Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 : The Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 has long been a popular choice in the Indian motorcycle market, offering a blend of sporty performance and everyday practicality.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the latest 2024 model, exploring its specifications, features, performance, and how it stacks up against the competition.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Design and Styling
The 2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 maintains its aggressive streetfighter aesthetic while introducing some notable updates:
LED Headlight: The most significant visual change is the new LED headlight cluster, featuring distinctive thunderbolt-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs).
LED Indicators: All-LED turn indicators add a premium touch to the overall appearance.
Muscular Fuel Tank: The bike retains its muscular fuel tank design, reminiscent of its larger sibling, the Pulsar NS200.
Sporty Graphics: Updated, bolder graphics on the fuel tank and side shrouds enhance its sporty appeal.
Color Options: Available in four striking colors: Ebony Black, Cocktail Wine Red, Pearl Metallic White, and Pewter Grey.
The split seat arrangement, sleek LED tail lamps, aluminum rear fender, and underbelly exhaust all contribute to the NS 160’s sporty character.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Pulsar NS 160 is a capable powerplant:
Engine: 160.3cc, air/oil-cooled, single-cylinder
Power: 17.2 PS @ 9000 rpm
Torque: 14.6 Nm @ 7250 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed gearbox
Technology: Features Bajaj’s twin-spark technology
The engine delivers a linear power band with a strong mid-range, making it suitable for both city riding and highway cruising.
However, some riders may notice vibrations at higher speeds, particularly through the footpegs and around the fuel tank area.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Fuel Efficiency
Real-world testing has shown impressive fuel efficiency figures:
City riding: Approximately 40.6 kmpl
Highway cruising: Around 48 kmpl
With its 12-liter fuel tank, the NS 160 offers a theoretical range of over 450 km on a single fill-up.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Handling and Ride Quality
The Pulsar NS 160 is built on a perimeter frame, providing a good balance of rigidity and flexibility. Its suspension setup includes:
Front: Upside-down telescopic fork (introduced in a previous update)
Rear: Gas-charged mono-shock
This combination results in agile handling and improved stability during cornering. However, the slightly firm suspension can lead to a jerky ride over sharp bumps or poorly maintained roads.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Tires and Brakes
Tires: 100/80-17 (front) and 130/70-17 (rear) tubeless
Brakes:
Front: 300mm disc
Rear: 230mm disc
ABS: Dual-channel ABS as standard
The tire combination provides good grip and maneuverability, while the dual-channel ABS ensures safety during hard braking scenarios.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Comfort and Ergonomics
Seat Height: 807mm, which is approachable for most ridersWeight: 152 kg (kerb weight)Ground Clearance: 170mm
The split seats offer decent padding, and the split grab rails provide comfort for the pillion rider. The relatively light weight makes it easy to maneuver in heavy traffic. However, shorter riders might need to tip-toe at stops due to the seat height.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Features and Technology
The 2024 update brings several modern features to the Pulsar NS 160:
Fully Digital Instrument Cluster: A new LCD console displays:
Speedometer
Tachometer
Fuel level
Clock
Odometer
Trip meter
Bluetooth Connectivity: The instrument cluster now offers smartphone connectivity with:
Call and SMS alerts
Phone battery and signal level display
Turn-by-turn navigation
Additional Digital Displays:
Gear position indicator
Real-time mileage
Distance-to-empty
Other Features:
Clip-on handlebars
Backlit switches
Kick-starter (in addition to electric start)
These features put the NS 160 on par with, or ahead of, many competitors in its segment.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Price and Competition
As of 2024, the Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 is priced at Rs 1,47,206 (ex-showroom, Delhi). This positioning puts it in competition with several notable rivals:
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
Hero Xtreme 160R
Yamaha FZ-S FI V4
Honda Hornet 2.0
Suzuki Gixxer 150
While the NS 160 is priced higher than some of its competitors, it justifies the premium with its feature set and performance characteristics.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Pros and Cons
Pros:
Sporty, aggressive design
Powerful and efficient engine
Agile handling
Feature-rich instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity
LED lighting all around
Dual-channel ABS as standard
Cons:
Slightly higher price point compared to some competitors
Firm ride quality might not suit all riders
Vibrations at higher speeds
Tall seat height may be challenging for shorter riders
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Verdict
The 2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 builds upon its predecessor’s strengths while addressing some of its shortcomings.
It continues to offer a compelling package for riders seeking a sporty yet practical 160cc motorcycle.
The updated features, particularly the LED lighting and Bluetooth-enabled instrument cluster, bring it in line with modern expectations.
Its engine performance strikes a good balance between city rideability and highway capability, while the handling characteristics make it enjoyable on twisty roads.
The inclusion of dual-channel ABS enhances safety, which is a significant consideration for many buyers in this segment.
However, the slightly premium pricing might make some potential buyers pause, especially when considering value-oriented alternatives.
Additionally, the firm ride quality may not appeal to those prioritizing comfort over sportiness.
Ultimately, the Pulsar NS 160 is best suited for riders who appreciate its sporty DNA, desire modern features, and are willing to pay a slight premium for the Pulsar brand and its performance characteristics.
It’s an excellent choice for young riders looking to upgrade from smaller displacement bikes or for those seeking a versatile machine capable of tackling both daily commutes and weekend rides with equal aplomb.
As always, prospective buyers are encouraged to test ride the NS 160 alongside its competitors to determine which bike best suits their individual needs and preferences.
The motorcycle market is highly competitive, and personal feel and connection with a bike often play a crucial role in the final decision.
In conclusion, the 2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 represents a solid evolution of the Pulsar lineage. It successfully blends traditional Pulsar strengths with modern features, creating a motorcycle that’s both exciting to ride and practical for everyday use.
While it may not be the cheapest option in its class, it offers a compelling overall package that many riders will find hard to resist.