Bajaj Pulsar NS160- Test Ride Review

If you have been a biking enthusiast from decades, then you must know the importance of Pulsar name in our lives. The Bajaj Pulsar is the first bike brand in India which started the culture of riding bikes for pleasure, in India. After some time, the two-wheelers were not only used as a regular commuting vehicle. They also become an escape to pleasure for motorcyclists. Bajaj Pulsar is a sporty and smart looking bike and has been serving the sports segment for a very long time now. But now the preference of customers is inclining more towards the street naked bikes, mainly the youths. This is the time when Pulsar NS 160 comes into action. The street naked peppy Pulsar competes against the likes of well-established names like Yamaha FZ- S Fi, CB Hornet 160R and Suzuki Gixxer. The elements which make this bike quite different from its competitors are a perimeter frame and oil-cooled mill.

The street naked peppy Pulsar competes against the likes of well-established names like Yamaha FZ- S Fi, CB Hornet 160R and Suzuki Gixxer. 

Design and Features

Talking about the looks of the bike, the NS160 looks like the younger sibling of the NS200. The headlight unit is identical to that of the elder NS200. The bike looks bulky and muscular, thanks to the 12-litre fuel tank. The split seat setup, clip-ons and rear-set footpegs enhance the sporty quotient of the motorcycle. The high-set tail of bike fuses up pretty well with the sleek number plate holder. The only thing which disappoints me a bit is the bike lacks a fat rear tyre. The fleshy tyre still tries to gel up with the rear look of the bike. In terms of dimensions, the Pulsar NS 160 is 2,021 mm long, 804 mm wide, 1,060 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 1,363 mm.

The instrument cluster comprises a digital-analogue unit which looks unique and trendy. The digital display features information regarding speed, odo, dual trip meter, fuel-indicator, time, side-stand indicator and maintenance indicators.

The instrument cluster comprises a digital-analogue unit which looks unique and trendy. The digital display features information regarding speed, odo, dual trip meter, fuel-indicator, time, side-stand indicator and maintenance indicators. The bike also employs rev limiter light but misses out gear-shift indicator. It also gets an illuminated Bajaj logo which does nothing, just promoting the brand in a modernized way. Moreover, the illuminated switchgear is made of good quality hardware. The indicator switch is a bit hard to use while wearing gloves because it doesn’t offer a definite click when used. Every time I used to look at the instrument cluster to make sure it's cancelled.

Engine and Performace

The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is powered by a 160.3cc oil and air cooled motor which develops 15.3 bhp of power at 8,500 rpm and 14.6 Nm at 6,500 rpm. The bike is efficient enough to provide a mileage of 43 kmpl. The same engine was also used by the Pulsar AS 150 which was heavily tuned to meet the character of the motorcycle. Moreover, the increase in stroke and the oil-cooling system has enhanced the bottom-end torque. The engine comes paired with a 6-speed gearbox with the first couple of gears are placed close to each other. All thanks to the low-end torque, which effortlessly pull the bike from 30 kmph with no hassle. This makes the NS160 an easy to ride bike on top of the gears without bothering about the efficiency. The motorcycle can easily run at 80 kmph with odo displaying 6,500 rpm. After crossing the 7,000 rpm mark, the vibrations initiates.

The same engine was also used by the Pulsar AS 150 which was heavily tuned to meet the character of the motorcycle. 

Ignoring the high-speed vibrations, the engine provides a good amount of grunt to pull the bike to three-digit speeds. The underbelly exhaust is a bit dim at the lower rpms but it sounds a bit harsh when the throttle is twisted hard.

Ride and Handling

The suspension system comprises of conventional forks upfront along with a Nitrox monoshock at the back. The suspension setup works actively and, the bike effortlessly counters the uneven patches. Braking duties are done by the 240 mm petal disc at the front and 130 mm disc at the rear. The brakes are effective enough to stop the bike in no time and, it provides a commendable amount of feedback.

The suspension setup works actively and, the bike effortlessly counters the uneven patches. 

The motorcycle runs on MRF Nylogrip Zapper FS1 at the front and Zapper C at the rear. These tyres are wrapped on 80/100 alloy up front and  110/80x17 alloy rear, the alloy size doesn't look that impressive but they provide ample amount of grip around the corners. Even on wet roads, the bike will impress you with its capabilities. The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 tips the scales at 142 kg and has a wheelbase of 1363 mm which guarantees an outstanding balance on the highways.

Verdict

Modern design and a sufficient amount of power make the Pulsar NS160 a youth-centric bike. The naked look of the bike is mesmerizing and the peppy nature of the motorcycle is capable enough to give a pleasant riding experience. The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 carries a price tag of Rs 78,368 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The motorcycle competes with the likes of TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Honda CB Hornet 160R and Yamaha FZ S V 3.0. The bike is being offered in three distinctive colours namely Saffire Blue, Passion Red and Glossy Grey.

 The motorcycle competes against the likes of TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Honda CB Hornet 160R and Yamaha FZ S V 3.0.