful, soaking wet circumstances typical of a monsoon. The Pulsar N160 is a formidable competitor because of its updated chassis, motor, and braking system. The N160’s innovative construction is responsible for its excellent straight-line stability, while the motorcycle’s better-turning qualities and pinpoint handling are the result of its lower weight compared to those of the NS160. The low 795 mm seat height and generous 165 mm of ground clearance make this motorbike a breeze to mount and handle in everyday riding situations.
Bajaj Pulsar N160 Engine & Riding Comfort
There are 16 horsepower and 14.7 Newton-metres of torque produced by the new 164.8 cc oil-cooled 2V SOHC motor. It may lack the NS160’s raw power, but its refined traits and power delivery make up for it. The fueling is spot on, and the throttle response is instantaneous across the whole rev range, so kudos for the mid and top-end performance. The N160’s low seat and flat handlebars make it a very maneuverable motorbike, making it a pleasure to ride about town. Although the footpegs are set up for a casual ride, a more aggressive stance may be achieved by tucking the knees into the fuel tank recess.
Even though most of its competitors have switched to an all-digital instrument cluster, Bajaj’s N160 still comes with a semi-digital instrument and lacks Bluetooth support. The number of lights in the cluster is inadequate, but the ability to charge a mobile device while on the road is a nice bonus. Using the side stand to shut off the engine is an option on a naked motorbike, but getting used to doing so takes practice.
| Engine | 164.82cc, 4 stroke, SOHC, 2 valves, Oil cooled, FI |
| Max Power | 16 bhp @ 8750 rpm |
| Max Torque | 14.65 Nm @ 8750 rpm |
| Transmission | 5 Speed Gearbox (1 down and 4 up) |
| Spark Plugs | 2 |
| Clutch | Wet Multiplate |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14 Liters fuel capacity |
| Mileage | 45-55Kmpl |
Given that silent start mechanisms are the norm on many contemporary two-wheelers, we observed that the electric start function may be a little bit impromptu during a heavy downpour. The MRF Zapper rubber is a good match for the motorbike, the clutch play is minimal, and the transmission is fluid and responsive. The motorcycle has 100/80-17 front and 130/70-17 rear tires. It lacks a radial rear tire as the N250 does to keep costs down, but you won’t even notice the difference, and the car’s construction is on par with that of its competitors. The N160 has a peak speed of 119 kph, and the vibration is well-controlled in the 85-95 kph sweet spot for pleasant cruising.
Bajaj Pulsar N160 Final Words
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is an all-around solid pack that looks and feels like it was made for a specific purpose. Talking about the Pulsar N160 price, it has a low pricing (Rs. 1.22L for single-channel ABS and Rs. 1.27L for dual-channel ABS, ex-showroom) and a sleek design of a new Pulsar. It can come in handy on your long weekend trips down the highway and through the twisties, as well as your daily commute into the woods. With a claimed 48.5 km/l in fuel economy (actual world: 40-43 km/l), the N160 has all the trimmings to succeed in the competitive 160 cc segment, including reliability, and remarkable dynamic skills, and a brand-new powerplant.
