The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is a 160 cc motorcycle launched by Bajaj Auto in 2017. It sits in the Pulsar lineup between the NS125 and NS200. The NS160 is powered by a 160.3 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine that produces 15.5 hp at 8,500 rpm and 14.6 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. It comes with a 6-speed gearbox. Some key features of the Pulsar NS160 include perimeter frame, telescopic front forks, gas-charged mono shock absorber, disc brakes on both wheels, tubeless tyres, LED headlamp and taillamp, and digital-analog instrument cluster. The NS160 competes with bikes like the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Hero Xtreme 160R, and Yamaha FZ-S Fi V3.0. It is known for its refined engine, sporty design, and handling capabilities. The NS160 strikes a balance between performance, features, and affordability in the 160 cc motorcycle segment in India.
Engine Specifications
The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is powered by a 160.3 cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, 2-valve, SOHC, liquid-cooled engine with fuel injection technology. This fuel-injected motor churns out a maximum power of 15.5 PS at 8,500 rpm and peak torque of 14.6 Nm arriving at 6,500 rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Some key engine specs are:
– Displacement – 160.3 cc
– Maximum Power – 15.5 PS @ 8500 rpm
– Maximum Torque – 14.6 Nm @ 6500 rpm
– Fuel System – Fuel Injection
– Ignition – Digital Twin Spark Ignition
– Cooling – Liquid-cooled
– Transmission – 6-speed
The refined 160 cc motor offers smooth power delivery with decent low and mid-range torque, enabling peppy acceleration and rpm-happiness once on the move. The liquid-cooling helps keep engine temperatures in check even during extended rides. Overall, the NS160 engine offers usable performance for daily commutes and occasional highway runs.
Dimensions and Weight
Here are the key dimensions and weight figures for the Bajaj Pulsar NS160:
– Overall Length – 2035 mm
– Overall Width – 806 mm
– Overall Height – 1060 mm
– Ground Clearance – 177 mm
– Wheelbase – 1350 mm
– Kerb/Dry Weight – 147 kg
The NS160 has a acceptable kerb weight which makes it fairly easy to maneuver at low speeds. The bike gets a sufficiently long wheelbase providing straight line stability. Ground clearance is also decent for tackling Indian road conditions. Overall, the dimensions and weight make the NS160 well-suited for urban commutes while also being agile enough for zipping through traffic.
Tyres and Brakes
The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 comes equipped with the following tyres and brakes:
Front Tyre – 80/100-17 inch Tubeless
Rear Tyre – 120/80-17 inch Tubeless
Front Brake – 260 mm Disc
Rear Brake – 230 mm Disc
The NS160 runs on 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in tubeless tyres. The combo of 80 section front and 120 section rear tyres offers a good balance of grip, stability and durability.
Braking duties are handled by 260 mm and 230 mm petal discs at front and rear respectively. The brakes deliver assured stopping power and feel. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard for added safety during hard braking.
Colors
The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is available in the following color options:
– Pewter Grey
– Mirage White
– Fiery Orange
– Burnt Red
The sporty design of the NS160 is complemented by the dynamic color schemes on offer. Customers can choose between subdued options like Pewter Grey and Mirage White or vibrant colors like Fiery Orange and Burnt Red.
Pricing
The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is priced competitively as follows:
| Variant | Ex-Showroom Price |
|-|-|
| Drum | Rs. 107,689 |
| Disc | Rs. 114,419 |
| Dual Disc with ABS | Rs. 128,086 |
The pricing makes the NS160 one of the most affordable 160 cc motorcycles in India. Considering the features, performance and handling offered, the NS160 can be considered a value for money proposition in its segment.
Competitors
The main competitors of the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 are:
– TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: The 160 4V is powered by a 159.7cc engine making 17.63 PS and 14.73 Nm. It is known for its sharp handling characteristics.
– Hero Xtreme 160R: The Extreme 160R gets a 163cc engine producing 15 PS and 14 Nm. It offers a comfortable ride and is feature-rich.
– Yamaha FZ-S Fi V3.0: This bike uses a 149cc air-cooled engine with 12.4 PS and 13.6 Nm output. The FZ-S is popular for its muscular design.
– Honda Hornet 2.0: The Hornet runs on a 184cc engine putting out 17 PS and 16.1 Nm. It focuses on engine refinement and stability.
Among its rivals, the NS160 strikes an appealing balance between performance, features and everyday rideability.
Verdict
To summarize, the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is a sporty and value for money 160 cc motorcycle. Its fuel-injected engine delivers smooth and usable performance. The perimeter frame endows it with solid handling capabilities around corners. Features like ABS, projector headlamp and LED tail light increase its appeal. Competitive pricing makes it a strong contender in the crowded 160cc segment in India. For bike enthusiasts looking for an affordable yet fun to ride 160cc motorcycle, the NS160 warrants serious consideration.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Bajaj Pulsar NS160:
Q1. What are the stand-out features of NS160?
Ans: The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 stands out for its peppy and refined 160cc engine, sporty perimeter frame, sharp styling, projector headlamp, and standard ABS.
Q2. What is the mileage of NS160?
Ans: The NS160 delivers a mileage of around 40-45 kmpl in real world conditions. The exact mileage depends on riding style and conditions.
Q3. How suitable is NS160 for highway riding?
Ans: The NS160 can comfortably cruise at 80-90 km/hr on highways. The engine feels smooth and composed at triple digit speeds. However, for regular long hauls, a more powerful motorcycle would be better.
Q4. Does NS160 have a kick start?
Ans: No, the NS160 comes equipped only with an electric start system. There is no kick start provision.
Q5. What is the service interval for NS160?
Ans: Bajaj recommends servicing the NS160 every 6000 km or 6 months, whichever is earlier. This involves general inspection, oil change, filter changes etc. Timely service is crucial for proper maintenance.
Conclusion
The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 impresses as an accessible 160cc motorcycle that is fun to ride. For city commuting duties or occasional highway jaunts, the NS160 ticks most boxes with its peppy engine, sharp dynamics, premium features and attractive pricing. It faces tough competition from rivals but holds its own as a balanced package for 160cc motorcycle buyers in India. With timely maintenance and care, the NS160 is surely capable of delivering many miles of enjoyable riding.
