The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 has been a popular choice among riders in India since its launch. Designed to offer a perfect balance of power, style, and affordability, this bike appeals to young enthusiasts and daily commuters alike. With a modern design, reliable performance, and great fuel efficiency, the Pulsar NS160 has established itself as a strong contender in the 150-160cc segment. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Bajaj Pulsar NS160, including its design, performance, features, and why it stands out as an all-rounder in its category.
Table of Contents
1. Striking Design and Build Quality
The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 has a sporty, aggressive design that makes it stand out on the streets. Inspired by its bigger sibling, the Pulsar NS200, the NS160 retains a muscular body with edgy styling that appeals to younger riders.
a) Sporty Appearance
The bike features a chiseled fuel tank with sharp extensions, giving it a muscular look that exudes power. The headlamp cluster, paired with twin pilot lamps, enhances its streetfighter stance, while the LED tail lamp gives it a modern touch. The design is further enhanced by alloy wheels, split seats, and a sporty exhaust muffler that completes its aggressive look.
b) Build Quality and Ergonomics
The NS160 is built to handle both city commuting and open-road rides. The seating position is sporty but comfortable, with handlebars positioned for an upright posture that provides good control without sacrificing comfort. The build quality of Bajaj bikes has always been commendable, and the NS160 is no exception, with solid materials used throughout the frame and body panels. This bike can handle daily wear and tear, making it a dependable option for urban riders.
2. Performance and Engine
The Pulsar NS160 is powered by a 160.3cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine that is designed to deliver a thrilling performance without compromising fuel efficiency. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this engine a standout in its class.
a) Engine and Power Delivery
The NS160’s engine produces around 17.2 PS of power at 9,000 RPM and 14.6 Nm of torque at 7,250 RPM, making it one of the most powerful bikes in the 160cc segment. This power is more than adequate for quick acceleration and a strong mid-range, allowing the bike to handle city traffic and occasional highway rides with ease. The engine is smooth and offers a refined performance, ensuring minimal vibrations even at higher RPMs.
b) Oil Cooling System
The NS160 features an oil-cooled engine, which helps to maintain optimal temperatures during extended rides and challenging conditions. This cooling system enhances the bike’s overall performance and durability, allowing riders to push it harder without overheating concerns, making it ideal for long rides and intense city commuting.
c) Transmission and Gearbox
The bike comes with a 5-speed gearbox, which provides smooth and precise gear shifts. The gear ratios are well spaced, allowing for quick acceleration and a strong pull even in the higher gears. Whether you’re riding in heavy traffic or on an open road, the NS160’s transmission is designed to offer a responsive and enjoyable riding experience.
3. Handling and Ride Quality
The Pulsar NS160 is known for its agile handling, which makes it easy to navigate through traffic and take on winding roads with confidence.
a) Perimeter Frame
The bike features a perimeter frame, which is known for providing stability and superior handling. This frame enhances the bike’s maneuverability and allows riders to lean into turns comfortably, providing a safe yet thrilling ride. The frame also contributes to the bike’s lightweight feel, making it easy to handle in urban conditions.
b) Suspension Setup
The NS160 is equipped with telescopic forks at the front and a Nitrox mono-shock suspension at the rear. This suspension setup is tuned for comfort, absorbing road bumps effectively while maintaining stability. Whether you’re riding on rough roads or smooth highways, the suspension provides a balanced ride that minimizes fatigue during long rides.
c) Braking and Tyres
The NS160 comes with disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels, providing excellent stopping power. The bike is also available with single-channel ABS, which prevents the wheels from locking up during emergency braking. The tyres are designed for good grip and stability, offering confidence to riders even at higher speeds or on wet roads.
4. Fuel Efficiency and Economy
For a bike that offers sporty performance, the Pulsar NS160 is surprisingly fuel-efficient. The 160cc engine, while powerful, is designed to be economical, making it suitable for daily commutes and longer rides.
a) Mileage
The NS160 delivers a mileage of around 45-50 km/l, depending on riding conditions. This makes it one of the more fuel-efficient options in the 160cc category. Its excellent mileage, combined with its powerful engine, ensures that riders get a balanced performance without constantly worrying about fuel costs.
b) Fuel Tank Capacity
With a fuel tank capacity of 12 liters, the NS160 can cover long distances without frequent refueling. This is ideal for riders who enjoy occasional weekend rides or those who commute long distances.
5. Modern Features and Technology
The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is equipped with several modern features that enhance both convenience and safety, making it a practical and enjoyable bike for today’s riders.
a) Digital Instrument Cluster
The NS160’s instrument cluster is a semi-digital unit that includes an analog tachometer and a digital display for the speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge, and trip meters. The display provides all essential information in a clear, easy-to-read format, keeping riders informed about their bike’s status at all times.
b) ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
The NS160 offers single-channel ABS as an option, which is a valuable safety feature. ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during sudden braking, reducing the risk of skidding and providing better control, especially on slippery surfaces. This is a key feature for urban riders who frequently encounter unpredictable traffic.
c) Backlit Switches
The NS160 features backlit switches, which not only add a stylish touch but also improve visibility in low-light conditions. This is a small but thoughtful addition that enhances convenience during night rides.
6. Affordability and Value for Money
One of the biggest advantages of the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is its value for money. Positioned competitively in the market, the NS160 offers a combination of power, features, and styling that is hard to beat at its price point.
a) Pricing
The Pulsar NS160 is priced affordably in the 160cc segment, making it accessible to young riders and budget-conscious buyers. Considering the performance, design, and features it offers, the NS160 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful yet economical bike.
b) Low Maintenance Costs
Bajaj has a wide service network across India, and the Pulsar series is known for its low maintenance costs. The availability of spare parts is easy and affordable, and regular servicing does not put a significant dent in the wallet, making it a budget-friendly bike for long-term ownership.
7. Why Choose the Pulsar NS160?
If you’re in the market for a 160cc bike that combines sporty looks, powerful performance, and excellent fuel efficiency, the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is a top choice. Here’s a quick rundown of its standout features:
- Aggressive Styling: Modern, muscular design that turns heads.
- Powerful Engine: Delivers strong performance for daily commuting and spirited riding.
- Fuel Efficiency: Offers great mileage, ideal for budget-conscious riders.
- Safety Features: Equipped with ABS for added safety.
- Affordability: Competitive pricing that delivers value for money.
- Reliability: Low maintenance costs and a trusted brand with a large service network.
8. Conclusion
The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is a well-rounded bike that offers impressive power, sharp design, and practical features. It’s ideal for young riders who want a sporty bike for city commuting and weekend rides, as well as for those who prioritize fuel efficiency and affordability.
With its blend of modern technology, performance, and affordability, the NS160 is a worthy addition to the Pulsar lineup and an excellent choice for anyone looking to experience the thrill of riding a stylish, powerful, and reliable bike. If you’re looking for a bike that offers more than just daily commuting and gives you a taste of sporty performance, the Pulsar NS160 is definitely worth considering.