In the bustling streets of India, where two-wheelers reign supreme, the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 has carved out a niche for itself. This street fighter, with its aggressive styling and peppy performance, has become a favorite among young riders seeking a perfect blend of style, power, and affordability. Let’s dive deep into what makes the Pulsar NS160 a standout in the competitive 160cc segment.
Design and Aesthetics: A Head-Turner on the Streets
The Pulsar NS160 is a visual treat, borrowing design cues from its elder sibling, the NS200. The muscular fuel tank, sharp headlight cluster, and sporty split seats give it an unmistakable street fighter appeal. For 2025, Bajaj has introduced some noteworthy updates:
LED Headlight: The bike now sports a striking LED headlight with integrated LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), enhancing both visibility and style.
Color Options: Available in three eye-catching shades – Gloss Black, Candy Blazing Red, and Matte Axis Grey – each with unique graphics adorning the headlight cowl, fuel tank, and side panels.
Sporty Graphics: The NS160 features bold decals that accentuate its youthful and dynamic appearance.
Chrome Accents: Subtle chrome elements, including the exhaust heat shield, add a touch of premium feel to the overall design.
The perimeter frame, visible from the side, not only adds to the bike’s muscular appearance but also contributes to its handling prowess. The 17-inch alloy wheels, shod with wide tires, complete the sporty look while offering excellent grip on various road conditions.
Heart of the Beast: Engine and Performance
At the core of the Pulsar NS160 lies a refined powerplant that strikes a balance between performance and efficiency:
Engine Specifications: The bike is powered by a 160.3cc, single-cylinder, air-/oil-cooled, 4-valve engine that’s both OBD2-A compliant and BS6 Phase 2 ready.
Power Output: This motor churns out a respectable 17.2 PS at 9,000 rpm and 14.6 Nm of torque at 7,250 rpm.
Transmission: The engine is mated to a slick-shifting 5-speed gearbox, providing optimal gear ratios for both city riding and highway cruising.
Fuel Efficiency: Bajaj claims an impressive mileage of 40.36 kmpl, making it one of the more fuel-efficient bikes in its class.
The NS160’s engine is known for its refinement, with minimal vibrations even at higher speeds. Riders have reported a smooth power delivery throughout the rev range, with a decent amount of low-end grunt that makes city riding a breeze. The bike can comfortably cruise at highway speeds, with enough power in reserve for quick overtakes.
Riding Dynamics: Agile in the City, Stable on the Highway
The Pulsar NS160 is built on a robust foundation that provides confidence-inspiring handling:
Frame: The bike uses a perimeter frame that offers an excellent balance of rigidity and flex, contributing to its nimble handling characteristics.
Suspension: Up front, you’ll find an inverted fork, while the rear gets a nitrox monoshock. This setup soaks up road imperfections effectively, providing a comfortable ride.
Brakes: The NS160 comes with a 300mm disc brake at the front and a 230mm disc at the rear, coupled with dual-channel ABS for enhanced safety.
Tires: The 100-section front and 130-section rear tubeless tires offer good grip and longevity.
The lightweight nature of the NS160 (kerb weight of 151 kg) makes it incredibly agile in city traffic. Riders have praised its ability to filter through congested streets with ease. On the highway, the bike remains stable, inspiring confidence even at higher speeds.
Features: Modern Tech Meets Practicality
The 2025 Pulsar NS160 comes loaded with features that enhance both convenience and safety:
Digital Instrument Cluster: The fully digital instrument console features negative LCD illumination and displays a wealth of information, including:
Speedometer
Tachometer
Fuel gauge
Gear position indicator
Clock
Trip meters
Real-time mileage
Distance-to-empty
Bluetooth Connectivity: The latest model offers smartphone connectivity, allowing riders to access features like:
Call and SMS alerts
Turn-by-turn navigation
Phone battery and signal level display
LED Lighting: The all-LED lighting setup includes the headlight, taillight, and turn indicators, providing better visibility and a modern look.
USB Charging Port: A built-in USB charging port allows riders to keep their devices charged on the go.
Side Stand Engine Cut-off: This safety feature prevents the engine from starting if the side stand is down.
Split Seats: The split seat design not only looks sporty but also provides good comfort for both rider and pillion.
Comfort and Ergonomics: Built for Daily Commutes and Weekend Getaways
Comfort is paramount for a bike in this segment, and the NS160 doesn’t disappoint:
Seating Position: The upright riding position, coupled with well-placed handlebars and footpegs, ensures a comfortable riding posture for both short commutes and longer rides.
Seat Height: With a seat height of 805mm, the NS160 should accommodate riders of various heights comfortably.
Ground Clearance: The 170mm ground clearance allows the bike to tackle speed bumps and rough patches with ease.
Fuel Tank Capacity: The 12-liter fuel tank provides a good range, reducing the frequency of fuel stops on longer rides.
Price and Variants: Value for Money Proposition
The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is competitively priced, offering excellent value for its feature set:
Single Variant: Priced at approximately ₹1,47,206 (ex-showroom Delhi)
This pricing positions the NS160 as an attractive option in the 160cc segment, especially considering its feature list and performance capabilities.
Comparison with Competitors: How Does It Stack Up?
The 160cc segment is highly competitive, with several strong contenders. Here’s how the Pulsar NS160 fares against its rivals:
vs. TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: The Apache offers slightly more power and features, but the NS160 counters with its aggressive styling and lower price point.
vs. Honda CB Hornet 160R: The Hornet offers Honda’s renowned reliability, but the NS160 edges ahead with its more powerful engine and sportier aesthetics.
vs. Yamaha FZ-S FI V3: The FZ-S offers better fuel efficiency, but the NS160 provides more power and a more aggressive design.
vs. Suzuki Gixxer: The Gixxer is known for its refined engine, but the NS160 offers more features and a more muscular appearance.
Owner Reviews: What Riders Are Saying
To get a real-world perspective, let’s look at what some NS160 owners have to say:
Mohd (February 2025): “It’s a good purchase; it looks good, rides well, and provides me with a really comfortable ride. Compared to other bikes of the same type, this one has outstanding servicing. Very wonderful performance, good braking power, decent pickup and mileage.”
Rithish (February 2025): “The Bajaj NS160 is very powerful and gives good mileage. The looks are pretty good, and the riding comfort is very good. It’s the best and budget-friendly model which will be compact for middle-class riders. Even after years, the bike’s performance is still good enough to ride.”
Chandru (January 2025): “I’ve been using the NS160 for almost 6 months & I’m getting a mileage of 47 in city & 56 on highways – really stunned by the mileage. The new 2024 model also now has Bluetooth connectivity.”
Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective
Pros:
Aggressive, street fighter styling
Powerful and refined engine
Feature-rich, including Bluetooth connectivity
Good fuel efficiency
Agile handling in city traffic
Cons:
Slightly higher price compared to some competitors
Some users report firm rear suspension
Service network not as extensive as some rivals
Bajaj Pulsar NS160 : Is the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 Worth It?
The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 represents a compelling package in the 160cc segment. It successfully blends aggressive styling, peppy performance, and modern features, making it an attractive option for young riders and commuters alike.
Its strengths lie in its eye-catching design, refined and powerful engine, and the trust associated with the Pulsar brand name. The recent updates, including the LED lighting and Bluetooth connectivity, have further enhanced its appeal, keeping it relevant in an increasingly tech-savvy market.
While it may come at a slight premium over some competitors, the additional features and performance capabilities justify the cost for many riders. The NS160 is particularly well-suited for those who want a bike that can handle daily commutes with ease while also being capable of exciting weekend rides.
However, potential buyers should also consider factors like the firm rear suspension (which some riders find uncomfortable on longer journeys) and the slightly higher price point. It’s always recommended to take a test ride and compare it with other options in the segment before making a decision.
In conclusion, the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 continues to be a strong contender in the 160cc segment. It offers a blend of style, performance, and features that many riders find irresistible.
Whether you’re a college student looking for your first bike, a young professional seeking a stylish commuter, or an enthusiast wanting a peppy yet practical motorcycle, the Pulsar NS160 deserves a spot on your shortlist. It’s not just a motorcycle; it’s a statement on two wheels, ready to take on the urban jungle with flair and finesse.