Bajaj Pulsar N160 vs Pulsar NS160: what are the differences?

    Despite being the newer bike here, the N160 is, in some ways, less high-tech than the NS160, which has been around since 2017.

    Published On Jun 24, 2022 12:57:00 PM

    24,045 Views

    The Bajaj Pulsar N160 seen alongside the Pulsar NS160.

    The N160 cuts a more modern figure, with a projector LED headlight. The NS' design has been around since 2012 and now looks long in the tooth.

    Listen to this Article

    Bajaj is slowly and steadily updating its Pulsar line-up of sporty motorcycles, and the latest entrant is the Pulsar N160 which launched earlier this week. But the Pulsar range already features a 160cc model, in the form of the NS160. So how do the two stablemates compare with each other? Here are the similarities and differences.

    Pulsar N160 vs Pulsar NS160: engine and gearbox

    Despite the similar names and displacement figures, the two bikes are powered by considerably different engines. For starters, the N160 gets a 2-valve head, unlike the 4-valve head seen on the NS. Displacement figures are also slightly different, with the new N coming in at 164.8cc, while the NS sits at 160.3cc.

    And finally, there is a difference in output figures. Torque is nearly the same – 14.65Nm for the N and 14.6Nm for the NS. But the NS has an advantage when it comes to horsepower, with 17.2hp compared to the N160’s 16hp. But the N160 produces peak figures slightly earlier in the rev range, so it shouldn’t need to be revved out as much as the NS to extract maximum performance.

    Similarities in the powertrains are that both engines feature SOHC architecture for the cylinder head, and both are air- and oil-cooled units. Both bikes also feature 5-speed gearboxes.

     

    Pulsar N160 vs Pulsar NS160: Chassis

    In the chassis department, too, the NS comes across as a slightly more high-tech package. It sports a perimeter frame, which is the sort of hardware you usually see on performance-oriented bikes, while the N160 is built around a simpler single-downtube frame. The N160 claws back some ground with slightly chunkier tyres than the NS, but it does come at the cost of weight. At 151kg, the NS weighs slightly less than the N160, which tips the scales at 152kg for the single-channel ABS variant, and 154kg for the dual-channel ABS version.

    That is one of the N160’s trump cards, the fact that it is the only bike in this segment to come with dual-channel ABS. Its brake discs are also larger than the NS’, with a 300mm front (dual-channel ABS) or a 280mm front disc (single-channel ABS), compared to the NS’ 260mm front disc. Both bikes get a 230mm rear disc.

    Pulsar N160 vs Pulsar NS160: features

    This is one area where the NS160 shows its age, and the N160 feels noticeably fresher. With features like an LED projector headlight, a USB charging port and the new information-rich semi-digital infinity display from the Pulsar 250 line-up, the N160 has a clear upper hand here. It also sports a gear position indicator, which the NS misses out on, even though it also has semi-digital instrumentation.

    Pulsar N160 vs Pulsar NS160: price

    This is an area of both similarity and difference, because the single-channel ABS variant of the Pulsar N160 costs exactly the same as the Pulsar NS160 – right down to the last rupee. Both bikes are priced at Rs 1,22,854. The dual-channel ABS version is expectedly more expensive, at Rs 1,27,853, which is a reasonable premium to pay for the extra technology and safety on offer.

    All prices ex-showroom, Delhi

    Also See:

    New Bajaj Pulsar N160: 5 things to know

    Copyright (c) Autocar India. All rights reserved.

    Comments

    ×
    img

    No comments yet. Be the first to comment.

    Ask Autocar Anything about Car and Bike Buying and Maintenance Advices
    Need an expert opinion on your car and bike related queries?
    Ask Now

    Search By Bike Price

    Poll of the month

    The Creta will be the third Hyundai N-Line model in India. Should more mass-market brands have sporty sub-brands?

    Yes, it's something special for enthusiasts

     

    18.43%

    Yes, but only if there is increased performance

     

    44.32%

    No, it's just a gimmick to increase the price

     

    29.35%

    It doesn't always work; just look at Tata JTP

     

    7.90%

    Total Votes : 1557
    Sign up for our newsletter

    Get all the latest updates from the automobile universe