Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 review – Price, specifications and more

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Ever since the first ever Pulsar hit the Indian motorcycle market, it has taken it by storm. Known for its classy sports look and powerful engine, Pulsar has been a major hit among people of all age especially the youth. After all, it gives you the feel of a powerful sports bike with a price that suits your budget. Pulsar series is the life line of Bajaj because of which it is still competing in the Indian market. Pulsar has been a huge hit in various segments. The sights of Pulsar 150, Pulsar 180, Pulsar 220 and Pulsar NS 200 is very common on Indian roads. Now Bajaj has launched their brand new Pulsar NS 160 in India.

The premium 150-160 cc segment is the most popular bike segment among Indian customers as motorcycles in this segment offer a perfect package of power, style and fuel efficiency. Bajaj Pulsar 150 is already the highest selling bike in its segment. Now with Pulsar NS 160 Bajaj looks to redefine this segment. Recently bikes like Suzuki Gixxer, Honda CB Hornet 160R and Yamaha FZ-S have enchanted customers and Bajaj was facing tough competition from them. Bajaj hopes that Pulsar NS 160 can be their answer to them.

Let us take a look at the newest machine launched by Bajaj.

DESIGN

Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 looks very much identical to highly successful Pulsar 200 NS. It takes a lot of inspiration from NS 200 when it comes to design. Perhaps it was done deliberately by the makers as NS 200 was an instant hit and its killer look was one of the reasons behind its success. The makers will hope that it can replicate the success of its predecessor. NS 160 shares the perimeter frame chassis with the Pulsar NS200.

Pulsar NS 160 has a muscular look similar to that of NS 200. The front of the bike is aggressive and the sculpted fuel tank comes with large new age decals on the fuel tank extensions which flaunts ‘160’ on them.

The makers have made sure that NS 160 does not become an exact copy of NS 200 and have tried to give it an identity of its own. The breaks, suspensions, swingarm and tire size are different than what NS 200 has got.

The exhaust is short and kept under belly and it gives the bike a lean and sleek look. The rear tire is thin, unlike NS 200 which might disappoint a few customers. But the thin 110-section rear tire was necessary to aid the 160 cc engine’s performance and the bike’s overall dynamics. This might take away a little from the looks perspective but adds to the performance which is totally worth it.

The drum brakes replace the rear disc brakes which allow you to flaunt those stunning alloys.

NS 160’s meter has an old school aura to it which might be a little odd in today’s era of full-digital instrumentation. The tail light adds to the sporty look. Bajaj has not tinkered too much with the over all design and kept it classy and decent.

PERFORMANCE

The Pulsar NS160 comes with an all-new 160 cc engine. Like in the design department, the makers has taken inspiration from their previous works and added to it. The engine has taken bits of four-valve twin-spark motors like that of the AS 150 and Discover 150. It has got new pistons, new cylinders and a new balancer shaft as well. So, don’t think of it simply as an average Pulsar 150 cc engine as it has much more than that.

The oil-cooled 160.3 cc engine produces 15.2 bhp at 8500 rpm (revolutions per minute), and 14.6 Nm of peak torque at 6500 rpm. The engine of NS 160 is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. It makes a nice hum sound when is at idle and the exhaust is easy going. The motorcycle pulls cleanly from low speeds, and that is certainly useful in traffic and city riding conditions.

Most of the bikes in this segment offer lower torque value compared to Pulsar NS160 while 142 kg of weight makes it heavier among all other bikes with 160 cc engine. But still, it offers decent speed and performance and shows no signs of discomfort up to a speed of 70 kph. But if you already own a Pulsar 180 or a 200 or you are a big fan of thrilling speed then it will disappoint you in that department.

The compromise in power was done owing to the fact that rival companies are giving preference to mileage over speed in this segment.

The suspension of NS 160 is slightly on the softer side which means that riding on it is a lot more comfortable. This is a blessing for daily commuters who deal with hectic traffic daily. It steers almost flawlessly in city traffic with precision.

VARIANTS

Pulsar NS160comes in White, Red, and Blue as base shades and use Grey a highlight on the tanks and rear panel. It is not yet confirmed but Bajaj may use the same shades as they are using in Pulsar NS200 to keep cost under check. It is available in a single variant in India and the single-channel ABS (Anit Brake System) variant might come at a later stage.

SPECIFICATIONS

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