The Bajaj Pulsar series has always held a special place in the hearts of Indian motorcyclists, offering a fine balance of style, performance, and affordability. Expanding its portfolio, Bajaj has introduced the Pulsar N160, a muscular and tech-forward street bike aimed at young riders and urban commuters. Built on the new Pulsar platform, the N160 borrows design cues from its elder sibling, the Pulsar N250, and brings fresh updates to the popular 160cc segment. Let’s dive deep into what makes the new Bajaj Pulsar N160 a worthy contender in its category.
Design and Styling
The Pulsar N160 carries an aggressive, streetfighter-inspired design language. At the front, it flaunts a sharp LED projector headlamp paired with sleek LED DRLs, lending it a bold and contemporary face. The muscular fuel tank with pronounced extensions adds to its athletic stance, while the split seat setup and neatly designed rear end complete the sporty look.
The exposed underbelly and engine cowl not only enhance its aesthetics but also improve protection. The floating tail section with LED taillights ensures the N160 stands out, whether on the move or parked.
Key Design Highlights:
- LED projector headlamp with DRLs
- Sharp tank extensions
- Split seat setup
- Underbelly engine cowl
- Floating tail section with LED taillight
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Pulsar N160 lies a 164.82cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled, SOHC engine. This BS6 Phase 2-compliant motor produces 16 PS of power at 8750 RPM and 14.65 Nm of torque at 6750 RPM. Paired with a 5-speed gearbox, the N160 offers smooth and punchy performance, making it suitable for both city commutes and occasional highway runs.
The engine feels refined and lively, delivering ample low and mid-range torque, ensuring effortless overtakes in city traffic. The ExhausTEC system further improves low-end grunt, enhancing rideability.
Engine Specifications:
- Engine Type: Single-cylinder, oil-cooled, SOHC
- Displacement: 164.82 cc
- Power: 16 PS @ 8750 RPM
- Torque: 14.65 Nm @ 6750 RPM
- Gearbox: 5-speed
Ride and Handling
The Pulsar N160 is built on the new Pulsar platform, shared with the N250. It features a telescopic fork at the front and a monoshock at the rear, ensuring a balanced and stable ride. The bike’s suspension is tuned to handle city roads, occasional potholes, and spirited cornering with equal confidence.
The single-channel ABS (on base variants) and dual-channel ABS (on higher variants) offer strong braking performance, backed by a 300mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc. The lightweight chassis and well-balanced ergonomics make it nimble and easy to maneuver in traffic.
Chassis and Handling Features:
- Frame: New Pulsar platform chassis
- Front Suspension: Telescopic fork
- Rear Suspension: Monoshock
- Brakes: 300mm front disc, 230mm rear disc
- ABS: Single-channel / Dual-channel options
- Kerb Weight: 152-154 kg (variant dependent)
Features and Technology
Bajaj has equipped the Pulsar N160 with a decent set of modern features to keep up with rivals in this segment. The bike gets a semi-digital instrument cluster that includes a tachometer, digital speedometer, trip meter, fuel gauge, gear position indicator, clock, and service reminder.
Some variants also come with a USB charging port for added convenience. The LED projector headlamp ensures excellent night visibility, while the dual-channel ABS on select trims enhances safety.
Feature List:
- Semi-digital instrument console
- LED projector headlamp with LED DRLs
- USB mobile charger
- Side-stand engine cut-off
- Dual-channel ABS on select variants
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
The Pulsar N160 delivers impressive mileage figures for a 160cc streetfighter. In real-world riding conditions, it returns around 45-48 kmpl, making it an economical choice for daily commutes. On highways, when ridden at constant speeds, the mileage can stretch up to 50-52 kmpl.
Fuel Efficiency:
- City: 45-48 kmpl
- Highway: 50-52 kmpl
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 14 litres
Variants and Pricing
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is available in three primary variants:
- Single-channel ABS (Split Seat)
- Single-channel ABS (Single Seat)
- Dual-channel ABS (Split Seat)
The ex-showroom prices in Delhi are as follows:
| Variant | Ex-Showroom Price |
| Single-channel ABS (Split Seat) | ₹1,26,669 |
| Single-channel ABS (Single Seat) | ₹1,25,722 |
| Dual-channel ABS (Split Seat) | ₹1,36,992 |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Aggressive and modern styling
- Powerful and refined engine
- Strong braking with dual-channel ABS option
- Comfortable ride with good city handling
- Value-for-money pricing
Cons:
- No full-digital console on all variants
- Lacks Bluetooth connectivity
- Misses out on slipper clutch and riding modes
- Slightly stiff rear suspension for pillion comfort
Conclusion
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 emerges as a practical, stylish, and performance-packed street bike tailored for young riders and daily commuters. It strikes a fine balance between sporty design, usable power, and fuel efficiency while offering safety features like dual-channel ABS on select variants. If you’re seeking a bike that delivers spirited performance without burning a hole in your pocket, the Pulsar N160 deserves serious consideration. Its aggressive looks, capable engine, and value-for-money proposition make it one of the smartest picks in the 160cc street bike category today.