Bajaj Pulsar N160 S

The all-new Bajaj Pulsar N160 S and the N160 SS have been recently launched. They are priced at Rs 1,33,511 and Rs 1,42,582 (ex-showroom, Delhi), respectively. These bikes have a new, more powerful 164cc air-oil-cooled, and also lot more features, as compared to the standard Pulsar N160.

The N160 S range gets the same design as the standard Bajaj Pulsar N160. It too has a sharp-looking headlight cowl that houses a projector LED headlight. Behind it is a new, boxy-looking digital instrument cluster. The fuel tank looks muscular, and has the same sharp extensions as the Pulsar N160 2V. The gold-coloured inverted fork adds to the premium appeal of the bike.

The Pulsar N160 4V and its variants also have the split seat setup, with pillion grab rails. The tail-light is the twin strip unit, however, these get bulb-type indicators rather than the LED ones on the regular N160.

The new N160S will be available in three new colours: Atlantic Blue, Pearl Metallic White, and Brooklyn Black.

The Brooklyn Black features a glossy black finish, with sharp red stickers and wheels, making the bike look sportier. 

The Pearl Metallic white gets white panels and red stickers compliment the bike’s classy and premium look. 

Atlantic Blue is a dark blue colour, it goes well with the bike without being too loud. People who appreciate an understated colour will prefer this.

Ride-by-wire throttle, four riding modes (rain, sport, road, and off-road) are standard. This makes it the second Bajaj Pulsar to have the feature after the Pulsar NS400Z. The top-spec SS variant also gets traction control. The bike gets slow-speed assist, which helps ride at low speeds without having to modulate the clutch.

The S variant gets an LCD console, while the SS has a TFT display - both 5 inches. Both the variants get connectivity features such as Bluetooth and call/SMS alerts and navigation. However, the navigation system is turn-by-turn on S, and a proper WiFi-enabled Google Maps mirroring functionality on SS. The base S version gets non-adjustable levers whereas the SS comes with adjustable ones. 

Bajaj also claims the handlebar angle has been changed (on the Pulsar N160 SS), with the grip angle reduced so it's a bit more upright than before. This should result in a slightly more relaxed riding posture. The Pulsar N160 S also gets a slightly more upright stance than the older-gen N160 2V. In fact, even the 2V sees a slight tweak to the riding posture, making it a bit more upright.

As for the pillion, depending on the variant, the bike gets a single-piece seat and a split seat setup. Either way, expect it to be comfortable enough for commutes. 

The N160 SS gets an all-new 164.5cc air/oil-cooled engine with 4 valves. The engine produces 18.5 PS at 9,500 rpm and 14.4 Nm at 8,000 rpm, it is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The all-new engine produces 2.5 PS more and 0.25 Nm less than the 2-valve N160. Also, comparatively, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V makes 17.55PS and 14.73Nm. The output figures also change as per the riding mode chosen. In Off-road and Sport mode, it makes the full 18.5PS and 14.4Nm, whereas it drops to 17.5PS at 9000rpm and 14.2Nm 7500rpm in Road mode. The Rain mode is even more lenient, with 14.5PS 8500rpm and 14Nm at 6500rpm on tap. The ABS intervention levels also change accordingly, with it being the most sensitive on Rain mode, and least on Sport and Off-road modes.

Bajaj also claims a fastest-in-segment acceleration time from 0-60kmph in 4.5 seconds. As for the Pulsar N160 4V mileage, Bajaj claims 44 kmpl, which is 3kmpl less than the claimed mileage of the Pulsar N160 2V. The claimed top speed is 114kmph, which is just 1.3kmph more than the claimed top speed of the N160 2V. The brand has also given the N160 4V a 1-tooth smaller front sprocket (14 teeth front /46 teeth rear) than the N160 2V. 

Bajaj N160S gets a 37 mm inverted fork, which is 4 mm fatter than the standard Pulsar N160. The rear continues with the monoshock. The bike rolls on 17-inch wheels at both ends, and is wrapped with 100-section front and 130-section rear tyres. Compared to the regular tyre on the N 160 2V, the Pulsar N160 4V gets a radial rear tyre for better cornering grip. 

Braking duties are handled by a 300 mm disc at the front (20mm larger) and a 230 mm disc at the rear. The S variant gets single-channel ABS while the SS has dual-channel ABS. The bike gets an accessible seat height of 795 mm and an adequate ground clearance of 165 mm.  

The bike rivals the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V  and the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V. It also goes up against the Bajaj Pulsar NS160.