Bajaj Pulsar N160 First Ride: Brand New Pulsar DNA!

Bajaj’s Pulsar redefined the motorcycle segment forever.

The company introduced a series of bikes that brought out the passion for the 150-200cc segment.

After ruling the motorcycle world for more than two decades, the company has finally introduced a new series of its iconic Pulsars.

It is the all-new Bajaj Pulsar N160.

Based on the brand new platform, it includes a brand-new Brooklyn Black color alongside the Dual-Channel ABS and 37mm Telescopic front suspension.

With the price of Rs. 3.79 Lakhs, it is one of the most aggressively priced for its offering.

We were fortunate enough to test it out before its official launch for our full review. While we are still busy testing it out, we have gathered enough for the First Ride Impression.

This is the first Impression article that will highlight our initial thoughts on the Bajaj Pulsar N160 in Nepal.

Bajaj Pulsar N160 First Ride

Design

Inspired by the N250, the Bajaj Pulsar N160 brings the same design to the table.

It is called the “Sculptural Purity” principle and shares the same design as the bigger Pulsar. There are no compromises in tyre sizes or overall dimensions.

It gets a metalized dual-tone color. It is an interplay of premium shades.

Interestingly, it gets a darker shade in the front and lighter towards the rear. This helps emphasize the contours of the beast.

The front section comes with a Bi-Functional Projector LED headlamp with Twin-LED DRLs. Moreover, it gets standard halogen indicators instead of LED ones.

The front fiasco takes heavy inspiration from past Bajaj wolf-head styling. However, it does share similarities with its Yamaha counterpart.

Nevertheless, the headlamp styling is a bit sleeker in comparison.

Other elements include a single-piece handlebar, a muscular fuel tank, and the iconic Pulsar emblem. Furthermore, it comes with a Split-Seat Setup with Stylish Grab Rail. 

Moreover, it includes the same Telescopic Setup and Disc size as in the N160. However, the dual-barrel exhaust has been replaced by a belly-pan exhaust.

It sports the new Infinity Analog-Digital Meter and Twin LED Taillamp.

All in all, the Pulsar N160 boasts a more premium and hefty finish.

Additionally, Bajaj Pulsar N160 comes only in one color: Brooklyn Black.

Performance

Bajaj Pulsar N160 is powered by a 164.82cc, Single-Cylinder, 4-stroke, Oil-cooled, SOHC FI engine. It can generate a max power of 16PS at 8750rpm and a max torque of 14.65Nm at 6750rpm.

Moreover, it is mated to a 5-speed gearbox with a 14-liter fuel tank capacity.

The new engine is BS6-compliant right off the bat. So, the side stand engine cut-off is standard.

It should be noted that this is not the same engine as seen in the Pulsar NS160. Instead, Bajaj Auto has developed it from the ground up taking heavy reference from its N250 engine.

We have already seen the Oil-Cooled DTS-i System before.

Theoretically, it should feel familiar yet have a modern touch to it.

Another interesting take is, there are no riding modes here. Bajaj gives riders full access to its raw performance, which should help it feel more engaging and rider-focused.

Sitting on it for the first time, you’ll feel right at home.

The sitting posture reminded me of the Bajaj Pulsar 150, Bajaj Pulsar NS 200, and Bajaj Dominar 250.

Despite being a single-piece handlebar, the riding stance is a bit aggressive. The switch’s placement is good, although the quality could have been improved.

However, there is a slight inconvenience.

The All-Time Headlamp On (AHO) feature seems to be missing. Even when a rider turns on the ignition, the front DRLs or Headlamp does not turn automatically on.

You need to start the engine to turn it on.

It is slightly annoying during nighttime, especially at traffic stops.

After that, you are greeted with a bass-heavy exhaust when first turning on the engine. And, it sounds very different from past Bajaj motorcycles.

Again, you will feel right at home after riding it for a few hours. There is a strong Bajaj grunt present.

Like before, it excels in mid-range.

But I am noticing wider torque present across the rev range. It was previously absent in past Pulsars.

It seems like the classic Pulsar, but better.

We will try to explore this further in the Full Review!

Additional Features

Bajaj Pulsar N160 features Dual Disc Brakes with Dual-Channel ABS.

Interestingly, Bajaj has used new brake calipers here, so the braking experience does feel different. It seems to have improved in the braking department.

On top of this, the Dual-Channel ABS now comes as Standard, making it the first in the segment to do so.

The suspension duties are handled by a 37mm Telescopic Fork at the front and a Mono-Shock at the rear. Moreover, the setup is soft, but there is a hint of hardness too.

The dimensions are 2017mm in length, 804mm in width, and 1060mm in height. Moreover, the wheelbase sits at 1358mm.

Bajaj Pulsar N160 has 165mm ground clearance. And, the kerb weight is 154kg.

Interestingly enough, the tyres sizes are the same as the N250. Both are 17-inch tyres with a 100/80-section at the front and a 130/70-section at the rear.

Unfortunately, there is no Radial option.

Features

We will talk about these features in detail in our Full Review. Until then, here is a quick list of features in the Bajaj Pulsar N160.

Bajaj Pulsar N160 Features Highlight

• Aggressive Naked Sports Styling
• 160cc Twin-Spark FI Engine
• LED Projector Headlamp with LED DRLs
• Twin LED Tail Lamp
• Chunky Engine Cowl
• Infinity Analog-Digital Meter
• Single-Piece Handlebar
• 5-Speed Gearbox with Slipper Clutch
• Under Belly Exhaust
• Split Seat Setup
• Dual Disc Braking
• Dual-Channel ABS
• 37mm Telescopic Front Suspension

Conclusion

As for the pricing, the Bajaj Pulsar N160 price in Nepal is Rs. 3,79,900. It is available in the Dual-Channel ABS variant only.

Surprisingly enough, both the Pulsar N250 and Pulsar N160 have been priced aggressively.

It has the modern style, backed up by (what seems to be) a perky fun engine. So far, it is looking great for the all-new Bajaj offering.

Although, I do wish Bajaj would provide more color variations for the Dual-Channel ABS variant as well.

In any case, Bajaj Pulsar N160 rivals TVS Apache RTR 160 4V. Especially since Bajaj Nepal has priced it exactly like the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V.

Both bikes bring something unique to the table.

We will try to go a bit deeper into the comparison in the full review.

Bajaj offers a brand-new style, engine, and features whereas the TVS still manages to lead the segment. However, the Pulsar N160 beats the competition with the segment-first Dual-Channel ABS!