Fashionably Late

A bit late to the party, Bajaj’s answer to the Suzuki Gixxer and the Honda CB Hornet 160R is finally here. We throw our leg over the new NS160 to see how it squares off against its rivals.

- Ravi Ved

They say great products sell themselves. Such has been the case with the Bajaj Pulsar 150. Although it’s been a long time since it got a generation change, the Pulsar 150 continues to be the best-selling motorcycle in its class. And why shouldn’t it – considering its chirpy performance and affordable price. But, over the years, the 150cc segment has split into sub-categories. From being the preferred choice, the Pulsar 150’s conventional design no longer appeals to the younger generation. The youth, today, want something more stylish and slightly punchier. This gave birth to the 160cc class. While Suzuki already has the Gixxer, and Honda has the CB Hornet 160R, Bajaj had been missing a product in this sub-segment – until they brought in the Pulsar NS160 in August this year.

In terms of design, the NS160 looks identical to its larger displacement sibling. Right from the headlight, large tank, split seat, as well as the rear section, everything has been borrowed from the NS200. However, look closely and you’ll start noticing the differences – narrower front forks, skinny tyres and a new swingarm. Being liquid-cooled, the NS200 has a radiator at the front, which is replaced by a small oil cooler in the NS160. The only odd bit on the NS160 is the obligatory saree guard.