Pulsar N160 SS or Dominar 250?

Last Updated on: 21 Oct 2026
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 carries an ARAI-claimed fuel efficiency figure of around 60kpl, a strong number within the 160cc segment, drawn from its 14-litre fuel tank including a 2.8-litre reserve.
Engine works smoothest and delivers its strongest torque in the 4,000 to 7,000rpm band, exactly where most riders sit in stop-start city traffic.
5-speed manual gearbox, fitted with a slip-and-assist clutch across all four variants, makes it easy to stay within this efficient rev range.
Riders who keep the Pulsar N160 cruising at 80-90kph rather than pushing toward its roughly 120kph top speed find the engine operating well within its most efficient band.
Autocar India's road test noted the engine runs out of breath past 90kph, reinforcing the N160's tuning as a relaxed, efficient commuter.
| PowertrainThe combination of engine type, fuel, and transmission that powers your vehicle and determines how it drives and what it runs on. | ARAI MileageMileage certified by the government, tested under controlled lab conditions. Real-world mileage will vary. |
|---|---|
Petrol-Manual 164.82 cc | 51.6 kmpl |
Petrol-Manual 164.9 cc | 51.6 kmpl |
Tell us about your experience
My height is 5′3″/4″. I have been using a Honda SP 125 for 3 years and am happy with the mileage, but I want a bit more power, so I’m thinking of moving to the Pulsar N160. Based on my height, would this be a good choice?
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is an excellent option in the 160cc commuter class and will make for a good step up from your SP125. In a similar vein, you can also look at the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, which has similar performance and will also return good fuel economy. Both the Pulsar and Apache have manageable seat heights (approx. 800mm). It should help you get comfortable with these quite easily after a brief adjustment period.
I am planning to buy a new 160cc bike. My options are the Apache RTR 160 4V TFT, Pulsar N160, and Xtreme 160 4V. Most of my riding will be in the city at speeds of 60-70 kmph, with occasional long rides. My priorities are mileage, looks, low maintenance, good customer service, resale value, fewer complaints, comfort, performance, and easy availability of spare parts. Please suggest one good option.
All three options you have shortlisted are great in their own ways, and we'd advise you to choose between the Bajaj Pulsar N160 and the Apache RTR 160 4V TFT from our previous experience with them. If you are taller than 5'9, then the TVS bike will feel a little cramped, so we'd recommend the Bajaj if you're above that threshold.You should also take a look at the Honda Unicorn / SP160 as these bikes also meet your requirements, although they will have slightly lower performance compared to the aforementioned TVS and Bajaj bikes.Take a test ride of all the bikes you're considering before you go ahead with your purchase.
I am thinking of buying a bike with good mileage, good for city traffic, occassional long rides and comfortable seating position for pillion riders too. I am interested to opt for Yamaha XSR 155. Does that bike offers that? Or should I go for Pulsar N160 or TVS Ronin 225 or any other bike?
The Yamaha XSR155 you have shortlisted will give you everything you want aside from pillion comfort, as its seat isn't very long. This could be a subjective issue based on your size as well as your pillion's, but by and large, its pillion comfort is likely to be average, nothing to write home about.It will be a similar story with the Bajaj Pulsar N160 too. The TVS Ronin will offer you everything you are looking for, so that is the bike we would steer you toward. If you are open to considering other machines, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 will be a good option too.
For the past seven years, I have been using Honda CB Shine SP (BS4) for my daily commute. My daily commute is around 35 km/day and sometime I go for long rides as well. Now, I want to upgrade to a 150-160cc bike. Which bikes is reliable for long term usage and offers good mileage.
Since you already have a Shine currently, stepping up to a Honda Unicorn / SP160 seems like a no-brainer, given that you are innately aware of the Honda ownership experience and you mainly plan to use it for commuting. If you want more feature-rich and sporty offerings, then the Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V should be considered. These bikes promise more performance and tech while still being friendly and comfortable daily commuters. A test ride should help you decide which is the best one for your needs.
Hi, I would like your suggestion on a good bike for my needs. I am 40 years old, 5'9" tall, weigh 115 kg, and have a family. My daily commute is 72 km. The road conditions are around 6 out of 10, considering potholes and speed breakers. Traffic is above average; if I were to rate it on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is the least and 10 is the highest, I would rate it 7. I am open to both ICE and electric bikes. I would also prefer a bike that offers good fuel efficiency.
Given your long daily run with lots of traffic and bad roads, a simple commuter would be the best fit for your usage. In the 125cc segment, look at options like the TVS Raider, Honda Shine / SP125 and Hero Super Splendor/Xtreme, depending on your design preferences.In the 160cc class, options like Honda Unicorn / SP160, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Bajaj Pulsar N160 are our top picks. Depending on your budget and fuel economy requirements, pick between the class of bikes that best suit your needs.
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The Bajaj Pulsar N160 delivers the best mileage when ridden with smooth throttle inputs, timely gear shifts, and a steady cruising speed.
Bajaj Pulsar N160 mileage is influenced by riding style, traffic conditions, road surfaces, tyre pressure and regular maintenance.
Yes. Regular servicing, correct tyre pressure, and a clean air filter help the Bajaj Pulsar N160 maintain optimal fuel efficiency.








