Bajaj Pulsar NS160

The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 features a sporty and aggressive design similar to its bigger sibling, the Pulsar NS200. After its latest update, the NS160 now gets an updated LED headlight with integrated lighting-bolt-shaped LED DRLs (daytime running lights), it also gets LED indicators. The fuel tank looks muscular and is the same one from the NS200. Its muscular design is complemented by the inverted fork. The split seat makes it look sportier, it gets an underbelly exhaust. At the rear, the bike features a sleek tail section with LED taillights.  

The Pulsar NS160 now gets updated graphics and has 3 colour options: Brooklyn Black, Pearl Metallic White, and Racing Red.

The updates have been restricted to altering the bike’s headlight, instrument console and new graphics, so its performance hasn’t seen any changes. The Pulsar NS160 still has the same 160.3cc air-/oil-cooled single-cylinder engine that produces 17.2PS at 9000rpm and 14.6Nm at 7250rpm. It is paired with a five-speed gearbox. It is an engine that enjoys being revved out and doesn’t feel strained even when ridden fast.

The engine is pretty refined and offers good performance between 5500rpm and 9000rpm, but at higher revs, you will start feeling vibrations. The clutch is light, and the gearbox is smooth to operate too. The 160cc engine delivered a real-world tested mileage of 40.6kmpl in the city and 48kmpl on the highways.

The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 handles very well but since the inverted fork and monoshock have the same tune as the NS200, the rear suspension, in particular, feels firm as the NS160 is lighter than its bigger sibling. As a result, the rider may feel like they’re tossed around on small, sharp bumps. The wide tyres at both ends certainly help in the bike’s stability, but because of them it now also feels less agile while filtering through the city traffic.

When it comes to riding comfort the Pulsar NS160’s new suspension (that is tuned for the NS200), feels firm and riders will have to be cautious over sharp bumps. The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 features split seats which are decently padded and offer a comfortable riding experience. The bike has split grab rails for added comfort to the pillion. With the seat height being 807mm, the NS160 should be suitable for riders of all heights, though you may have to tiptoe a bit if you are really short.

The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 features a new updated LED headlight with lightning bolt-shaped DRLs (daytime running lights), LED indicators, and taillight. It features a fully LCD instrument cluster that shows the speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, clock, odometer, and trip meter readings. It now has Bluetooth connectivity for smartphones, providing call and SMS alerts, phone battery and signal levels, and turn-by-turn navigation. The display also shows the gear position, real-time mileage, and distance to empty indicators. The bike features a kickstarter as well.

While the updates on the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 have improved it in a lot of ways, justifying its overall value is a bit tricky as its own sibling, the Bajaj Pulsar N160, offers similar performance and handling. It also offers similar features, that too at a lower price.