EXCLUSIVE: 2022 Bajaj Pulsar N160 Spotted Testing

The new generation of Pulsar N160 looks inspired by its older sibling the, N250

(UPDATE: Bajaj has launched the Bajaj Pulsar N160 in India, head here to read the launch story.)

The new Bajaj Pulsar F250 and N250 symbolise the start of a new era of the Pulsar philosophy. And now it seems Bajaj Auto is readying the next new Pulsars as we recently caught a smaller capacity N160 Pulsar test mule making its routine sprints. From afar it’s easy to mistake it for an N250 as most of the underpinnings look to be the same. However, after getting closer, it looks like the next generation of small capacity Pulsars are almost ready to come out of the oven. Let’s have a look at what we know and what we can expect from the upcoming N160.

As mentioned earlier, the N160 was seen running on similar hardware as its larger sibling, the N250, except for a few notable differences. The biggest and most noticeable change has to be the twin spark, fuel-injected DTS-i engine with an under belly exhaust, kind of similar to the one on the NS160. However, this single-cylinder motor looks like it is air-cooled and could feature a different state of tune than the NS160. This engine also features a kickstart, which has become an increasingly rare feature in this segment.

We expect this new engine to be torque rich like the N250, so that should make it a hoot to ride in everyday urban conditions. With that said, does this mean the NS series is on its way out? We think we’ll get more details about this closer to the launch.

Aesthetically, the on-test N160 came kitted in the N250’s street fighter guise, it even wore the new floating panel design as seen on the front mudguard. Even the LED projector headlight and frosty DRLs have been passed along, with the sharp and muscular fuel tank similar to that of the N250. The split seat design may also make its way to the N160, as will the new tail light design.

The test mule was seen running on skinner front and rear (130 section) tyres, and smaller, single disc brakes on either end. While we did see ABS rings at both ends, we suspect it’s likely to get a single channel ABS system with RLM in final production form. 

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With the test mule looking like it’s almost ready to leave the factory floor, it’s clear that the new generation of Pulsars will embody this new form and function philosophy that the Pulsar F250 and N250 laid out. Infact, we will see this new N160 launching some time soon with an expected price tag of Rs 1.2 lakh ex-showroom. That said, will we see a Pulsar F160 from Bajaj? We sure hope so as it will add some flavour to the segment.

Keeping the Bajaj Pulsar NS160’s affordable price point in mind, which is Rs 1,21,754 (ex-showroom Delhi), we see this Pulsar N160 to go up against bikes like the Hero Xtreme 160R, Yamaha FZ-S Fi V3, Suzuki Gixxer and the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V.