Bajaj Auto, the largest motorcycle company in India, has actually signaled the newest revolution for the two-wheeler market with the new Bajaj Pulsar N160. It falls precisely in the emerging class of 150-160cc where the competition has become more intense than ever. The Pulsar brand has always enjoyed success in its culmination of sporty design, modern features, and strong performance. The new Bajaj Pulsar N160 targeting young riders and urban commuters aims to give a new benchmark in its class.
Bajaj Pulsar Legacy and Why N160 is Important
Since it was first introduced in 2001, the Bajaj Pulsar range has shocked the Indian motorcycle market. Since its general theme has appealed to everything from first-timers to performance-hungry enthusiasts, the Pulsar has been there for a wide variety of customers and thus has emerged as one of the most sought-after motorcycle brands in India. The Pulsar N160 carries this legacy forward with new features reflecting the changed preferences of contemporary consumers, who have more aspirations than erstwhile with regard to design, performance, and technology.
In the 150-160cc segment, stiff competition still prevails with models such as the TVS Apache RTR 160, Yamaha FZ-S, and Suzuki Gixxer. It is in the new design language and superior features along with Bajaj’s trusted performance that Pulsar N160 looks to blaze a trail.
Design and Styling: Sporty and Modern
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is so boldly and aggressively designed that it sits well in the new-age Pulsar mould of Bajaj, so well that even if it takes design inspiration from the bigger Pulsar N250, it has the most sharp lines, a muscular fuel tank, and a compact rear section. The design feels sporty yet practical and aimed at creating that move to attract younger riders who would prefer nothing more than a bike with street presence and a modern look.
Of course, one of the notable design aspects is the two-in-one LED projector headlamp, which not only adds to the good looks of the bike but also offers better light output in dimly lit situations. The DRLs on either end really enhance the look from the front, setting the Pulsar N160 apart in its segment. The styling, however, is more mature than before in the Pulsars and indicates that Bajaj has taken note of what an urban buyer wants-specifically a package that scores well on design and performance criteria.
Performance: Engine and Ride Quality
At the center of things in the Bajaj Pulsar N160 lies a 164.82cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine. And it manages to produce 15.7 bhp at 8,750 rpm and peak torque of 14.65 Nm at 6,750 rpm. It is, thus, just about class competitive in the 160cc category. The performance, therefore, easily puts it up against its rivals: it must always be able to deliver enough power for city runs, as well as the occasional high highway.
At the same time, the N160’s suspension setup is entirely balanced towards ride comfort. There is a telescopic fork at the front and a monoshock at the rear. Either of them needs to be good enough for a comfortable ride over all sorts of varied road conditions, which are very relevant to the Indian road. So, it should be in a position to take on both smooth city roads and the occasional pothole or speed breaker, so far being concerned with daily commutation purposes.
One of the key handling features on the new N160 includes a first-in-segment dual-channel ABS. This ensures significant safety improvements in emergency braking or riding on wet surfaces. This strategic move by Bajaj, offering it on the N160, shows that the company thinks rider safety, which is an increasingly important point for Indian customers, seriously.
Features and Technology: To Cater to the Modern Rider
The Pulsar N160 is chock-full of features designed for tech-savvy riders who expect more than just performance from their motorcycles. Not on that list, really, is anything but a digital instrument cluster that will provide the kind of basic information riders expect: vehicle speed, tripmeter, fuel gauge, gear-position indicator, and a host of other useful data like real-time fuel efficiency and distance-to-empty – of which there is much practical use at long-distance commutes.
It has so designed the Pulsar N160 that it is easy to handle and also very convenient in negotiating urban fields. The bike with its great seat and upright riding condition does not render long rides grueling for the rider, hence capable for both daily commutes and weekend excursions. The split seat makes it more sporty, and grab rails are integrated without compromising on aesthetics.
Another good point is that it contains a USB charging port and, thus, can charge riders’ devices on the move-the really useful feature to charge smartphones for navigation and whatever other needs have to be communicated.
Competition: How N160 Takes it with Competition
The most crowded and competitive segment in the Indian motorcycle market is 150-160cc. In such a scenario, where established brands like the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Yamaha FZ-S, and Suzuki Gixxer exist, the Pulsar N160 has no shortcoming as well. Each of these models has captured loyal customer bases, providing the best of style, performance, and reliability.
- Apache RTR 160 4V: This one sits directly below the race-oriented performance line. Slightly more power, a bit more aggression in style–which makes it a favorite among performance enthusiasts, but the Pulsar N160 leads out as far as safety is concerned with its dual-channel ABS.
- Yamaha FZ-S : otherwise a benchmark for refinement and handling in the 150cc segment, Yamaha has been trying to give Pulsar a run for its money but with a much more potent engine and projector headlamp, Pulsar turns out to be the exact motorbike for the buck.
- Suzuki Gixxer: The Gixxer has a sharp sporty design with easy handling. Though on par with the Pulsar N160 in terms of performance, there are other goodies in Bajaj’s package, like dual-channel ABS and projector headlamp, giving an additional value-for-money quotient.
Price/Value for Money
One of the strengths that Bajaj had always was offering motorcycles in excellent balance of performance and affordability. The Pulsar N160 makes no exception here. This motorcycle starts at around