The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is a bike for people who want the aggressive “big bike” look without spending too much on petrol or a high purchase price. It’s like the younger, more sensible brother of the famous NS200.
Quick Specs Snapshot: Bajaj Pulsar NS160
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine & Power | 160.3 cc, ~17.2 PS @ 9000 rpm, 14.6 Nm torque |
| Mileage (claimed) | ~40–52 kmpl |
| Weight | ~152 kg kerb |
| Seat Height | ~805 mm |
| Fuel Tank | 12 litres |
| Brakes & Tyres | Disc with ABS; 17″ tubeless wheels |
| Warranty | Standard manufacturer warranty (typical 2–3 yrs) |
| Price (India) | ~₹1.20 L-₹1.48 L (on-road, varies by state) |
What’s New in This Model
The NS160 has been around a few years, but Bajaj keeps refreshing small things.
What changed recently:
- New digital instrument cluster with phone connectivity in some models. You can now see who is calling you and get turn-by-turn navigation on the dashboard.
- Dual-channel ABS is standard now on most versions.
- Engine and design haven’t changed drastically; it’s still the same core bike as before.
What stayed same:
- Same engine block, gearbox and frame geometry.
- Same fuel tank size and overall stance.
Is this meaningful?
Not really. The latest tweaks are minor feature upgrades, not big performance or reliability fixes.
Why Some Buyers Like It (Real Benefits)
1) Punchy engine for its segment
The 160 cc motor feels quick in town and holds highway speeds well for a 150–160 class bike.
2) Sporty look
Most owners say it looks more aggressive and muscular than some rivals.
3) Comfortable in traffic
Compared to many sporty bikes, the split seat for the passenger is actually usable for short city trips.
4) Claimed mileage is decent
Official claim is ~40 kmpl+, and some riders report good numbers (~45 kmpl) if ridden gently.
5) Decent braking with ABS
Good safety feature for quick stops, especially in rain or city traffic.
Real Problems Owners Are Reporting
- Dated Lighting: Even in 2025, Bajaj is still using halogen bulbs for indicators. Most rivals have moved to full LED setups.
- Real mileage lower than claimed – Many owners get ~28–35 kmpl in normal riding, not the claimed 40+ figures.
- Tech Glithces: Some owners report that the Bluetooth pairing is glitchy and the navigation sometimes lags or disconnects.
- Comfort and suspension – Several riders think the seat and rear suspension aren’t great for long journeys.
Daily Driving Experience Review
In the city, this bike is a joy. The engine has good “pull” in the low and middle speeds. You don’t have to change gears constantly to keep up with traffic. The riding posture is slightly sporty as you lean forward a bit, but it won’t tire you out during a 45-minute commute.
On the highway, it’s a different story. It cruises comfortably at 80 kmph. If you try to push it to 100 or 110 kmph, the engine starts sounding “angry” and stressed. The wind blast is also quite high because there is no windshield.
The suspension is tuned for flat roads. It feels planted and stable when you take a turn fast, but you will definitely feel every bump and stone on a broken colony road.
Claimed 40–50 kmpl sounds nice, but real numbers tend to be closer to 30–35 kmpl for most testers.
Smart Comparisons (Decision Focused)
Vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
- Apache often returns slightly better mileage and smoother engine character.
- Apache’s service network & reliability is generally rated better.
- NS160 has sportier looks, but real world reliability leans in Apache’s favour.
Vs Honda Xtreme 160R
- Honda typically has more refined engine feel and comfort.
- Mileage figures on Honda reviews are higher for many users.
- NS160 may feel more powerful but less smooth.
Ownership Cost & Value
Bajaj parts are famous for being cheap. A standard service will cost you around ₹2,000 to ₹2,500. Since it’s a Pulsar, you can find a mechanic in almost every corner of India who knows how to fix it. The resale value is decent, but not as high as a Yamaha or Honda.
Final Verdict
Buy it if:
- You want a 160cc bike that looks like a 200cc street fighter.
- You mostly ride in the city and want a bike that is easy to handle.
- You want the safety of Dual-Channel ABS on a budget.
Skip it if:
- You do a lot of long-distance highway touring (over 200km).
- You hate engine vibrations at high speeds.
- You want a modern, “full LED” fancy looking headlight and indicator setup.
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