OVERVIEW
PERFORMANCE AND ENGINE
The Pulsar NS160 features a single-cylinder, oil-cooled, twin-spark 4-valve DTS-i engine with a displacement of 160.3cc. It produces about 17 PS at 8,750-9,000 rpm and 14.6 Nm of torque at 7,250 rpm. The engine’s fuel injection improves throttle response and boosts mid-range power, so it feels lively in both city traffic and on highways. Oil cooling helps maintain a steady engine temperature in various Indian weather conditions, making the bike reliable and consistent.
The bike features a 5-speed manual gearbox with a 1-down, 4-up shift pattern, a standard configuration in this class. Its wet, multiplate clutch makes shifting smooth and easy, whether you’re riding in the city or enjoying a faster ride. Riders appreciate the crisp gear changes and well-spaced gears, which enhance both power and fuel efficiency. The transmission works well with the engine, giving quick acceleration and steady cruising.
The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 can reach a top speed of about 120 km/h in ideal conditions. In everyday use, it cruises easily at 90-100 km/h, which suits Indian highways. It accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h in about 5 seconds and from 0 to 100 km/h in 14-15 seconds, making daily commutes and weekend rides exciting.
MILEAGE AND FUEL EFFICIENCY
According to ARAI ratings, the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 has a mileage of approximately 52.2 kmpl, making it one of the top fuel-efficient bikes in its class. This figure is based on controlled test conditions.
User mileage reports vary depending on riding conditions. In city conditions with moderate traffic, riders typically report 40-44 kmpl, while highway usage can yield 44-48 kmpl with conservative riding. Exceptional mileage of up to 76 kmpl has been reported under ideal circumstances, though this is rare. Overall, the Pulsar NS160 maintains a balance between performance and fuel efficiency.
FEATURES AND TECHNOLOGY
The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 offers advanced features that blend performance, rider support, and everyday practicality.
- Advanced Engine: The 160.3cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled, twin-spark, 4-valve fuel-injected DTS-i engine produces about 17 PS and 14.6 Nm of torque, balancing power and efficiency while meeting BS6-2.0 emission standards.
- Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox with wet multiplate clutch for precise shifts and optimal power delivery.
- Braking: Three ABS modes (Rain, Road, Off-road) adjust ABS intervention for different road conditions.
- Digital Instrument Cluster with Connectivity: The fully digital console connects to your phone using the Bajaj Ride Connect App, giving you turn-by-turn navigation, SMS, and call alerts. Riders can easily check key details, such as speed, RPM, trip meter, odometer, average fuel consumption, and distance to empty, making every ride more informed and connected.
- Lighting: Complete LED system (headlamp, DRLs, indicators, tail lamps) for visibility and modern style.
- USB Charging Port: The built-in USB charging port allows riders to keep their devices charged on the go, ensuring convenient access to navigation and communication at any time.
- Chassis & Suspension: Perimeter frame, USD front forks, and preload-adjustable monoshock for stability and ride quality.
- Ergonomics & Comfort: The split seat is designed for maximum comfort for both rider and pillion, with passenger footrests and well-placed handlebars offering greater control and a relaxed posture.
- Fuel Capacity: 12-litre fuel tank, suitable for city and highway riding.
- Safety: Front and rear disc brakes, combined with dual-channel ABS, enhance stopping power and confidence.
- Tyres & Wheels: 17-inch alloy wheels, tubeless tyres for grip and puncture resistance.
- Additional Features: Other rider-friendly features, such as body graphics enhancing the sporty look, a clock display, and a gear shift indicator integrated into the digital instrument cluster, provide added convenience, style, and support for everyday riding.
HANDLING
The NS160 handles well, striking a balance between a sporty feel and confidence thanks to its strong chassis and suspension. It uses a perimeter frame for good stability. The front features 37mm telescopic forks with anti-friction bushes. At the same time, the rear features a preload-adjustable Nitrox monoshock, which helps maintain stability on various Indian roads.
The suspension absorbs potholes and rough roads while still allowing for sharp cornering. Riders say the handling feels steady and predictable, whether in the city or on highways. Wider tubeless tyres on 17-inch alloy wheels provide better grip and stability. At the same time, dual-channel ABS enhances safe braking in all situations.
COMFORT
Comfort is one of the Pulsar NS160’s best features. The riding position strikes a balance between sporty and relaxed, thanks to well-placed handlebars and footpegs. The wide, cushioned split seat supports both the rider and passenger, making the bike comfortable for daily commutes and long trips.
Some riders mention that the seat slants forward slightly, which can cause you to slide forward when braking hard. Still, the seat’s cushioning and ergonomic design help reduce fatigue on long rides. The suspension keeps the ride smooth by cutting down vibrations on rough roads. Handy features, such as a USB charging port and a clear instrument cluster, add to the convenience.
BUILD QUALITY
The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 exhibits notable improvements in build quality compared to older Pulsar models. Bajaj has fixed earlier issues with plastic panels, now offering tight panel gaps and sturdy plastics that feel almost like metal, especially on the front mudguard and belly pan.
The metal fuel tank is more durable than plastic ones. The bike’s muscular body, split LED taillights, and sharp design give it a rugged, solid look. Bajaj has fixed past build quality problems, making the NS160 feel more robust and premium.
STYLING
The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 boasts a bold, muscular design that embodies Bajaj’s streetfighter style. Its sharp fuel tank and knee recesses give it a sporty feel. At the front, twin thunder-shaped LED DRLs frame a central LED headlamp, making the bike stand out, especially at night.
Sharp lines extend to the rear, where split LED tail lamps add a modern touch. The matte black underbelly exhaust enhances its sporty appearance. The stepped split seats look good and are comfortable for both rider and passenger. The NS160 has a strong presence, fitting in well on both city streets and highways.
COLORS OPTIONS AND VARIANTS
The newest Pulsar NS160 comes in four bright and attractive colours that match Indian preferences:
- Cocktail Wine Red
- Ebony Black
- Pearl Metallic White
- Pewter Grey
These colour choices allow buyers to select a style that matches their personality, whether they prefer something bold, classic, or modern.
The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is available in a single primary variant equipped with notable features such as:
- Fuel-injected 160.3cc engine
- Full LED lighting
- Bluetooth-enabled, fully digital instrument cluster
- Three ABS modes (Rain, Road, Off-road)
- USD front forks
- Preload-adjustable monoshock rear suspension
- Tubeless tyres on 17-inch alloy wheels
While the primary focus is on a single, well-equipped variant in India, buyers can choose between single-channel or dual-channel ABS, which affects the price slightly. The updated features aim to improve safety, convenience, and style without splitting the lineup into many versions.
VALUE FOR MONEY AND PRICING
The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is competitively priced in India, starting at ₹ 1,20,171 ex-showroom in Delhi. It is available in a single, well-equipped version, featuring disc brakes, alloy wheels, full LED lighting, and a Bluetooth digital instrument cluster.
The Pulsar NS160 offers excellent value in the 160cc class by pairing its robust 160.3cc oil-cooled engine (17 PS) with modern features such as LED lighting, Bluetooth, three ABS modes, and USD front forks—features typically found in more expensive bikes.
Its blend of sporty performance, contemporary design, and advanced safety features, at a price point of nearly ₹1.2 lakh, makes it a compelling choice for urban commuters and young riders. Furthermore, its respectable ARAI-rated mileage (~52 kmpl) and typical user mileage (~40-45 kmpl) contribute to its cost-effectiveness and fuel efficiency.
The Pulsar NS160 faces stiff competition in the Indian market, where several other manufacturers offer performance-oriented motorcycles with engines ranging from 150 to 180cc. Key rivals include:
- TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
- Suzuki Gixxer 155
- Hero Xtreme 160R
- Honda Hornet 2.0
Each competitor focuses on performance, features, and price, making the 160cc segment very competitive. The Pulsar NS160’s new ABS modes and complete set of features give it a clear advantage over its rivals.
