Bajaj Pulsar NS160 — RevSync Review
The Pulsar NS160 brings a compact, sharp-edged streetfighter package: a high-revving 160 cc oil-cooled motor, hardware tuned for agile city riding and a surprisingly well-equipped electronics suite for its segment.
Jump to Full SpecificationsFirst Impressions & Ride Summary
The Pulsar NS160 is compact, alert and designed around city-first performance. The 160.3 cc oil-cooled, twin-spark, 4-valve engine revs eagerly to its 9,000 rpm peak (17.2 PS) and produces a useful 14.6 Nm at 7,250 rpm — a combination that keeps the bike lively through urban roll-ons and offers steady highway cruising at moderate speeds.
Overall the chassis, weight and relatively short wheelbase make the NS160 feel nimble in traffic while the kerb weight (~152–153 kg) keeps it confidence-inspiring at low speeds. The bike’s claimed 120 km/h top speed and 40–52 kmpl range position it as a sensible do-it-all commuter with a sporty edge.
Design & Ergonomics
The NS160 uses sharp Pulsar family cues — sculpted tank shrouds, compact headlamp styling (halogen projector with LED DRL) and a tidy tail. The seat height (805 mm) and slim midsection make it approachable for a wide range of riders; reach to the bars is upright and natural for city use.
Practical details (seat shape, peg position and tank grip) favour city manoeuvrability and short commutes, while the compact dimensions make it easy to park and lane-split.
Engine & Performance
The 160.3 cc oil-cooled single with twin-spark and 4-valve head is tuned for crisp midrange response and an eager top-end. Peak numbers — 17.2 PS @ 9,000 rpm and 14.6 Nm @ 7,250 rpm — show the motorcycle favours a higher-rev approach; it’s happiest when carried through the mid-to-high revs for brisk overtakes and strong acceleration.
Compression (~9.8:1) and the oil cooling help the engine remain stable under repeat hard runs; for daily commuting the engine’s flexibility and claimed economy (40–52 kmpl) are both strong selling points.
Handling, Chassis & Suspension
The perimeter frame and short 1372 mm wheelbase deliver agile turn-in and direct steering. Front telescopic forks (with anti-friction bushes) and a Nitrox monoshock (with canister) at the rear provide a well-judged compromise between comfort and control — the setup soaks city imperfections yet supports confident cornering when the pace is increased.
The bike’s geometry and weight distribution make it easy to flick through traffic while remaining stable at steady speeds; suspension tuning leans slightly toward a firmer feel when ridden enthusiastically.
Brakes & Safety
Dual-channel ABS is standard, working with a 300 mm front disc and a 230 mm rear disc for confident stopping performance. The ABS mapping is tuned for predictable engagement — it increases rider confidence during sudden braking or slippery surfaces.
For everyday use the brakes are progressive and reassuring; riders who demand extreme track-level bite would still find them well within the normal commuter expectations.
Electronics & Features
The NS160’s fully digital LCD console includes Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation prompts, call/SMS alerts, gear position indicator, distance-to-empty, real-time mileage, service reminder and selectable ride modes (Road / Rain / Off-road) — an unusually feature-rich package for this displacement. Lighting uses a halogen projector headlamp supported by LED DRLs and an LED tail lamp.
This electronics suite elevates the NS160 above most rivals in terms of everyday utility and connectivity — great for riders who value smartphone integration and telematics in day-to-day riding.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Single-cylinder, 4-valve, twin-spark, oil-cooled, FI (DTS-i) — BS6 Phase 2 compliant |
| Displacement | 160.3 cc |
| Max Power | 17.2 PS @ 9,000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 14.6 Nm @ 7,250 rpm |
| Compression Ratio | ~9.8 : 1 |
| Claimed Top Speed | ~120 km/h |
Transmission & Drivetrain
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 5-speed manual |
| Clutch | Wet multi-plate clutch |
| Final Drive | Chain |
Chassis, Suspension & Wheels
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frame | Perimeter steel frame |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic forks with anti-friction bushes |
| Rear Suspension | Nitrox monoshock with canister |
| Wheel / Tyres | Front: 100/80-17 tubeless (alloy) · Rear: 130/70-17 tubeless (alloy) |
Brakes & Safety
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Front Brake | 300 mm disc + ABS |
| Rear Brake | 230 mm disc + ABS |
| ABS | Dual-channel ABS (standard) |
Dimensions & Weight
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Length × Width × Height | 2017 mm × 804 mm × 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1372 mm |
| Seat Height | 805 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 170 mm |
| Kerb Weight | ~152–153 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L |
Features & Electricals
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Instrument Cluster | Fully digital LCD with Bluetooth connectivity |
| Connectivity & Info | Turn-by-turn navigation prompts, call/SMS alerts, gear position indicator, distance-to-empty, real-time mileage, service reminder |
| Ride Modes | Road / Rain / Off-road |
| Lighting | Halogen projector headlamp with LED DRL; LED tail lamp |
| Claimed Mileage | 40–52 kmpl (varies by conditions) |