In the bustling world of Indian motorcycles, Bajaj has consistently pushed boundaries with its Pulsar series. The newest addition, the Pulsar N160, brings fresh energy to the 160cc segment, offering riders an impressive blend of style, performance, and value. Let’s explore what makes this motorcycle stand out in today’s competitive market.
A Fresh Take on Design
When you first lay eyes on the Pulsar N160, its striking appearance commands attention. Taking design cues from its bigger sibling, the N250, this motorcycle showcases muscular lines and modern aesthetics. The bike’s front is dominated by a bright LED projector headlight, complemented by distinctive daytime running lights that create an unmistakable presence on the road. The carefully sculpted fuel tank, holding 14 liters of fuel, adds to the bike’s sporty character while maintaining practicality for longer rides.
The split seat design serves both form and function, providing comfort while enhancing the motorcycle’s sporty appeal. A noteworthy design element is the sleek underbelly exhaust system, which not only creates clean lines but also helps maintain the bike’s balanced weight distribution. Riders can choose from three eye-catching colors: Brooklyn Black, Racing Red, and Caribbean Blue, each highlighting the motorcycle’s dynamic design elements.
Power and Performance That Impresses
At the heart of the Pulsar N160 lies a refined 164.82cc engine that sets new standards in its class. This air and oil-cooled single-cylinder powerplant delivers 16PS of power and 14.65Nm of torque, numbers that translate to confident real-world performance. What sets this engine apart is its smooth power delivery, particularly noticeable in everyday riding conditions. Whether navigating busy city streets or cruising on highways, the engine provides reliable performance without feeling stressed.
One of the most impressive aspects of the N160 is its fuel efficiency. In city riding conditions, the motorcycle delivers around 59 kilometers per liter, while highway riding yields approximately 44 kilometers per liter. These figures make it an economical choice for budget-conscious riders without compromising on performance.
Riding Comfort and Handling Excellence
The Pulsar N160’s riding experience stands out thanks to its well-thought-out suspension system. The base variant comes with traditional telescopic forks, while the premium variant features upside-down forks – a first in this segment. The rear suspension uses a monoshock with Nitrox technology, ensuring a balanced ride quality that handles both smooth highways and rough city roads with equal composure.
Safety takes center stage with the N160’s braking system. The motorcycle features a large 300mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc, both managed by a dual-channel ABS system that comes standard across all variants. This commitment to safety sets a new benchmark in the 160cc segment, providing riders with confidence-inspiring stopping power in various road conditions.
Technology for Today’s Rider
Modern motorcyclists expect their bikes to be tech-savvy, and the Pulsar N160 delivers on this front. The motorcycle features a fully digital instrument cluster that clearly displays essential information, including gear position, speed, and fuel level. The latest variant adds Bluetooth connectivity, allowing riders to pair their smartphones for call notifications and turn-by-turn navigation – features typically found in more expensive motorcycles.
Practical features include a USB charging port for keeping devices powered on long rides and a complete LED lighting system that provides excellent visibility while reducing power consumption. These thoughtful additions enhance the overall riding experience and daily usability of the motorcycle.
Comfort for Indian Roads
Understanding the diverse road conditions in India, Bajaj has carefully considered the N160’s ergonomics. The seat height of 795mm makes it accessible to riders of varying heights, while the 165mm ground clearance helps navigate rough roads and speed breakers with confidence. Weighing 152 kilograms, the motorcycle strikes a good balance between stability and maneuverability.
The comfortable riding position, created by the well-designed relationship between the handlebar, seat, and footpegs, makes long rides enjoyable rather than tiring. The split seat design provides good support for both rider and passenger, addressing a common concern in this segment.
Value Proposition and Market Position
With prices starting at ₹1,33,907 for the base variant and going up to ₹1,40,192 for the top variant (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Pulsar N160 offers exceptional value. The pricing strategy makes advanced features like dual-channel ABS and USD forks accessible to a wider range of riders, challenging the traditional boundaries of the 160cc segment.
The motorcycle competes with established players like the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Honda CB Hornet 160R, but distinguishes itself through its combination of features, performance, and competitive pricing. The standard inclusion of dual-channel ABS and the option of USD forks gives it a notable advantage in the segment.
Ownership Experience and Reliability
Bajaj’s extensive service network, comprising over 700 dealerships and 4000 authorized service centers across India, ensures that N160 owners have easy access to support. The manufacturer’s confidence in the product is reflected in the generous 5-year or 75,000-kilometer warranty, complemented by three free services. This comprehensive support system adds significant value to the ownership experience.
Environmental Consciousness
Meeting the latest BS6 Phase 2 emission norms, the Pulsar N160 demonstrates that performance and environmental responsibility can coexist. The motorcycle’s impressive fuel efficiency not only benefits owners’ wallets but also contributes to reduced environmental impact, making it a responsible choice for environmentally conscious riders.
Final Thoughts
The New Bajaj Pulsar N160 represents a thoughtful evolution in the 160cc motorcycle segment. It successfully combines attractive styling, strong performance, and modern features in a package that appeals to both new and experienced riders. The inclusion of segment-first features, impressive fuel efficiency, and comprehensive safety equipment makes it a compelling option in its class.
Whether used for daily commuting, weekend rides, or as an upgrade from a smaller motorcycle, the Pulsar N160 proves itself as a capable all-rounder. It demonstrates Bajaj’s understanding of the Indian motorcycle market and their ability to deliver a product that meets the evolving needs of today’s riders. The N160 isn’t just another entry in the Pulsar lineup – it’s a statement about what riders can expect from a modern 160cc motorcycle, setting new standards for the segment and challenging competitors to keep pace.
