Bajaj Pulsar N160

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is styled aggressively, sharing much of its design DNA with the Pulsar N250. The front of the bike features a projector headlamp flanked by LED DRLs, providing it with a futuristic and bold look. The fuel tank extensions, combined with a split seat and belly pan, give the bike an overall muscular appearance. The semi-digital instrument console, though not as advanced as full-digital displays seen in other competitors, provides necessary information such as gear position and distance to empty​.

The N160 offers excellent build quality and attention to detail, with four color options available: Brooklyn Black, Racing Red, Caribbean Blue, and Techno Grey. While it doesn’t stand out with innovative design elements, the familiar, yet aggressive styling will appeal to Pulsar loyalists​.

Powering the Bajaj Pulsar N160 is a 165 cc, single-cylinder, air/oil-cooled engine that produces 15.8 bhp at 8,750 rpm and 14.7 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. This engine offers a bass-heavy exhaust note and is one of the most refined units seen in the Pulsar lineup. The 5-speed gearbox is slick and precise, complementing the engine’s low- to mid-range grunt. Acceleration from 30-70 km/h in third to fifth gear is impressive, making it one of the fastest motorcycles in the 160cc segment in terms of roll-on acceleration​.

The bike can comfortably hold speeds up to 75-80 km/h, with refinement at these speeds remaining one of its key highlights. However, top-end performance leaves something to be desired, as it tends to become lethargic past 100 km/h. The torque delivery is smooth, making the bike ideal for both city commutes and short highway trips

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 boasts a well-balanced chassis and suspension setup, with 37 mm telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. The dual-channel ABS variant features a 300 mm front disc and 280 mm front disc for the single-channel variant, ensuring excellent braking performance. This, combined with wide 130 mm rear tires and 100 mm front tires, offers solid grip, even in wet conditions​.

The N160 handles bumps, potholes, and rough patches with ease, thanks to its robust suspension setup. The bike feels light and nimble, with a kerb weight of 154 kg, which allows for easy maneuverability in traffic. The only downside is its slightly wide turning radius, which may feel cumbersome in tight spots

The Pulsar N160 offers a relatively upright riding position with slightly rear-set footpegs, providing a comfortable stance for both city and long-distance rides. The split seat is well-padded, making it comfortable for both the rider and pillion. Its 790 mm seat height ensures that it is accessible for shorter riders as well​.

The suspension’s ability to absorb bumps and imperfections on the road further enhances the comfort factor, allowing for smooth rides across varied road conditions​

The Pulsar N160 might not boast the most advanced tech in the segment, but it does offer dual-channel ABS—a segment-first feature. The semi-digital instrument cluster displays basic information like speed, fuel level, and gear position but lacks the sophistication of a full-digital console. Additionally, the N160 features a USB charging port mounted on the fuel tank, adding convenience for riders​

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The LED projector headlamp with DRLs ensures good visibility, but compared to the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V’s all-digital display, the Pulsar N160 feels a little dated in terms of features​

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is known for its impressive fuel efficiency, delivering around 45-48 kmpl under normal riding conditions. Its 14-liter fuel tank provides a good range, making it an economical choice for daily commuting​.

Priced between ₹1.23 lakh and ₹1.28 lakh, the Pulsar N160 offers excellent value for money. It is one of the most refined 160cc bikes on the market, offering dual-channel ABS, a smooth engine, and strong low- to mid-range performance. While it may not have the flashiest tech features, it more than makes up for it with its refinement, build quality, and overall practicality

Bajaj’s extensive service network across India ensures that owners of the Pulsar N160 will have easy access to spare parts and maintenance services. The bike is known for its affordable service costs, making it a great option for riders looking for a bike that is easy to maintain over the long term​

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 faces stiff competition from the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Suzuki Gixxer, and Hero Xtreme 160R. While the Apache RTR 160 4V offers more tech and performance, the N160 stands out for its refinement and dual-channel ABS. The Suzuki Gixxer and Hero Xtreme 160R are also worthy competitors, but the Pulsar N160’s balance of comfort, performance, and pricing makes it a formidable contender​.

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is a well-rounded package for riders seeking a premium commuter motorcycle with a blend of performance, comfort, and safety features. It may not have the best top-end performance or the most advanced features, but its refinement, handling, and dual-channel ABS make it a standout choice in the 160cc segment. For anyone looking for a reliable and fun daily commuter, the Pulsar N160 should definitely be on the shortlist​.