Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 : In the ever-evolving world of motorcycles, Bajaj Auto has once again proven its mettle with the launch of the 2024 Pulsar NS 160.
This latest iteration of the popular naked sports bike comes with a fresh design and enhanced features, aiming to solidify its position in the competitive 160cc segment.
Let’s delve into what makes this new Pulsar NS 160 a potential market ruler.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 A Design That Demands Attention
The 2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 emerges with a refreshed exterior that commands attention on the road.
While maintaining the muscular and aggressive stance that the NS series is known for, Bajaj has introduced several design updates that elevate its visual appeal:
LED Headlamp: The most noticeable change is the new LED headlamp cluster. It features a distinctive inverted triangle design with integrated LED daytime running lights (DRLs). This not only enhances the bike’s aesthetic appeal but also significantly improves visibility, both day and night.
Sharper Body Panels: The fuel tank and shrouds have been redesigned with more angular lines, giving the NS 160 a more contemporary and sporty look. The sharp creases and contours add to the bike’s dynamic appearance, making it look fast even when stationary.
New Graphics: Bold new graphics adorn the fuel tank and side panels, featuring a mix of solid colors and gradients that accentuate the bike’s sporty character. The graphics are designed to appeal to the younger demographic that the NS 160 targets.
LED Tail Lamp: Complementing the LED headlamp is a redesigned LED tail lamp. Its split design not only looks modern but also improves visibility from the rear.
Alloy Wheels: The bike sports newly designed alloy wheels that not only look premium but also contribute to reducing unsprung weight, potentially improving handling.
Exhaust Design: The underbelly exhaust has been slightly tweaked, now featuring a more angular end cap that aligns with the overall sharp design language.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Performance That Matches Its Looks
While the aesthetics have received a significant upgrade, Bajaj hasn’t neglected the performance aspect:
Engine: The 2024 NS 160 continues to be powered by the tried and tested 160.3cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. It produces a healthy 17.2 PS of power at 9,000 rpm and 14.6 Nm of torque at 7,250 rpm. The engine has been fine-tuned for better low and mid-range performance, making it more suitable for city riding conditions.
Transmission: The 5-speed gearbox has been retained, but with refined gear ratios for smoother shifts and better acceleration.
Suspension: The perimeter frame is suspended on telescopic front forks and a monoshock rear suspension. The setup has been calibrated to offer a balance between sporty handling and comfortable ride quality.
Brakes: The braking system comprises a 300mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc, now equipped with dual-channel ABS as standard, enhancing safety and braking performance.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Tech-Savvy Features for the Modern Rider
Bajaj has significantly upped the ante in terms of features, making the 2024 NS 160 a tech-savvy option in its segment:
Digital Instrument Cluster: The bike now boasts a fully digital instrument cluster with a negative LCD display. This not only looks modern but also offers better readability in various lighting conditions.
Bluetooth Connectivity: One of the standout features is the addition of Bluetooth connectivity. Riders can now pair their smartphones with the bike to access features like:
Turn-by-turn navigation
Call and message notifications
Music controls
Trip data logging
USB Charging Port: A USB charging port has been integrated near the handlebar, allowing riders to keep their devices charged on the go.
Gear Position Indicator: The digital display now includes a gear position indicator, a feature that’s particularly useful for new riders.
Real-Time Mileage Indicator: Riders can now keep track of their fuel efficiency in real-time, helping them optimize their riding style for better mileage.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Comfort and Ergonomics
While the NS 160 retains its sporty DNA, Bajaj has made subtle changes to enhance rider comfort:
Revised Seat: The seat has been redesigned with better cushioning and contours, offering improved comfort for both rider and pillion on longer rides.
Handlebar Position: The handlebar has been slightly raised and moved closer to the rider, resulting in a more upright and comfortable riding position without compromising on the sporty feel.
Footpeg Position: The footpegs have been repositioned to offer a more natural leg position, reducing fatigue during long rides.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Colors and Variants
The 2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 is available in four striking color options:
Ebony Black
Pearl Metallic White
Cocktail Wine Red
Pewter Grey
Each color scheme has been carefully crafted to highlight the bike’s new design elements and appeal to different tastes.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Market Positioning and Competition
Priced competitively at Rs. 1,45,792 (ex-showroom), the 2024 Pulsar NS 160 positions itself as a value-for-money proposition in the 160cc segment. It directly competes with:
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
Honda X-Blade
Yamaha FZ-S FI V3
Suzuki Gixxer
However, with its fresh design and added features, the NS 160 aims to carve out a larger market share.
Its combination of sporty looks, decent performance, and modern features makes it an attractive option for young riders looking for a stylish yet practical commuter with a sporty edge.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Fuel Efficiency and Practicality
While performance is a key focus, Bajaj hasn’t neglected the practical aspects:
Fuel Efficiency: The 2024 NS 160 claims a fuel efficiency of around 45-50 km/l under test conditions. Real-world efficiency is expected to be in the range of 40-45 km/l, which is competitive for its class.
Fuel Capacity: The 12-liter fuel tank provides a decent range, making it suitable for both city commutes and occasional highway jaunts.
Low Maintenance: Bajaj has worked on improving the overall reliability and reducing maintenance costs, making it an economical option in the long run.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Riding Experience
Early reviews suggest that the 2024 Pulsar NS 160 offers an engaging riding experience:
Handling: The perimeter frame, coupled with the well-tuned suspension, provides nimble handling in city traffic and stability on highways.
Power Delivery: The engine delivers power in a linear fashion, making it easy to ride for beginners while still offering enough grunt to keep experienced riders entertained.
Braking: The dual-channel ABS provides confident braking, with good bite and feedback from both front and rear brakes.
NVH Levels: Bajaj has worked on reducing vibrations, resulting in a smoother ride experience, especially at higher speeds.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 After-Sales and Service
Bajaj Auto’s extensive dealership and service network is a significant advantage for the Pulsar NS 160. The company offers:
Warranty: A standard 2-year or 30,000 km warranty, whichever comes first.
Extended Warranty: Options to extend the warranty for an additional year or 20,000 km.
Service Intervals: Recommended service intervals of 5,000 km or 3 months, whichever comes first.
Roadside Assistance: 24/7 roadside assistance for the first year, with the option to extend.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Environmental Considerations
In line with growing environmental concerns, Bajaj has ensured that the 2024 NS 160 meets all current emission norms:
BS6 Compliance: The engine is BS6 compliant, ensuring lower emissions without compromising on performance.
Eco-Friendly Materials: Bajaj claims to have used more recyclable materials in the production process, reducing the bike’s overall environmental impact.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Conclusion: A Strong Contender for Market Dominance
The 2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 emerges as a strong contender in the 160cc segment, potentially poised to rule the market.
Its combination of striking design, improved features, reliable performance, and competitive pricing makes it an attractive option for a wide range of riders.
Key factors that could contribute to its market success include:
Brand Legacy: The Pulsar brand has a strong following in India, and the NS 160 builds on this legacy.
Value Proposition: The feature-to-price ratio is highly competitive, offering more bang for the buck.
Youthful Appeal: The design and tech features are likely to resonate well with the younger demographic.
Versatility: It strikes a good balance between a sporty commuter and a practical everyday bike.
However, the market is highly competitive, and the NS 160’s success will ultimately depend on how well it performs in real-world conditions and how effectively Bajaj markets it to its target audience.
As riders begin to experience the new Pulsar NS 160 on the roads, its true potential to rule the market will become clearer.
For now, it certainly appears that Bajaj has created a product that has all the ingredients to make a significant impact in the 160cc motorcycle segment.