Bajaj Pulsar N160: The Indian two wheeler industry has seen a very fast paced evolution over the years and the riders are asking a perfect combination of performance, style and affordability. Bajaj Auto is one of the leading competitors that have been producing motorcycles that the youthful Indian riders have identified with. Bajaj pulsar series especially has created a tradition of trust and innovation and is now a household name in the country.
Bajaj Auto launched Bajaj Pulsar N160 in 2022 as a new model in the 160cc segment. Developed in a fresh platform using contemporary styling and a more sophisticated motor, the Pulsar N160 will aspire the fancy of everyday commuters and occasionally the heart throb seekers. The bike has a sharp look, new tech and a sharp price which makes it an attractive offer in a already competitive segment.
Design and Styling
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 boasts a bold, muscular design that appeals to modern riders. Drawing inspiration from the bigger Pulsar N250, the N160 features a sharp LED headlamp with eyebrow-like DRLs, sculpted fuel tank, and sporty split seats. The overall design language emphasizes aerodynamics and aggression.
The build quality feels premium, and the fit and finish have improved significantly from older Pulsar models. The underbelly exhaust adds a sense of mass centralization while also giving the bike a deep, sporty exhaust note. Alloy wheels, sleek grab rails, and an LED tail lamp round off its visual appeal.
Performance and Engine Specifications
The heart of the Bajaj Pulsar N160 is its 164.82cc oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine. It delivers smooth power across the rev band, making it suitable for both city riding and highway cruising. The bike is tuned for balanced performance rather than outright speed, ensuring excellent rideability in diverse conditions.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 4-stroke, SOHC, Oil-Cooled |
| Displacement | 164.82cc |
| Max Power | 16 PS @ 8750 RPM |
| Max Torque | 14.65 Nm @ 6750 RPM |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection |
| Cooling System | Oil-Cooled |
| Starting Mechanism | Electric Start |
The engine offers linear acceleration and responsive mid-range performance, ideal for overtaking and urban navigation. Bajaj has fine tuned the gearbox to ensure smooth gear shifts, while the clutch feels light, making it easy to manage even in bumper to bumper traffic.
Ride and Handling
Built on a new tubular frame, the Bajaj Pulsar N160 delivers confident handling. Its chassis provides rigidity and control, giving riders stability at high speeds and agility around corners. The telescopic front forks and monoshock rear suspension absorb road undulations effectively, ensuring a comfortable ride.
Braking is one of the strongest points of the N160. The top variant comes with dual-channel ABS — a segment-first feature in the 160cc class — offering superior safety and braking confidence. The standard variant features a single-channel ABS setup.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 1989 mm |
| Overall Width | 743 mm |
| Seat Height | 795 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 165 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1358 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 152 kg (Dual-ABS) |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock with Nitrox |
| Front Brake | 280 mm Disc |
| Rear Brake | 230 mm Disc / 130 mm Drum |
The N160’s ride ergonomics strike a perfect balance between sporty and upright. The slightly forward-leaning stance, rear-set footpegs, and wide handlebars contribute to excellent control and comfort, especially during long rides.
Features and Technology
Bajaj has equipped the Pulsar N160 with a suite of modern features to meet the expectations of tech-savvy buyers.
- Digital Analog Instrument Cluster: A semi-digital display provides key information including gear position, fuel efficiency, trip meters, and distance to empty.
- LED Lighting: The bike gets full LED lighting for better visibility and a premium look.
- USB Charging Port: Handy for riders who rely on their smartphones for navigation or music.
- ABS Variants: Availability of both single-channel and dual-channel ABS gives riders the flexibility to choose based on their budget and requirements.
While it doesn’t offer Bluetooth connectivity or a fully digital console like some rivals, it covers all essential features that matter in everyday use.
Fuel Efficiency and Mileage
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 excels not just in performance but also in fuel economy. On average, it delivers around 45-50 km/l under mixed riding conditions. This makes it an economical choice for college students and working professionals who prioritize low running costs.
| Riding Condition | Mileage (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| City Ride | 45 km/l |
| Highway Ride | 50 km/l |
| Combined Average | 47 km/l |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14 Litres |
| Range (Full Tank) | Up to 650+ km |
With its 14-liter tank, long-distance riders can comfortably clock over 600 kilometers on a full tank, reducing the frequency of fuel stops.
Bajaj Pulsar N160 Price and Variants in India
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is available in two variants:
- Single Channel ABS
- Dual Channel ABS
Bajaj Pulsar N160 Price in India (Ex-showroom)
| Variant | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Single Channel ABS | ₹1,22,854 |
| Dual Channel ABS | ₹1,32,829 |
(Prices may vary by city and dealership)
In terms of value, the N160 undercuts several competitors that do not offer dual-channel ABS, giving Bajaj a pricing edge.
Comparison with Rivals
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 competes with the likes of TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Hero Xtreme 160R, and Suzuki Gixxer 155. Here’s how it stacks up:
| Model | Max Power | ABS Type | Mileage | Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bajaj Pulsar N160 | 16 PS | Dual Channel | 47 km/l | ₹1.32 Lakh |
| TVS Apache RTR 160 4V | 17.55 PS | Single Channel | 45 km/l | ₹1.25 Lakh |
| Hero Xtreme 160R | 15.2 PS | Single Channel | 50 km/l | ₹1.21 Lakh |
| Suzuki Gixxer 155 | 13.4 PS | Single Channel | 45 km/l | ₹1.35 Lakh |
The Pulsar N160 finds the sweet spot between power, pricing, and safety, offering better braking and competitive performance.
Read also: Triumph Scrambler 400 X India Price, Mileage, Features
Conclusion
Bajaj Pulsar N160 is a universal motorcycle that will appeal to many riders due to its sporty looks, reliability, and high level of safety features at this low cost. It is obviously aimed at the youth of India who wishes to have a bike which is stylish and practical to use in everyday life, and seek some thrill on weekends. Be it an upgrade of your commuter or the first time in the premium 160cc segment, the Pulsar N160 certainly makes a good case to yourself in a market full of deserving competitors.
Shubhankar Mishra is the founder of Softloan.in and a popular YouTuber. With expertise in automobiles and finance, he creates valuable content to help his audience make informed decisions about car purchases and financial planning.