The all-new Bajaj Pulsar N160 is a motorcycle that Bajaj Auto says will become the entry point into the premium sports segment, though it is still a premium commuter in the 160cc segment. The Pulsar N160 will share the Bajaj Auto line-up with the Pulsar NS160 that was launched five years ago. The Pulsar N160 has nothing in common with the Pulsar NS160, and is built around a new engine, new frame, new gearbox and a new design shared with its bigger brother the Bajaj Pulsar N250. With the new Pulsar N160, Bajaj is expected to take on the established rivals in this segment.
design features
The design of the Pulsar N160 is familiar, almost identical to the larger Pulsar N250. There’s an aggressive and futuristic face at the front with LED DRLs and projector headlamps, and a smaller bikini fairing on the fuel tank side. The split seat is wide and well padded for comfort; It also has a shorter height to suit riders of different heights and builds. Part analog, part digital speedometer console may look a generation or two old, but it offers all the necessary read-outs, including distance to empty and gear position indicators. There is also a handy USB charging port on top of the fuel tank.
engine and performance
The new 165 cc engine cranks with a stale note from the underbelly exhaust. The single-cylinder, two-valve air and oil-cooled unit makes 15.8 bhp at 8,750 rpm and 14.7 Nm of peak torque at 6,500 rpm. The new engine is smoother, perhaps the smoothest ever on an entry-level Pulsar! The gear shifts are sleek and precise, and the 5-speed transmission rounds out the engine’s refinement. There’s enough low- and mid-range grunt to keep things interesting in traffic, and the engine’s torque spread is nice and wide, so there’s plenty of pushing up to mid-range.
Acceleration to city speed is quite impressive, and the Pulsar N160 will easily reach 70-75 kmph, and really impresses with the refinement of the engine and smoothly shifting gearbox. The riding position is also quite straight and comfortable, with the footpegs at the back slightly. Coupled with its relatively light weight of 154 kg, refined performance and agility, it is an impressive motorcycle when sifting through traffic. Low and mid-range grunt is ample and more, the gears are sleek and precise, and the free-revving unit complements the meaty exhaust note.
According to Bajaj, the Pulsar N160 is the fastest in the 160 cc segment with a top speed of 30-70 kmph in third, fourth and fifth gear. With my 75kg weight, it pulls up to a ton and holds it quite well, but if you’re looking for top-end performance, this is one area where the Pulsar N160 will leave you wanting more. Sure, it will hit 100 kmph, and will go a bit further when hit, but 75-100 kmph is a bit sluggish if top-end performance is what you want, albeit a 160 cc premium Being a commuter, there will rarely be many buyers looking for outright top-end performance.
ride and handling
And when the going gets tough, the Pulsar N160 can take everything in its stride, broken roads, potholes, speedbreakers with ease. The Pulsar N160 is the only motorcycle in its segment to offer dual-channel ABS in the top-spec variant. It also gets 37 mm telescopic front fork and 300 mm larger front disc. The single-channel variant gets a 31 mm front fork and a smaller 280 mm front disc. The wide tires (100mm front and 130mm rear) on the 17-inch wheels provide ample grip even in the wet. The braking performance is excellent with the dual-channel ABS, and the handling and ride quality of the Pulsar N160 certainly leaves a very positive impression. Road-oriented tires only lose some traction when you decide to get off the tarmac, and into the wet grass and mud. But if you’re going to use it primarily in the urban jungle, the N160 is light on its feet, has great road manners and is a delight with its husky and refined engine. The only downside I could think of is the slightly wider turning radius.
Variants and Pricing
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is available in two variants, with the single-channel variant costing around Rs. 1.23 lakh (ex-showroom), while the top-spec, dual-channel ABS variant is priced at Rs. 1.28 lakh (ex-showroom). At those prices, the Pulsar N160 competes with the likes of TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Suzuki Gixxer and Hero Xtreme 160R, but offers the only motorcycle in the segment with dual-channel ABS. It is offered in four colours, Brooklyn Black, Racing Red, Caribbean Blue and Techno Grey.
Decision
Bajaj Pulsar N160 definitely leaves a mark. It handles well, the ride quality is great, the brakes are superb, and the engine offers a level of refinement not seen in any entry-level Pulsar until the Pulsar 250s. For anyone looking for a motorcycle in the 150-160cc segment, the new Pulsar N160 should definitely be on the list of considerations. Yes, it may not have a feature-rich digital instrument console, or impress you with top-end performance, but the new Pulsar N160 makes for a well-rounded and refined package in the premium commuter segment, and now has All have the qualities to take the fight to the best in their segment.