Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 : In the ever-evolving world of two-wheelers, Bajaj Auto has once again proven its mettle with the latest iteration of the Pulsar NS 160.
This motorcycle isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a statement. A statement that says Bajaj is here to dominate the 160cc segment, offering a perfect blend of performance, style, and value.
Let’s dive deep into what makes the Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 a force to be reckoned with in the Indian motorcycle market.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Design and Aesthetics: A Head-Turner on the Streets
The Pulsar NS 160 carries forward the aggressive, muscular design language that has become synonymous with the NS series. However, Bajaj has taken it up a notch with the 2024 model:
LED Headlight: The bike now sports a revised LED headlight with thunderbolt-shaped daytime running lights, significantly enhancing visibility and adding a premium touch.
Muscular Fuel Tank: The well-sculpted fuel tank with longer knee recesses not only looks sporty but also provides better ergonomics for the rider.
Split Seat Arrangement: Continuing with the sporty theme, the split seat design adds to the bike’s dynamic appearance.
New Graphics: Bold, fresh graphics on the fuel tank and side shrouds give the NS 160 a contemporary look.
Color Options: Available in four striking colors – Ebony Black, Cocktail Wine Red, Pearl Metallic White, and Pewter Grey – there’s a shade to suit every rider’s taste.
The overall design screams performance, making the NS 160 stand out in a crowd of commuter motorcycles.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Heart of the Beast: Engine and Performance
Under the muscular exterior lies the heart of a true performer. The Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 is powered by a 160.3cc, air-/oil-cooled, 4-valve, single-cylinder engine that packs quite a punch:
Power Output: 17.2 PS @ 9000 rpm
Torque: 14.6 Nm @ 7250 rpm
Transmission: Smooth 5-speed gearbox
This powerplant strikes an impressive balance between performance and efficiency.
The engine’s character is sporty, with a majority of the power kicking in at mid to high revs, complementing the bike’s aggressive nature.
However, this focus on top-end performance does come at a slight cost to low-end tractability, requiring more frequent gear changes in city traffic.
Real-world performance is commendable, with the NS 160 capable of reaching a speedometer-indicated top speed of around 117 kmph.
While this is impressive for its class, riders should be aware of increased engine vibrations at higher speeds.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Ride and Handling: Nimble yet Stable
The Pulsar NS 160 shines when it comes to handling, thanks to its well-engineered chassis and suspension setup:
Frame: Perimeter frame for enhanced stability
Front Suspension: Inverted fork (USD) for better handling and reduced unsprung weight
Rear Suspension: Nitrox monoshock for a balanced ride quality
Brakes: 300mm front disc and 230mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS
This combination results in a motorcycle that’s incredibly nimble in city traffic yet stable at highway speeds.
The front-heavy setup aids in quick direction changes, making the NS 160 a joy to ride on twisty roads.
The MRF tires (100-section front and 130-section rear) provide adequate grip, instilling confidence in the rider.
The suspension tuning deserves special mention. It strikes a fine balance between sporty handling and comfort, soaking up most road imperfections with ease.
This makes the NS 160 equally at home carving corners on a weekend ride or commuting through pothole-ridden city streets.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Features and Technology: Modern Touches
Bajaj has significantly upped the ante in terms of features with the 2024 model:
Fully Digital Instrument Cluster: A negatively lit LCD console that’s easy to read in all lighting conditions.
Bluetooth Connectivity: Offers smartphone pairing for call and SMS alerts, phone battery and signal levels.
Turn-by-Turn Navigation: A segment-first feature that adds significant value for touring enthusiasts.
Real-Time Data: The digital display shows gear position, real-time mileage, and distance-to-empty information.
LED Lighting: All-LED lighting setup, including turn indicators, enhancing visibility and aesthetics.
These features bring the NS 160 on par with, and in some cases ahead of, its competitors in terms of technology offerings.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Comfort and Ergonomics: Built for Indian Conditions
Bajaj has clearly designed the NS 160 keeping Indian riders and road conditions in mind:
Seat Height: At 807mm, it’s accessible for riders of various heights.
Ground Clearance: A generous 170mm clearance ensures the bike can tackle speed breakers and rough roads with ease.
Fuel Tank Capacity: The 12-liter tank provides a decent range for both city commutes and highway jaunts.
Weight: At 152 kg, it’s neither too light to feel flimsy nor too heavy to be cumbersome in traffic.
The riding position is slightly sporty but not extreme, allowing for comfortable long-distance rides while maintaining an engaging stance for spirited riding.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Efficiency and Maintenance: Easy on the Pocket
While official figures claim a mileage of 40.36 kmpl, real-world efficiency can vary based on riding conditions and style. However, the NS 160 generally offers good fuel economy for its performance level, making it an economical choice in the long run.
Bajaj’s vast service network and the availability of affordable spare parts make the NS 160 easy to maintain. This is a significant factor for many Indian buyers who prioritize long-term ownership costs.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Market Position and Competition
Priced at Rs 1,47,206 (ex-showroom Delhi), the Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 positions itself as a premium offering in the 160cc segment. It competes directly with:
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
Hero Xtreme 160R
Yamaha FZ-S FI V4
Honda Hornet 2.0
Suzuki Gixxer 150
While it may be priced slightly higher than some competitors, the NS 160 justifies its price tag with its performance, features, and brand value.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective
Pros:
Powerful and refined engine
Excellent handling characteristics
Feature-rich with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation
Aggressive, sporty design
Comfortable for both city riding and highway cruising
Cons:
Slightly higher price point compared to some competitors
Engine vibrations at higher speeds
Requires frequent gear changes in city traffic due to top-end focused power delivery
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Conclusion: A Worthy Contender
The Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 is more than just an upgrade; it’s a reimagining of what a 160cc motorcycle can be.
It successfully bridges the gap between a practical commuter and a sporty performer, offering a package that’s hard to ignore.
For riders looking for a motorcycle that can handle the daily grind of city commuting while providing the thrill of weekend rides, the NS 160 presents a compelling case.
Its combination of performance, features, and style makes it a strong contender in its segment.
While it may not be perfect – with minor niggles like high-speed vibrations and a slightly premium price tag – the pros significantly outweigh the cons.
The Pulsar NS 160 stands as a testament to Bajaj’s commitment to innovation and understanding of the Indian market.
In conclusion, the Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 isn’t just here to compete; it’s here to lead. It sets a new benchmark in the 160cc segment, challenging competitors to up their game.
For riders who crave a blend of performance, technology, and style, the Pulsar NS 160 might just be the perfect choice.