Bajaj Pulsar NS160 Launched With Rear Disc Brake

Unfortunately, the Pulsar NS160 still misses out on ABS even as an option

It's been a long time coming, and now it's finally here. Bajaj has launched the smaller capacity Pulsar NS with a rear disk brake! This new equipment means the Pulsar NS160 will now command a premium of around Rs 2,000 over the single-disc variant, taking its price tag to Rs 84,602 (ex-showroom Maharashtra). Apart from the additional braking force, the bike remains unchanged.

Since the NS160 is based off the NS200, most of the bodywork is carried over apart from the chunky tyres and the bigger engine. Also carried over are the clip-on handlebars, a segment-first. It gets split seats, split grab rails and a semi-analogue instrument console. Its tyres seem to be a letdown, though, considering its the skinniest in the segment. However, they provide exceptional stability and poise. Taking into account the new rear brake setup, expect the bike to weigh around 1-2kg more than the base variant.

Powering the Pulsar NS160 is a 160.3cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled DTS-i engine producing 15.5PS of power at 8500rpm and 14.6Nm of torque at 6500rpm. It comes mated to a 5-speed transmission. The engine is nestled inside a pressed steel rigid perimeter frame that is derived from the NS200 and imparts sharper handling dynamics when compared to conventional frames.

Suspension duties are taken care of by conventional telescopic forks up front and a gas-charged monoshock at the rear. Disc brakes at both ends account for braking duties. Its 17-inch alloy wheels come shod with 80/100 and 110/80-section tyres which offer good grip.

In terms of competition, the Pulsar NS160 goes up against the Suzuki Gixxer (Rs 82,606), TVS Apache RTR 160 4V (Rs 84,535), Yamaha FZ-S Fi (Rs 83,042) and the Honda CB Hornet 160R CBS (Rs 91,099, all prices, ex-showroom Pune). The above-mentioned bikes come with a rear disc brake. Notably, the Suzuki Gixxer and Honda Honda CB Hornet 160R are the only two bikes which offer ABS as an option.

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