Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 : But in a market full of commuter bikes, and performance machines, striking that perfect balance between looks and mileage is a tough ask. But then Bajaj’s seems to have nailed down the formula with the Pulsar NS160.
With its power-packed features including a six-speed gearbox, meaty 160cc engine and the kind of fuel mileage that gets you where you want to go without cramping your style or emptying your wallet, the NS160 is a solid choice for almost everyone.
The NS160 not only rides well — it looks like a beast that only the NS series can boast of and sips fuel like a daily commuter thanks to the ride-by-wire and other bold design tweaks.
It’s a combination that’s rare amongst the 150-160cc offerings and is precisely what’s lending this Pulsar an edge over the competition.
A Design That Turns Heads
Take one look at the Pulsar NS160 and you’ll agree this is no ordinary mileage bike. Largely inspired by its bigger brother, the NS200, the design language of the NS160 gives fora rather menacing streetfighter look.
With its pointy tank extensions, aggressive headlamp styling and naked bike-ness, it brings just the right amount of sporty to the table — without venturing into overkill.
Dual-tone paint finish, split grab rails, underbelly exhaust, and alloy wheels further enhance the appeal.
Be it just parked around a college, or zipping through streets, or finding its way down to that alley on a late-night ride, the NS160 feels right in its comfort zone.
It’s young, bristling with energy, and is endowed with the classic Pulsar DNA that its aficionados have cherished for over a decade.
Fast Meets Functionality
Beneath the belly not of the horned variety, the NS160 is equipped with a 160.3cc oil-cooled, single-cylinder motor that makes 17.2 PS of power and 14.6 Nm of torque.
That may not sound too outrageous, but on the road it provides peppy acceleration, smooth cruising and enough grunt for overtakes — of white vans, particularly on city streets.
What really makes it a standout, however, is how refined and composed the ride is.
The gear shifts are buttery smooth, the throttle is predictable and linear, and the handling — with the perimeter frame — feels taut and secure even as you are huckling this thing around corners and dodging potholes.
Mileage That Surprises You
Now here’s the game-changer. For a sporty motorcycle with it looks and performance tuning, the Pulsar NS160 offers a real world mileage of around 45 to 50 km/l,which is pretty good based on how well you ride.
For a bike that as aggressive looking as this and as sporty feeling as this, that’s impressive.
This versatility makes it ideal for students at college, daily office goers and even weekend riders that are looking for something with low figures, but high on riding pleasure.
Comfort and Ride Quality
But even after some hours on the saddle, the NS160 is decently comfortable. The upright riding position, wide handlebars and some decent seat cushioning also make it friendly for both short hops and longer rides.
The telescopic front forks and Nitrox monoshocker at the rear do a more than decent job of absorbing most of the road’s minor undulations.
Practicality doesn’t take a back seat either — it’s got a good ground clearance, strong braking setup (you now get dual-channel ABS), and the digital-analog instrument cluster is clutter-free, displaying everything you’d want to know.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Segment leading bold and muscular design
Great fuel sipping for an aggressive 160cc bike
Silky engine operation with well sorted gear changes
Good ride and handling with perimeter frame
Dual-Channel ABS for better safety
Comfortable riding for everyday use and city commuting
Cons
No full digital console — analog tachometer seems low tech
No LED headlight yet, which rivals are now providing
A little bit too firm on rough roads for solo riders
No bells and whistles such as Bluetooth or navigation
Pillion comfort on longer rides is limited
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 Final Verdict
The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 has struck a rare bullseye — it’s got good styling, performs decently well and it’s frugal too.
It’s not a bike that only plays the part; it’s a bike that also serves all the practical rose-and-leopard-spotted needs of the everyday riders who uses them.
If you’re the kind of person who expects a bike to grab attention at traffic signals, not drill a hole in your wallet, and be everyday usable, consider the NS160 as a worthy choice.
It could possibly be the best of the lot in the styling department in the160cc segment at the moment.