When Bajaj first dropped the Pulsar N160, it got people talking right away. It’s not just another bike in the crowded 150-160cc streetfighter spot. The N160 brings a fresh vibe to the Pulsar family. It feels sporty yet easy for daily rides. For a lot of youngsters, this is exactly the sweet spot. Not too big to handle. Not too boring to ride either.
The look grabs you first. The N160 borrows its design hints from the bigger N250. Sharp tank extensions. An aggressive front with that unique bi-functional LED projector. And a tidy tail section. From the side, it looks ready to sprint even when parked. It’s not flashy in a cheap way. It’s sharp but practical.
Daily Comfort
When you swing your leg over, the first thing you feel is the relaxed yet slightly sporty seating. The seat height is about 795mm. Most riders will find it easy to flat-foot at signals. The handlebar is wide enough to give control in traffic. The foot pegs are a bit rear set. Not too much. Just enough to remind you this is not just a boring commuter.
The N160 has a new frame. It’s the same as the N250. That makes it feel planted around bends. The suspension is tuned well. The front has telescopic forks. The rear has a mono-shock. Bad roads? Not a big worry. It soaks up bumps without feeling too soft.
Engine Specs
Now to the heart. The N160 gets a 164.82cc single-cylinder oil-cooled engine. It makes about 16 PS at 8750 rpm. Torque comes in at around 14.65 Nm at 6750 rpm. On paper, that might not sound crazy. But on the road, the bike pulls clean. The low-end grunt is smooth. Good for city traffic. When you open the throttle, it doesn’t feel stressed.
Gear shifts are light. The 5-speed gearbox feels crisp. Clutch is on the lighter side too. If you ride every day, your wrist will thank you. The exhaust note is deep for a 160. Not too loud but throaty enough.
The dual-channel ABS version has a front and rear disc. That’s big for safety in this price band. Many bikes here still skip the rear ABS. Bajaj nailed that part.
The bike claims mileage of 45-50 kmpl if you ride sanely. Tank is about 14 litres. That means you get a good range. Fill it up and forget the petrol pump for a week or two.
Tech Bits
The console is semi-digital. It shows the usual stuff. Speed, revs, gear position, trip meters, clock. It’s clean and easy to read. No Bluetooth or fancy app stuff. Bajaj kept it simple. Riders don’t mind. Most care more about ride feel than extra gimmicks.
Switchgear quality feels solid. The bike has a USB charging port. Handy when your phone’s dying in traffic. The headlamp throw is decent for night rides. Addons like that make the N160 feel well thought out.
You get to pick from a few colours. Racing Red. Caribbean Blue. Brooklyn Black. Each shade has its own vibe. Looks better in person than in pictures.
If you park it next to the old Pulsar 150, you’ll see how far the Pulsar has come. The N160 feels like a grown-up version. More refined. More stylish. But still friendly for daily rides and college runs.
People often say Bajaj knows how to make a bike for the Indian rider. The N160 shows they still get it right. Simple to own. Fun to ride. Easy to fix. And looks sharp while doing it.