Is Bajaj Pulsar NS160 the Best Bike Under 2 Lakh?

When you think of an affordable yet powerful street bike, the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is one of the first names that come to mind. This bike has carved a niche for itself in the competitive 160cc segment, offering impressive performance, advanced features, and a stylish design. But is it the best bike under ₹2 Lakh in India? Let’s dive into the detailed review, comparing the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 with other options in the market, and evaluating whether it truly stands out as the top choice for bikers under ₹2 Lakh.

Introduction to Bajaj Pulsar NS160

The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is a naked streetfighter bike that has been a popular choice among enthusiasts and daily commuters. Launched as a more affordable version of the Pulsar NS200, the NS160 retains much of the performance and style but at a lower price point. Bajaj has focused on delivering a balance of power, handling, and aesthetics, making the NS160 an ideal option for both novice riders and experienced bikers.

Bajaj Pulsar NS160’s primary selling points include a robust engine, sharp handling, aggressive styling, and a strong brand reputation. The bike competes with other popular models like the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Yamaha FZ-S V3, and Suzuki Gixxer 155. In this article, we will thoroughly explore the technical specifications, performance, features, and pricing of the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 to determine whether it deserves to be crowned the best bike under ₹2 Lakh.

Technical Specifications of Bajaj Pulsar NS160

Engine and Performance

  • Engine Type: Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, air-cooled, fuel-injected
  • Displacement: 160.3cc
  • Max Power: 15.5 PS @ 8,500 RPM
  • Max Torque: 14.6 Nm @ 6,500 RPM
  • Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
  • Bore x Stroke: 58 x 47.2 mm
  • Compression Ratio: 10:1
  • Cooling System: Air-cooled with oil cooler
  • Starting System: Electric start and kick start
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 12 liters (including 3.2 liters reserve)
  • Fuel Economy: 40-45 km/l (varies based on riding conditions)

The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is powered by a 160.3cc engine that delivers an output of 15.5 PS, making it an excellent choice for both daily commuting and spirited rides. The Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system ensures smooth power delivery, while the oil-cooled engine keeps the bike’s temperature under control, ensuring efficient performance even during long rides. The engine’s torque output of 14.6 Nm offers decent low-end grunt, making it agile in city traffic while also providing sufficient power on highways.

Transmission and Gearbox

  • Gearbox: 5-speed constant mesh
  • Final Drive: Chain

The Pulsar NS160 features a 5-speed gearbox that allows for smooth shifting and seamless acceleration. The clutch is light and easy to operate, which makes it perfect for both city traffic and highway cruising. The final chain drive ensures efficient power transmission from the engine to the rear wheel.

Suspension and Handling

  • Front Suspension: 37mm Telescopic Forks with Anti-friction bush
  • Rear Suspension: Nitrox Mono-shock with gas reservoir
  • Front Wheel Travel: 135 mm
  • Rear Wheel Travel: 110 mm
  • Ground Clearance: 179 mm

The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 boasts a well-tuned suspension system that ensures a comfortable and controlled ride. The front telescopic forks with anti-friction bush work efficiently in absorbing bumps, while the rear mono-shock suspension with gas reservoir helps maintain stability at higher speeds. The 179 mm ground clearance ensures that the bike can easily navigate through rough roads and speed breakers without scraping the underbelly.

Braking and Tyres

  • Front Brake: 280 mm Disc with Single-channel ABS
  • Rear Brake: 230 mm Disc
  • Tyre Size:
    • Front: 100/80-17
    • Rear: 130/70-17

The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is equipped with a 280 mm front disc brake with Single-channel ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ensuring better stopping power and safety during hard braking. The rear disc brake is 230 mm in size. The dual-disc setup, combined with the safety of ABS, offers enhanced braking performance, especially in wet conditions.

The bike rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 100/80 front and 130/70 rear tyres, providing a good balance between grip and stability. The wider rear tyre offers excellent traction, particularly when cornering or accelerating hard.

Design and Build Quality

  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 2017 mm
    • Width: 803 mm
    • Height: 1060 mm
    • Wheelbase: 1372 mm
  • Weight: 151 kg (kerb weight)
  • Seat Height: 805 mm

The Pulsar NS160 sports an aggressive and muscular design that is typical of the Pulsar series. The sharp, edgy styling is complemented by a sculpted fuel tank, a compact tail section, and a side-slung exhaust. The build quality of the bike is robust, with high-quality materials used throughout the body. The bike’s dimensions provide a perfect balance of comfort and sportiness, making it ideal for both long rides and city commuting.

Features and Instrumentation

  • Instrument Cluster: Semi-digital with an analog tachometer and digital speedometer
  • Lighting: Full LED tail lamp, Halogen headlamp with DC (Direct Current) system
  • Additional Features:
    • Front and rear disc brakes with ABS
    • Nitrox shock absorber for superior comfort
    • Tubeless tyres for enhanced durability
    • Stylish split seats for improved comfort and aesthetics
    • Sporty grab rails for pillion riders

The Bajaj Pulsar NS160’s instrument cluster includes a semi-digital setup that combines an analog tachometer with a digital speedometer and fuel gauge. This makes the information easier to read while maintaining a sporty look. The headlamp features a halogen bulb, while the tail lamp is a sleek LED unit, providing superior visibility and aesthetics. The presence of ABS ensures that safety is top-notch, especially under heavy braking conditions.

Pricing of Bajaj Pulsar NS160 (2025)

The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is available in different variants, with pricing based on the region and any additional features or modifications. Here’s the expected price range for the Pulsar NS160 in India:

  • Bajaj Pulsar NS160 (Standard Variant): ₹1,24,000 (Ex-Showroom, Delhi)

The price is competitive for a bike with such features, performance, and design. It offers great value for money compared to other competitors in the segment, especially when compared to bikes like the Yamaha FZ-S V3 or the Suzuki Gixxer 155, which are priced similarly but offer slightly less in terms of performance and features.

How Does Bajaj Pulsar NS160 Compare to Its Competitors?

VS TVS Apache RTR 160 4V

  • Engine: 159.7cc, 16.8 PS @ 8,250 RPM
  • Max Torque: 14.8 Nm @ 6,500 RPM
  • Brakes: 270 mm front disc with single-channel ABS
  • Price: ₹1,19,000 (Ex-Showroom)

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is another popular contender in the 160cc segment. It offers slightly more power than the Pulsar NS160 but doesn’t come with as aggressive a styling. The Apache 160 4V’s performance is comparable, but it lacks some of the high-end features found in the Pulsar NS160, such as the more advanced rear mono-shock suspension.

VS Yamaha FZ-S V3

  • Engine: 149cc, 12.4 PS @ 7,250 RPM
  • Max Torque: 13.6 Nm @ 5,500 RPM
  • Brakes: 282 mm front disc with single-channel ABS
  • Price: ₹1,18,000 (Ex-Showroom)

The Yamaha FZ-S V3 is slightly more affordable but offers less power than the Bajaj Pulsar NS160. The FZ-S is known for its refined engine and superior build quality, but when it comes to performance and features like ABS and suspension setup, the Pulsar NS160 holds an advantage.

VS Suzuki Gixxer 155

  • Engine: 155cc, 14.1 PS @ 8,000 RPM
  • Max Torque: 14 Nm @ 6,000 RPM
  • Brakes: 267 mm front disc with single-channel ABS
  • Price: ₹1,30,000 (Ex-Showroom)

The Suzuki Gixxer 155 offers a great combination of performance and efficiency. While its engine is smaller and less powerful than the Pulsar NS160’s, it offers smooth power delivery and better fuel efficiency. However, the Pulsar NS160 wins in terms of sheer performance, design, and advanced features.

Conclusion: Is Bajaj Pulsar NS160 the Best Bike Under ₹2 Lakh?

Considering all factors, including performance, features, design, and pricing, the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 emerges as one of the best choices for anyone looking for a bike under ₹2 Lakh. It offers a well-balanced combination of power, handling, comfort, and safety, making it ideal for both daily commuters and performance enthusiasts.

With a price tag of ₹1.24 Lakh (Ex-Showroom), the Pulsar NS160 provides great value for money, especially when compared to its competitors like the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Yamaha FZ-S V3, which may offer similar features but fall short on performance or price-to-value ratio.

If you’re looking for a bike that’s sporty, affordable, and reliable, the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 definitely stands out in the crowd of bikes under ₹2 Lakh in India.

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