Review: 2024 Bajaj Pulsar N160, Now More Likable

The N160’s 164cc engine hasn’t been altered with by Bajaj Auto

• The sweet and torquey engine makes a good 16PS and 14.65Nm
• That engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox but without a slip-and-assist clutch
• New features for it include a new fully digital console

Witnessing the ingenuity motorcycle manufacturers unveil with each new platform is always a captivating experience. The debut of the Bajaj Pulsar N250 and F250, crafted entirely anew, heralded a fresh chapter for the esteemed Pulsar lineage. Now, as expected, Bajaj has introduced yet another addition to its lineup, albeit with a distinct engine configuration.

Enter the Bajaj Pulsar N160, sharing its foundation with the Pulsar N250 while boasting a downsized powerplant. Housing a 164.82cc air- and oil-cooled single-cylinder engine, this model emerges as Bajaj's flagship contender in the fiercely contested 160cc segment. The question lingers: does it possess the prowess not only to withstand but to surpass expectations?

2024 Bajaj Pulsar N160: Design & Features

In the latest iteration, the 2024 Pulsar N160 introduces a fully digital negative LCD console, offering smartphone connectivity for call and SMS alerts, alongside indicators for phone battery and signal strength. However, it misses out on turn-by-turn navigation, a feature reserved for larger Pulsar models in the pipeline.

Displaying vital information such as speed, distance covered, engine speed, average mileage, remaining fuel, and time, the console also features a bottom section for warning messages like mileage errors and low fuel. Notably, the Pulsar N160 is equipped with a 14-litre fuel tank, complete with a tank-mounted USB charging port for added convenience.

2024 Bajaj Pulsar N160: Engine

Under the hood, the Pulsar N160 houses a 164.82cc air-oil-cooled single-cylinder engine, churning out 16PS and 14.65Nm, coupled with a 5-speed gearbox. In contrast, its counterpart, the Pulsar NS160, boasts figures of 17.2PS and 14.6Nm.

Distinguished from the Pulsar NS160, the N160's engine is a fresh development, conceived concurrently with the Pulsar 250's powerplant. Featuring a long-stroke configuration with a two-valve head, it delivers competitive performance with 16hp and 14.7Nm of peak torque. While it may not lead the class in figures, it maintains parity with segment leaders, despite the N160's heavier weight of 154kg.

In practice, the engine exhibits remarkable smoothness, offering ample torque and commendable top-end performance. Notably strong in the low and midrange, cruising through city traffic is effortless, with clean acceleration from 4,000 to 7,000rpm. While swift overtaking may necessitate downshifting, the gearbox operates seamlessly, complemented by a light clutch lever for effortless gear changes.

2024 Bajaj Pulsar N160: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 shares its chassis with its 250cc siblings, ensuring a robust and well-balanced foundation. It comes equipped with a 37mm telescopic fork at the front and a monoshock suspension at the rear, delivering a comfortable and stable riding experience.

Braking duties are handled by a 300mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc, enhanced with dual-channel ABS as standard, offering superior safety and control during braking.

Weighing 154kg, the N160 features a wheelbase of 1,358mm, a seat height of 795mm, and ground clearance of 165mm. It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, fitted with 100-section tyres at the front and 130-section tyres at the rear, providing excellent grip and stability on various terrains.

2024 Bajaj Pulsar N160: Dimensions

Capable of maintaining steady speeds of 80-90kph without strain, the N160 effortlessly cruises at 100kph without pushing the engine to its limits. Beyond this, performance gradually diminishes, with the digital speedometer indicating a top speed of around 120kph, nearing the engine's maximum capability.

In terms of dimensions, especially when riding in the city, the Pulsar N160 feels delightfully light and a lot of that feel is because of the incredible front-end feel. Despite its relatively simple suspension, the bike feels very stable even if you start riding the bike hard. And that is important because that very front-end feel is something that the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V lacks. 

2024 Bajaj Pulsar N160: Price

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is priced competitively, with the base variant (without digital console) available at Rs 1,30,560 and the variant with a digital console priced at Rs 1,32,627 (ex-showroom Pune).

Available in three striking colour options—Brooklyn Black, Racing Red, and Caribbean Blue—the Pulsar N160 makes a bold visual statement. Among these, the Caribbean Blue paint scheme stands out, highlighting the bike's muscular design, particularly its robust tank, and giving it a highly attractive appearance.

Verdict 

Bajaj's strategic move to re-establish dominance in the 160cc motorcycle segment with the Pulsar N160 is both intriguing and commendable. The bike directly challenges the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, one of the segment's strongest competitors.

For buyers evaluating the Pulsar N160, the dual-channel ABS variant is the preferred choice, priced at Rs 1.30 lakh, as it offers superior safety features over the single-channel ABS option.

With competitive pricing and impressive features, the Pulsar N160 invites a closer look. Its performance and design merit a detailed comparison with segment rivals, making it an exciting option for enthusiasts and daily riders alike.

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