The Bajaj Pulsar nameplate has long been associated with performance, reliability, and street presence. Over the years, it has consistently evolved to meet the expectations of India’s youth and enthusiasts. Enter the Bajaj Pulsar N160—a fresh take on the 160cc segment with updated styling, modern features, and segment-first technology, promising to raise the bar in urban and semi-urban commuting.
Launched as a part of Bajaj’s next-generation Pulsar lineup, the N160 is not just another mid-capacity bike—it is a statement of style and capability, tailor-made for India’s road conditions and riding culture.
1. Bold Design: Inspired by the Pulsar 250 DNA
At first glance, the Pulsar N160 might remind you of its elder sibling, the Pulsar N250, and that’s no coincidence. Bajaj has carried over the same aggressive streetfighter styling, which includes:
- Projector LED headlamp with eyebrow DRLs for a menacing front look.
- Sculpted muscular fuel tank with sharp creases that offer a commanding stance.
- Underbelly exhaust with a sporty grunt and a premium feel.
- Split seat setup and raised tail section to add to the sporty aesthetic.
- Color options like Racing Red, Brooklyn Black, Caribbean Blue, and Techno Grey ensure the N160 appeals to a younger, style-conscious crowd.
The overall visual appeal is undeniably Pulsar—bold, aggressive, and unmistakably street-smart.
2. Engine & Performance: Smooth Power for the City and Beyond
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is powered by a 164.82cc, oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine, built for refinement and punchy performance.
Key Engine Specs:
- Power Output: 16 PS @ 8750 RPM
- Torque: 14.65 Nm @ 6750 RPM
- Transmission: 5-speed gearbox
This engine is tuned for linear power delivery, making it ideal for both city commutes and short weekend rides. While it may not be the most powerful in the segment, it offers excellent low-end and mid-range performance, making overtaking in city traffic a breeze.
A standout point is the refinement—engine vibrations are minimal, and the bike feels smooth across the rev range, a clear improvement over older Pulsar models.
3. Ride & Handling: Confidence in Every Curve
One of the strongest aspects of the Pulsar N160 is its ride and handling dynamics, built upon a new chassis that balances stiffness with comfort.
- It uses a perimeter frame, similar to the N250, for better rigidity and cornering stability.
- The front suspension is a 37mm telescopic fork (among the largest in the segment), while the rear uses a monoshock with Nitrox.
- Tyres: Wider tubeless tyres (100/80 front and 130/70 rear) offer improved grip and confidence during aggressive maneuvers.
Whether you’re navigating pothole-ridden roads or carving a twisty section of highway, the N160 delivers agile handling, solid road grip, and stability at higher speeds.
4. Braking & Safety: Dual-Channel ABS Advantage
A highlight of the Pulsar N160 is its dual-channel ABS setup—a first in the 160cc segment in India.
Braking Setup:
- Front Disc: 280 mm
- Rear Disc: 230 mm (in dual-channel ABS variant)
- Single-channel ABS variant also available at a slightly lower price
The dual-channel ABS not only enhances braking confidence but also makes it safer during emergency stops, especially on slippery surfaces—something many competitors still lack in this price range.
5. Features & Instrumentation: Modern Yet Functional
The Pulsar N160 strikes a practical balance between essential tech and minimal clutter.
- Digital-analog instrument console with:
- Speedometer
- Gear position indicator
- Fuel gauge
- Trip meter
- Clock
- LED projector headlamp with auto headlamp on (AHO)
- USB charging port mounted on the tank flap
Though it misses out on Bluetooth or navigation integration, the functional display and premium lighting setup make it feel up-to-date without going overboard on electronics.
6. Fuel Efficiency: Ideal for Daily Use
The Pulsar N160 is designed with real-world usage in mind. You get decent performance without sacrificing fuel economy.
- Claimed mileage: 45–50 kmpl under normal riding conditions
- Fuel tank capacity: 14 liters
This translates to a real-world range of around 600–700 km per tank—more than sufficient for long commutes or weekend trips with minimal fuel stops.
7. Pricing & Variants: Affordable Performance
As of mid-2025, the Bajaj Pulsar N160 is offered in two variants:
| Variant | Ex-showroom Price (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Single-channel ABS | ₹1,23,000 |
| Dual-channel ABS | ₹1,30,000 |
Given the features on offer—especially the dual-channel ABS—the N160 presents excellent value for money compared to rivals like the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Yamaha FZ-S FI, and Hero Xtreme 160R 4V.
8. Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Segment-first dual-channel ABS
- Aggressive styling inspired by Pulsar 250
- Refined engine performance
- Balanced ride and handling
- Excellent mileage and tank range
❌ Cons:
- No Bluetooth or mobile connectivity features
- Lacks fully digital console
- 5-speed gearbox (some rivals offer 6-speed)
9. Competition Check
Here’s how the Bajaj Pulsar N160 compares with some of its key rivals:
| Bike Model | Power | ABS | Mileage (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pulsar N160 | 16 PS | Dual-Channel | 45–50 kmpl |
| TVS Apache RTR 160 4V | 17.55 PS | Single-Channel | 45 kmpl |
| Hero Xtreme 160R 4V | 16.9 PS | Single-Channel | 50 kmpl |
| Yamaha FZ-S FI | 12.4 PS | Single-Channel | 50+ kmpl |
The N160’s unique proposition lies in its safety-first approach, which could be a key decision-making factor for many buyers.
10. Who Should Buy the Pulsar N160?
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is perfect for:
- Young professionals and college students looking for an attractive and powerful commuter
- First-time bike buyers who want performance with safety
- Riders who want a practical yet sporty machine for daily use
- Bajaj fans who are upgrading from earlier Pulsar models
Its blend of safety, style, and practicality makes it a strong contender in the 160cc category.
Conclusion: A New Star in the 160cc Galaxy
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 brings a bold new dimension to the brand’s legacy. It combines the thrill of performance with the comfort of everyday usability. With segment-first dual-channel ABS, impressive design, and refined mechanics, the N160 offers real value in a segment filled with fierce competition.
While it may not have every tech feature in the book, it delivers where it counts: safety, ride quality, and a sporty appeal that fits Indian roads and tastes.
FAQs – Bajaj Pulsar N160
Q1. What is the top speed of the Pulsar N160?
The Pulsar N160 can achieve a top speed of around 120 kmph.
Q2. Does the Pulsar N160 have Bluetooth connectivity?
No, it does not come with Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity.
Q3. What is the mileage of the Pulsar N160?
Real-world mileage ranges between 45 to 50 kmpl, depending on riding conditions.
Q4. Is dual-channel ABS available in all variants?
No, only the top variant comes with dual-channel ABS; the base model has single-channel ABS.
Q5. Is the Pulsar N160 suitable for long rides?
Yes, with its upright ergonomics and refined engine, the bike is suitable for occasional long-distance riding.
📎 For more specifications and updates, visit the official Bajaj Pulsar N160 page:
👉 https://www.bajajauto.com/bikes/pulsar/pulsar-n160