Bajaj Pulsar NS 160: The premium motorcycle commuter category in India is an interesting mix of utilitarian purposes and emotional ownership.
In this crowded segment, the Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 has made a niche for itself owing to engaging performance, intelligent engineering and value-for-money price point.
This is a naked sports model that gives riders the freedom to experience performance of racing inspired technology, without having to sacrifice quality character or design.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160: Design Language- Aggressively Purposeful
The NS 160’s design philosophy is grounded in the “naked sports” theme, not following any frills and traces of flair, focusing on absolute sporty essence.
That mass-forward, compact design is solidified by a muscular fuel tank with deeply sculpted extensions that flows up into a slim, truncated tail section that looks ready to pounce at the flick of a wrist.
the perimeter frame is still visible to a great extent, exposing the engineering below the skin rather than burying it, a design decision that purists will love for its technical honesty.
The headlamp unit gets a unique wolf-eye design with twin pilot lamps to give it a unique face, and the tail light is a modern design that uses LED elements in a geometric layout to add visibility without looking too futuristic.
The belly pan and tank shrouds combine to create an aerodynamic package that also increases engine life by redirecting air toward the cooling system for lowering operating temperature at high speeds.
Colour schemes are tastefully done with little or no out of place graphics that you sometimes see on its rivals, and instead is home to solid primary colours with the odd discreet accent.
The process produces a bike that still looks contemporary and doesn’t feel aged after a new design direction has come in—a growing factor for owners who usually hold onto their bike for more than a couple of years.
ENGINE Horsepower: You’ll hear riders say, “There’s no replacement for displacement.” In the case of the CB1000R, that’s a true statement.
1192cc complete with power-boosting friction-reducing technology, it’s the best of all worlds: long-stroke architecture provides stellar low-end and mid-range power, delivered in a smooth, linear style.
Powering the NS 160 is a 160.3cc oil-cooled mill that uses a single-cylinder configuration with Bajaj’s patented triple-spark technology.
This power plant produces 17.2 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 14.6 Nm at 7,250 rpm – numbers that are on the higher side when compared to majority of the bikes in its segment.
The load-sensitive three-spark ignition system enables optimum power deployment at all engine running speeds, not at the cost of one side for the benefit of the other.
One aspect about the engine character which certainly needs to be mentioned is its linear power delivery which raises gradually and isn’t there all of a sudden.
This is a particularly welcome attribute for less experienced riders who are still working in developing their skills, with the smooth and predictable acceleration generating the confidence they need without any of the frights they get when riding some of the true performance machines.
The assistor-and-slipper clutch makes shifting as easy as possible, but doesn’t kill the raw interaction between man and machine in the process.
Gearchange is operated by a butter-smooth 5-speeder, the gears well-suited to bustling through town or opening up on the super-duper.
The clutch feel is pretty good, with just the right amount of pressure and engagement, so you can push through stop-and-go city riding without getting tired over long days or on long trips.
Remaining fuel-wise humble despite the performance orientation, in mixed riding the shine will deliver an impressive 45km/l of consumption.
CHASSIS Sophistication With Agility A Well-Justified Reputation For A Balance Of Mighty Performance, Surprisingly Approachable Curb Appeal CHASSIS TECHNOLOGY Brembo Monoblock Brake Callipers:
The CBR1000RR SP’s race-proven, radial-mount Brembo monoblock calipers are light, but they provide exceptional stiffness and excellent braking performance.
The NS 160 houses a Perimeter Frame like its elder cousin from the NS 200 family. Its pressed steel design gives it the stiffness you want for precise handling, yet enough compliance to provide reliable durability.
It boasts a 1,372mm wheelbase, the perfect balance of stability with room to steer, essential for when you have to push through a quick turn chasing another rival, while still digging hard in the dirt, riding trails or splitting lanes in the city.
Chassis Rugged suspension components make good engineering sense with this product because they experience actual use in the real world.
The telescopic front shocks have 130mm of travel and feature cartridge damping internals which give the front end controlled compression and rebound as it munches its way through the perturbations of the average Indian road.
While the rear is handled by nitrox-charged gas canister-equipped monoshock with preload adjustability to let riders adjust the ride depending on load or preference.
Brakes are a 260mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc – both with two-piston and single-piston caliper respectively – which are ably controlled by a single-channel ABS system that offers reassuring emergency stop capabilities without becoming intrusive during spirited riding.
The 17-inchers don proper-sized rubber (80/100 front, 110/80 rear) that offer a good balance of grip and longevity—a real concern for owners mindful of maintenance costs.
Riding Ergonomics: Everyday Practicality
The riding posture has been given a lot of thought and offers comfort and control. Reasonably broad handlebars give good leverage for sure cornering, and due to the middle weights, the rider has a reasonable upper body lean which is pleasant to live with over a long journey.
The 805mm tall seat proves convenient for short and tall riders alike but there’s enough ground clearance to handle something as intimidating as a flooded street or an over-enthusiastic speed breaker.
Saddle padding is a good mix between comfortable enough for touring and firm enough for harder riding. Pillion space which, let’s be honest, is something of an afterthought on most sportier bikes, is properly thought about here and grab rails are in the right place so as not to give you anything to reach for.
An adjustable footpeg position affords good legroom yet gives up enough sporting character to keep the rider involved.
Technology Integration: Intentional Tools
The instrument console uses an analog tachometer along with a digital display which shows almost everything from speed, fuel level, trip meters, service indicators.
This compromise between the more-old-than-new ways of the motorcycle and the clear presentation of modern flash provides the rider with an interface which is still visible under full sun, without making him feel antiquated.
The brightness of the backlight automatically adjusts to the surrounding level of light for easy viewing in all lighting situations without the need to use any batteries or change any settings.
Lights across the motorcycle work well and are mostly functional, the headlamp is bright enough to ride in the dark and you can be seen by following traffic from the tail lamp.
The machine also has protective circuitry that protects the components from voltage surges, which is a nice thing to have with as many different communications power types you are likely to encounter in various locations.
Owned for: With the balanced proposition on offer here, it’s very tempting.
The NS 160 makes for a very sensible addition to Bajaj’s extensive model range, providing a proper biking experience without the high acquisition and running costs of a more powerful machine.
Service intervals are what one would call ‘manageable,’ with 5,000 kilometers per interval and very easy access to crucial components that shortens the time spent in the shop.
Availability of parts is also good with thanks to the vast dealer network of Bajaj, so no need to worry even if you are based in small tier II or III cities or towns where major luxury brands enter into less.
The warranty package offers 5-year coverage on some parts, and this is an indicator that the manufacturer believes in the innovation and design and will cater for any problems during the years of ownership, a consideration for the vast majority of point riders and riders on a budget.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160: Bajaj Pulsar NS 160Market Impact and Evolution
Ever since it made its debut, the NS 160 has set a benchmark for others to follow in terms of proving that the engineering depth doesn’t need to take a backseat at more affordable price points.
Instead of being on a quest for spec-sheet dominance with that next half a cc or pony that is hardly usable in the real world, the NS 160 is all about making a holistic, understandable package that translates quite well when you take the bike out for a ride.
While the motorcycle remains an evolving rather than a revolutionary beast we’ve had changes in recent years to keep the motorcycle not only environmentally relevant in these trying times of the emission-conscious but also aesthetically pleasing and safer to ride.
It’s a strategy that allows for some consistency with the model over time, while balancing changes in regulation and consumer tastes.”
And certainly that’s one of the factors that has made the Pulsar nameplate such a long-lived offering in the hyper-competitive Australian marketplace.
For the riders who want to get into a performance motorcycle without losing out practicality- there comes an attractive offer in the form of the Bajaj Pulsar NS 160- offering character that entertains but doesn’t compromise on reliability or efficiency when it is used as a mean of transport other than the weekend joy rides.
It is this balanced form of motorcycle R&D that is responsible for Bullet securing a dedicated fan following from all corners of the Indian two-wheeler industry.