2024 Bajaj Pulsar N160 Review

Mechanically, the Pulsar N160 is still the same 

• The 164cc air-cooled engine makes a decent 16PS and 14.65Nm
• In terms of styling, the Pulsar N160 is still aggressive and will stand out
• That said, it is too similar to the Pulsar N250 and differentiating between them can be a task

It is always fascinating to witness the innovations motorcycle manufacturers can achieve with new platforms. The Bajaj Pulsar N250 and F250, constructed entirely from scratch, marked the dawn of a new era for the renowned Pulsar brand. As anticipated, Bajaj has now introduced another motorcycle, albeit with a different engine.

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 essentially shares its platform with the Pulsar N250 but comes equipped with a smaller displacement engine, precisely a 164.82cc air- and oil-cooled single-cylinder powerplant. Positioned as Bajaj's primary contender in the fiercely competitive 160cc segment, the question remains: does it possess the capabilities not only to endure but to excel?

2024 Bajaj Pulsar N160: Design

The 2024 Pulsar N160 now features a fully digital negative LCD console with smartphone connectivity, offering call and SMS alerts, along with phone battery and signal strength indicators. However, it does not include turn-by-turn navigation, which will be available in bigger Pulsars later on. 

The console displays essential information such as speed, distance travelled, engine speed, average mileage, remaining fuel, and the time. Additionally, it has a warning message section at the bottom for alerts like mileage errors and low fuel. The Pulsar N160 also gets a 14-litre fuel tank, with a tank-mounted USB charging port.

2024 Bajaj Pulsar N160: Engine

The Pulsar N160 features a 164.82cc air-oil-cooled single-cylinder engine that produces 16PS and 14.65Nm and is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. In comparison, the Pulsar NS160 generates 17.2PS and 14.6Nm.

The engine of the Pulsar N160 bears no relation to the existing mill of the Pulsar NS160. This engine, in fact, has been under development around the same time as the Pulsar 250's powerplant. It adopts a long-stroke configuration, featuring a simple two-valve head and delivers 16hp and 14.7Nm of peak torque. While these figures may not lead the class, they are closely competitive with the top motorcycles in the segment. 

Only the RTR 160 4V and the NS160 surpass the N160 in claimed engine output figures. However, it's worth noting that at 154kg, the N160 is the heaviest bike in its segment. One might assume that with a power-to-weight ratio of 103.89hp/tonne, compared to the RTR’s 119.86hp/tonne, the Pulsar N160 is already at a disadvantage. But that's just on paper.

In reality, the engine is remarkably smooth, offering ample torque and commendable top-end performance. The low and midrange, particularly between 4,000 to 7,000rpm, is exceptionally strong. You can leisurely cruise in 5th gear at 30-35kph in the city without encountering any engine strain. Accelerating from this point results in a clean pull, albeit at a leisurely pace. However, for swift overtaking maneuvers, downshifting a gear or two might be necessary. Nevertheless, the gearbox operates smoothly, and the light clutch lever action makes shifting gears effortless.

2024 Bajaj Pulsar N160: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

The bike is constructed on the same chassis as the 250cc Pulsars, with underpinnings comprising a 37mm telescopic fork and a monoshock. Braking duties are managed by a 300mm front disc and a 230mm disc brake at the rear, equipped with dual-channel ABS as standard. The streetfighter weighs 154 kg, featuring a wheelbase of 1,358mm, seat height of 795mm, ground clearance of 165mm, and 17-inch alloys with a 100-section front and 130-section rear tyre.

2024 Bajaj Pulsar N160: Dimensions

The bike exhibits strong top-end performance as well, effortlessly maintaining a steady 80-90kph without any sense of strain or audible discomfort. Even cruising at 100kph doesn't push the engine to its limits. However, beyond this point, performance gradually diminishes as indicated by the digital speedometer reaching an approximate top speed of around 120kph. At this juncture, the revs also approach the redline, indicating the engine nearing its maximum performance capability.

2024 Bajaj Pulsar N160: Price

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is priced at Rs 1,30,560 (Without digital console) and Rs 1,32,627 (With digital console), ex-showroom Pune. The bike is available in three colour choices: Brooklyn Black, Racing Red, and Caribbean Blue.

Verdict

Bajaj has embarked on a mission to reclaim dominance in the 160cc segment, and after encountering the Pulsar N160 for the first time, it's evident they've introduced something intriguing and impressive.

One could argue that the Pulsar N160 has been meticulously engineered to directly challenge the current top contender in the 160cc category, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V. The similarities extend to their pricing, both falling within the same bracket. Determining which motorcycle reigns supreme warrants a comparison test we're eagerly anticipating.

For prospective buyers eyeing the N160, we advise looking beyond the Bajaj single-channel ABS variant and considering stretching your budget to opt for the dual-channel ABS-equipped Pulsar N160 priced at Rs 1.30 lakh. It stands out as the superior choice worth investing in.