Bajaj Pulsar N160 vs Yamaha FZ-Rave: Image Gallery Compared

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 and the Yamaha FZ series are some of the popular 150 to 160cc sporty commuter motorcycles, and both have recently been updated as well. The Pulsar N160 is now available in four variants, while Yamaha has launched the FZ-Rave in India. Both bikes come with likeable looks. However, apart from the specifications, there are also a lot of visual differences between these motorcycles. Here is a detailed image comparison between the base variant of the Pulsar N160 and the FZ-Rave:

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 looks slightly sportier than the Yamaha FZ-Rave, thanks to its aggressive-looking headlight design with twin DRLs up top and a round projector headlight below them. While the FZ-Rave also gets a round LED projector, the DRL, and the overall headlight design is a little more robotic-looking. It reminds us of the Yamaha FZ-25. Both bikes are available with LCD instrument consoles; however, the one on the Pulsar is larger and also supports smartphone connectivity for SMS/call alerts. The console on the FZ-Rave shows all the basic information, but the screen size is a bit too small.

The two motorcycles come with a telescopic fork with blacked-out lower arms. We must admit, they both have sleek looking alloy wheels but the bright red shade on the FZ-Rave looks quite funky and will appeal to young riders. The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is available in four sporty colour options: Pearl Metallic White and Silver, Ebony Black, Racing Red and Harbor Silver. The Rave, however, is only available in two dark paint schemes: Matte Titan and Metallic Black.

While both bikes have muscular tanks with large tank extensions, the FZ-Rave’s tank looks a bit beefier. Interestingly, the FZ-Rave has 1 litre smaller tank capacity at 13 litres. Obvious specification differences in the engine aside, both have an all-black theme. While the Pulsar maintains a centered visual mass with the underbelly exhaust, the FZ-Rave gets a stubby upswept exhaust. The blacked-out treatment looks quite nice in our opinion. Both bikes get a small engine cowl for added looks, but don’t expect them to be strong enough for actual protection. 

We particularly like the side panels on the Pulsar as they are quite sleek, as opposed to the beefy panels in the FZ-Rave. Both bikes get a tail-panel mounted number plate holders, and tyre huggers. The latter may not look cool, but will come in handy to prevent splash-backs while riding on wet surfaces. We particularly love the twin strip-like LED tail light on the Pulsar N160 whereas the FZ-Rave keeps things simple with a small tail light. 

Summing up, the Bajaj N160 is the slightly sportier-looking bike here, while the Yamaha FZ-Rave carries a more muscular stance. At Rs 1,16,773 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the base variant of the Pulsar N160, it is only Rs 445 cheaper than the FZ-Rave, which costs Rs 1,17,218 (ex-showroom Delhi). The N160 will appeal more to die-hard Pulsar fans, while also offering better performance and more features overall. If you like Japanese streetfighters and want a funky yet affordable 150cc sporty commuter, then the FZ-Rave should keep you happy.