Bajaj Pulsar N160 Review – India’s Best 160cc Streetfighter with Style & Power

If there’s one bike brand that has defined the sporty commuter segment in India, it’s Pulsar. For over two decades, Pulsars have been the go-to choice for college students, first-jobbers, and young enthusiasts who wanted style with performance without breaking the bank. The Bajaj Pulsar N160 takes this legacy forward, packing modern design, connected features, and safety tech — while still keeping the Pulsar DNA intact.

So, is this the perfect streetfighter for Indian roads? Let’s find out.

Performance & Engine – Made for Indian Riding Conditions

At the heart of the Pulsar N160 is a 164.82cc, 4-stroke, SOHC, DTS-i, fuel-injected engine producing 16 PS at 8750 rpm and 14.65 Nm of torque at 6750 rpm.

What stands out for Indian riders is the wide torque band. With 85% of torque available across the rev range, the N160 makes:

• City commutes easy, especially in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
• Highway rides stress-free, with smooth overtakes.
• Real-world roll-on acceleration (30–70 km/h) the best in its class — very useful on Indian highways for quick passes.

Mated to a 5-speed gearbox, the bike offers smooth shifts and a blend of aggression and practicality. Riders switching from 125–150cc commuters will immediately feel the punch, yet won’t find it intimidating.

Suspension & Ride Comfort – Tuned for Indian Roads

Indian riders know one truth: roads can surprise you anywhere. From potholes in cities to rough village tracks, a good suspension setup is essential.

The Pulsar N160 comes with:

• 37mm USD forks (in higher variant) / Telescopic forks (in base variants).
• Nitrox Monoshock at the rear.

This suspension tuning offers:

• Stability at higher speeds (great for highway runs).
• Nimbleness while cutting through city traffic.
• Confidence while cornering on twisty ghat roads.

Even the underbelly exhaust adds balance, keeping weight close to the center of gravity. And yes — it sounds sporty enough to make heads turn at traffic lights.

Safety & Braking – Built for Indian Traffic & Weather

Bajaj has smartly equipped the Pulsar N160 with safety features that directly matter in India’s diverse conditions.

• Dual Channel ABS with 300 mm front and 230 mm rear disc brakes.
• ABS Ride Modes (USD fork variant):
  • Road Mode – best for daily city traffic.
  • Rain Mode – perfect for slippery monsoon roads.
  • Off-Road Mode – handy if you take broken village tracks or hilly shortcuts.

Even the single-channel ABS variant provides solid braking confidence for budget buyers. For young riders, especially college students who may face panic braking situations, this setup is a life-saver.

Next-Gen Digital Console & Connectivity

Indian bikers today expect their machines to be as smart as their smartphones. Bajaj delivers with the N160’s fully digital console, featuring:

• Bluetooth connectivity with call & SMS alerts.
• Turn-by-turn navigation (USD variant only).
• Gear position indicator and fuel economy readings.
• Integration with Bajaj Ride Connect app for ride stats.

For a rider navigating crowded Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru, real-time navigation and alerts are genuinely useful, not just gimmicks.

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Design & Styling – The Indian Streetfighter Look

The Pulsar N160 carries forward the streetfighter DNA that has made Pulsars so aspirational in India. Highlights include:

• Bi-functional LED projector headlamp with wolf-eyed DRLs – a signature look at night.
• LED tail lamp with glitter effect for premium appeal.
• Dual-tone body finish (darker front, lighter rear) for a sporty stance.
• Compact underbelly exhaust that screams performance.
• 795 mm seat height – comfortable even for shorter Indian riders.
• USB charging port near the tank – perfect for Google Maps on your phone during long rides.

This design is aggressive enough to attract college crowds, but practical enough for office-goers who want style without compromising comfort.

Bajaj Pulsar N160 – Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Engine	164.82 cc, 4-stroke, SOHC, DTS-i, FI
Max Power	16 PS @ 8750 rpm
Max Torque	14.65 Nm @ 6750 rpm
Transmission	5-speed constant mesh
Fuel Tank Capacity	14 Litres
Seat Height	795 mm
Wheelbase	1358 mm
Kerb Weight	152–154 kg (variant-specific)
Front Suspension	Telescopic / 37mm USD Forks
Rear Suspension	Nitrox Monoshock
Brakes	300 mm Front Disc, 230 mm Rear Disc, ABS
Tyres	Front – 100/80-R17, Rear – 130/70-R17, Tubeless
Console	Fully Digital, Bluetooth, Ride Connect App, Navigation*

(*Navigation only on USD fork variant)

Variants & Pricing (Ex-Showroom, Delhi)

• Twin Disc – ₹1,22,720
• Dual Channel ABS – ₹1,26,669
• Dual Channel ABS with USD Forks – ₹1,36,992

This pricing makes it more affordable than premium rivals like the Yamaha MT-15, while offering more features than commuter rivals.

Bajaj Pulsar N160 Colour Options

Bajaj offers stylish shades to suit different personalities:

• Polar Sky Blue
• Pearl Metallic White
• Brooklyn Black
• Harbor Grey (Twin Disc variant only)
• Glossy Racing Red (USD variant only)

Among these, Glossy Racing Red and Brooklyn Black are clear favourites among young riders.

Rivals in India

In the Indian 160cc market, the Pulsar N160 faces:

• TVS Apache RTR 160 4V – sporty performance and racing DNA.
• Yamaha FZ-S Fi – refined but less powerful.
• Hero Xtreme 160R – lightweight and affordable.

The N160 positions itself as a balanced all-rounder — stylish like the Apache, practical like the FZ, and value-packed like the Hero.

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Bajaj Pulsar N160 Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong mid-range acceleration (best in segment).
• ABS ride modes – useful for Indian conditions.
• Feature-rich digital console with Bluetooth & navigation.
• Aggressive, streetfighter design.
• Bajaj’s wide service network – easy maintenance across India.

Cons

• ABS ride modes only on USD variant.
• Slightly heavier than some rivals.
• Limited colour options per variant.

Final Verdict – The Indian Streetfighter

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is more than just a sporty commuter — it’s a bike that understands Indian riders. From Delhi’s traffic snarls to Mumbai’s monsoon roads and Goa’s weekend highways, the N160 adapts beautifully.

For college students, it’s stylish and connected. For daily commuters, it’s practical and efficient. And for weekend riders, it’s powerful enough to thrill without burning a hole in your pocket.

Simply put: if you want one bike that balances performance, style, and value, the Pulsar N160 is one of the best 160cc motorcycles you can buy in India today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)