Enhanced Agility

The NS range receives its most significant update yet and we were at the scene to make an assessment

- Joshua Varghese

Bajaj Pulsar NS160 

THE BAJAJ PULSAR NS160 HAS ALWAYS BEEN A motorcycle that is just right for beginners to join the "NS" ranks. Featuring its larger sibling's looks and an engine that is both easier to manage and somewhat frugal in town, it offers a best-of-both-worlds proposition. During this round of upgrades, the NS160 has also received the same ones as the NS200.

Once again, the styling remains identical to the previous-generation motorcycle, different only due to the latest graphics. The absence of a radiator is otherwise the only thing to tell this motorcycle apart from its larger sibling because, with the new wheels, both motorcycles are now running the same tyre sizes. So, just like the 200, this one also has enough character to pull off the butch stance that is subtly amplified by the addition of the USD fork.

The instrument console of the NS160 has been updated as well to match the features offered by the 250 Pulsars. Gear position indicator, distance-to-empty, and real-time fuel efficiency are among the new readouts in this update. The riding position remains unaltered: a comfortable and upright stance with a hint of sportiness.

Different swingarm gives the NS160 a longer wheelbase

Power for the NS160 comes from a 160.3-cc, four-valve, air-cooled (with oil-cooler), single-cylinder engine that develops 17.2 hp at 9,000 rpm and a peak torque of 14.6 Nm at 7,250 rpm. It is mated to a five-speed transmission. The engine characteristics remain the same with a strong mid-range and free-revving nature. It is also decently frugal; Bajaj claim as much as 45 km/litre in terms of fuel efficiency.

Same brakes, wheels and tyres as the NS200