Bajaj Pulsar NS160

The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is a sporty 160cc segment streetfighter that continues to stay in the game with its aggressive aesthetics and purposeful design. With a stance that reflects youthfulness, it caters to riders looking for a motorcycle that offers a good riding experience in both city and highway conditions. Bajaj could make some changes to improve refinement and modernisation, but as it stands, the NS160 still has plenty of leverage in this segment. Also, note that not only the Pulsar NS160, but all Bajaj bikes made over the last ten years are E20-compatible.

• The aggressiveness of the front end is evident through the new LED illumination setup, which adds urgency to its streetfighter demeanor. The chunky tank extensions enhance the bike's width visually, giving it a lot of road presence.

• The sharp side panels, exposed frame showcase the bike’s mechanical character - keeping things sporty, and a simple yet functional tyre hugger at the back helps manage grime and water, especially in tricky conditions.

• There's a fair amount of exposed wires around the head and under the seat, which slightly affects the perceived quality levels.

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• Overall, the aesthetics appeal to a college crowd looking for something striking and purposeful, and the design is shared with its cousin the NS200, including the split seat setup.

• The updated instrument console now offers smartphone connectivity, adding much-needed tech to the features list. You get turn-by-turn navigation, call/SMS alerts, and even a turn indicator switch with tactile buttons that work well.

• The switchgear setup feels solid, but some parts still feel like carryovers from older Bajaj models. A surprising feature here is the presence of backlit switches, which add a premium feel at night.

• The indicator light setup still uses halogen lights, which feel dated compared to LEDs on most rivals in the same category.

• The rider triangle is sporty, with slightly rear-set rider pegs and a flat, wide handlebar that helps in handling twisties. The seat height is approachable, and there’s enough room for taller riders as well. The rider’s saddle offers decent support, though long rides may start to reveal the need for better cushioning.

• The pillion gets a split seat and grab rails but might feel a bit cramped in daily traffic conditions. The overall seating position offers a balance between sportiness and the comfort bit, making it suitable for multiple riding styles.

• The motor is a 160.3cc, air and oil-cooled unit shared with other Pulsars but tuned differently for tractability and mid-range punch. The engine feels smooth through the majority of the rev band but shows some buzz at higher RPMs.

• It’s not the quickest in the segment but holds its own well against rivals like the Apache RTR 160 4V and Pulsar N160. It cruises comfortably on the highway, although overtakes at triple-digit speeds will require some planning.

• The engine offers decent tractability, especially in urban conditions, and doesn’t need constant gear changes. The gearbox offers smooth shifts and allows for clean downshifts even in heavy traffic.

• Our fuel efficiency test returned decent numbers, showing good average economy figures for the category.

• The front fork is telescopic and is paired with a monoshock that feels slightly stiff. The brakes at both ends offer good stopping power, but feedback at the lever could be better. Overall, it provides an engaging ride for anyone looking to improve their cornering skills without much of a learning curve.

• Its suspension tuning is definitely on the firmer side, which helps while riding through ghats or carving corners. Through urban potholes and level changes, the setup absorbs hits decently but can feel a bit harsh over sharp speed breakers.

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• Despite its weight, the bike is easy to flick in different directions, offering riders a lot of confidence through tight turns. The MRF tyres offer good grip on both dry and wet surfaces, helping the bike maintain balance in varied traffic situations. However, now the NS 400 Z gets Apollo H1 tyres, which are much better.

• The NS160 is a great value proposition for riders who want to go beyond a commuter but don’t want to splurge. It delivers well in terms of handling, ride quality, and the right amount of performance for daily riding and weekend twisties

• Compared to something like the N250 or F250, this makes a lot of sense if your primary focus is efficiency and ease of use. Riders just getting their driving license and into college will find it an accessible machine that fits in the pocket.

• While the NS series now includes flashier options, the NS160 continues to offer a sweet spot of practicality and affordability. In terms of cost-to-features ratio, this bike makes a strong case in favour of Bajaj in the 160cc segment.