Bajaj Pulsar NS160

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 shares its bodywork with the larger Pulsar N250, and that works in its favour. The headlight cowl, sculpted fuel tank and neatly integrated side and tail sections give the bike a sporty and modern look. Small details like the floating front mudguard panel, frost-effect LED tail-light and black chrome 3D Pulsar logo add to the overall appeal. The exclusive Brooklyn Black colour on the dual-channel ABS variant also looks attractive.

Quality levels are mostly good, although some touchpoints could have been better. The switchgear feels average, while the handlebar grips look slightly cheap.

The N160 feels comfortable and easy to ride, especially for riders upgrading from smaller motorcycles. The light clutch and smooth gearbox make city riding effortless, while the riding position remains natural for daily use as well as longer rides.

Ride quality is generally good, although the rear suspension feels slightly firm over sharp potholes. The setup should feel better with preload adjustment or a pillion on board.

The N160 is powered by a new 164.82cc air- and oil-cooled engine producing 16hp and 14.7Nm. While the numbers may not seem class-leading on paper, the engine performs very well in real-world conditions. The low and mid-range performance between 4,000-7,000rpm is especially impressive, and the bike can comfortably handle slow city speeds even in higher gears.

The engine feels refined, smooth and tractable, while the throaty exhaust note adds character. Highway performance is also strong, with the bike holding 80-90kph comfortably and even cruising at 100kph without strain. Performance starts tapering off closer to its top speed of around 120kph.

The N160 benefits from sharing its frame, suspension and brakes with the Pulsar N250. It feels stable at high speeds and confident around corners. Handling is predictable and sure-footed, making the bike enjoyable on both city roads and highways.

The Grimeca brakes stand out with strong stopping power, good progression and plenty of feel through the lever.

The bezel-free analogue-digital instrument cluster is shared with the N250 and displays useful information like distance to empty. However, Bluetooth connectivity and navigation are missing. The dual-channel ABS variant is the better choice, as it also gets better suspension and braking hardware.

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is a strong contender in the 160cc segment. It combines a refined engine, confident handling and strong braking performance with sporty styling. While some quality details could be improved, the overall package feels impressive and well-rounded. The dual-channel ABS version, priced at around Rs 1.27 lakh, is the one worth choosing.