The Bajaj Pulsar N160 has gained a lot of traction in the last three years and Bajaj has now given it even more appeal with the introduction of a new 4 valve version. The existing 2-valve N160 continues to be on sale while two new 4-valve variants have been added to the line up.
Bajaj Pulsar N160 4V: Whats new
The engine changes are bigger than expected with this being a new engine that is still 165cc but now has a bigger 63.5mm bore and shorter 52mm stroke. Bajaj claims a sizable jump from 16hp at 8750rpm to 18.5hp at 9500rpm while torque drops marginally from 14.65Nm at 6750rpm to 14.4Nm at a higher 8000rpm. Bajaj also claims a high rev limit of 10,900rpm. The bottom end of the engine and the gearbox are the same as before.
The chassis is also mostly the same, but there have been some minor refinements in the main frame and swingarm which have helped offset the minor gain in engine weight as well as the move to a fatter new 37mm USD fork on the 4V models. As a result, kerb weight is unchanged at 151kg.
Bajaj has also improved the seating ergos when compared to the previous split seat 2V model. The seat has been slightly reprofiled and the handlebar angle has been relaxed as well. Seat height remains the same at 795mm and while tall riders will prefer less of an upward curve at the back of the seat, this is still a more comfortable perch for long legged folks than the Apache 160 4V.
Bajaj Pulsar N160 Engine and Performance 8/10
While the new power figure is actually 0.1hp more than the liquid-cooled Yamaha R15, this engine’s feel and performance is more in line with its oil-cooled rivals. It’s quick, but doesn’t feel up there with the Yamaha’s although it should now more closely match the potent Apache. The motor retains its excellent smoothness and there are only a few minor vibrations to be felt at high revs. Clutch pull is very light and the engine is quite tractable at lower revs, which makes it very pleasant to ride in the city.
The new ride by wire throttle has unlocked four riding modes and the throttle opening feels smooth and controllable no matter the mode. While this engine does have a near 11,000rpm rev limiter (in Sport mode) we found no value in revving it much beyond 9,500rpm.
Bajaj Pulsar N160 Handling and comfort 7/10
Bajaj has moved to a new 37mm USD fork on the 4V, vs the 33mm USD on the 2V and this does give the front end more of a chunky look. Beyond that change, the way this bike rides is mostly the same as before. The suspension does have a taut feel to it and its not as soft and cushy feeling in the suspension stroke as the Apache. However, it handles rough roads well and the handling in corners is also well controlled and quite enjoyable. We did notice that the turning radius in the city could be a little more generous.
The N160 was the first bike in the category to get dual channel ABS and this SS version carries that forward. It also gets a larger 300mm front disc and overall braking performance is up to the job. The SS model also brings in a new 5-inch TFT display with a fresh looking layout and features like document storage, Bluetooth music control and even Google Maps casting. That last feature works via Bajaj’s app and you can keep your phone screen off when casting if its an Android device, but no such luck for iOS users - a Google decision, not Bajaj’s.
Bajaj Pulsar N160 price and features 9/10
The base S version of the Pulsar N160 4V comes with single channel ABS, a single seat and an LCD display and is priced at Rs 1.34 lakh ex-showroom. This SS model is priced at rs 1.43 lakh ex-showroom which places it slightly lower than the equivalent top variant of the Apache RTR 160 4V.
These new updates have not transformed the N160 into something new, but have definitely enriched the experience and widened the bikes overall appeal. It did not win when we compared it to the Apache a few years ago, but the story could be different today. It's something we look forward to finding out.
Autocar India News Desk
Azaman Chothia
Ved Janve
