Bajaj
Bajaj Pulsar NS160
A dependable, efficient 160 that its own newer sibling has outclassed on features
In short
The Pulsar NS160 is the older, simpler sibling to the N160 4V, offering a 160.3cc, 17.03bhp engine from ₹1.27 lakh with a claimed 52.2kmpl. It is a dependable, efficient 160cc option, though it lacks the USD forks and slipper clutch its newer sibling includes even at a similar price.
- Engine
- 160 cc
- Power
- 17.03 bhp
- Claimed mileage
- 52.2 kmpl
- Kerb weight
- 152 kg
What works
- 52.2kmpl claimed mileage, best in its power class
- Dual-channel ABS with USD forks on the top variant
- Lighter than most 200cc rivals at 152kg
What doesn't
- Fewer premium features than the newer Pulsar N160 4V
- Base variant limited to single-channel ABS
- No slipper clutch or projector headlamp unlike its sibling
Best for: Budget-focused commuting, Fuel-economy priority riders, First bike
Price and variants
Ex-showroom Delhi. On-road estimate for Delhi; other cities on the price page.
The Pulsar NS160 is sold in 2 variants, from ₹1,26,819 for the Single Channel ABS to ₹1,35,288 for the Dual Channel ABS - USD, ex-showroom Delhi.
That makes it priced 21th lowest among the 75 sports bikes we have reviewed. Its closest price rivals are the FZ X (₹281 less) and the FZ Blue Flex (₹717 less).
On the road in Delhi, budget about ₹1.48 Lakh for the base variant once 8% Delhi road tax, registration and five-year third-party insurance are added. Dealers often quote higher by bundling accessories, extended warranty and handling charges; all three are negotiable.
| Variant | Ex-showroom | Rough EMI |
|---|---|---|
Single Channel ABS | ₹1,26,819 | |
Dual Channel ABS - USD | ₹1,35,288 |
Mileage
Pulsar NS160's claimed mileage is 52.2 kmpl. Owners and our own riding put the real figure between 41 and 46 kmpl, roughly 17% under the brochure number, which is typical once traffic, a pillion and short trips are factored in.
Among the 67 sports bikes we have reviewed it ranks 11th for mileage, 10 kmpl above the group average of 42 kmpl.
Engine and ride
The 160cc oil-cooled engine makes 17.03 bhp and 14.6 Nm through a 5 Speed. With a kerb weight of 152 kg that is 112 bhp per tonne, 51th best power-to-weight of the 73 bikes in this class we have reviewed.
The torque and power figures are well balanced, so it neither needs to be revved hard nor feels lazy when you do.
Chassis hardware includes a rear monoshock and single-channel ABS, with a disc up front and disc at the rear.
At 805 mm the seat is average for the class; most riders from 5'5" up will be comfortable at stops.
Our review
Riding impressions and the buying advice a spec sheet cannot give.
Verdict
The Pulsar NS160 has been Bajaj's efficient, dependable 160cc naked bike since 2017, offering a claimed 52.2kmpl from its 160.3cc, 17.03bhp engine starting at ₹1.27 lakh. It remains a sound, low-running-cost choice, but Bajaj's own newer Pulsar N160 4V now offers USD forks and a slipper clutch at a similar price, which makes the NS160 harder to recommend on pure feature count.
Riding it every day
The engine is smooth and torquey enough for daily commuting and short highway runs, with a claimed 120kmph top speed that is adequate rather than exciting. At 152kg it is easy to manage in traffic and while parking, and the 170mm ground clearance takes speed breakers in stride. Real-world mileage of 41-46kmpl is genuinely strong for this class, translating into real savings over a 200cc bike for daily riders.
What to know before buying
The base variant comes with single-channel ABS only, and stepping up to the dual-channel, USD-fork variant closes some of the gap to the N160 4V, though that sibling still adds a slipper clutch and projector headlamp the NS160 does not have. Buyers should compare on-road prices of both before deciding, since the gap may be small enough that the newer bike makes more sense.
Who should buy it
Riders who want a proven, fuel-efficient 160cc commuter and are comfortable with a simpler feature set. Anyone cross-shopping within Bajaj's own range should look closely at the Pulsar N160 4V first, since it often costs about the same for meaningfully more equipment.
Features and colours
- Single-channel ABS
- Front disc brake
- Rear disc brake
- Tubeless tyres
- Alloy wheels
- Side-stand engine cut-off
- Hazard lamps
- Rear monoshock
- LED headlamp
- LED daytime running lamp
- +6 more
On safety kit the Pulsar NS160 has single-channel abs, front disc brake, rear disc brake, tubeless tyres, side-stand engine cut-off and hazard lamps. ABS acts on the front wheel only; the rear can still lock under a hard stamp.
Against Pulsar N160, Apache RTR 160 4V or Gixxer, it gets rear disc brake, led daytime running lamp, turn-by-turn navigation and usb charging port that most rivals skip.
It is offered in 4 colours: Cocktail Wine Red, Pearl Metallic White, Ebony Black and Pewter Grey. Colour availability varies by variant and dealer stock.
Warranty, service and ownership
Standard warranty is 5 years or 75,000 km. After the free services, the recommended interval is every 5,000 km.
Bajaj runs one of the largest sales and service network in India, at roughly 5,000 touchpoints. Spares and a mechanic who knows the model are rarely far away.
On sale since 2017, the Pulsar NS160 is established enough that early production issues have been worked through and used examples give a fair read on resale.
Pulsar NS160: questions people ask
- What is the price of the Bajaj Pulsar NS160?
- The Pulsar NS160 costs between ₹1,26,819 and ₹1,35,288 ex-showroom Delhi across 2 variants, as of September 2026. On-road price adds road tax, registration and insurance and varies by state.
- What is the on-road price of the Pulsar NS160 in Delhi?
- Roughly ₹1.48 Lakh for the base variant in Delhi: ₹1,26,819 ex-showroom plus ₹10,146 road tax, ₹1,100 registration and about ₹9,645 insurance. This is an estimate; dealer quotes include handling and accessories.
- What is the mileage of the Pulsar NS160?
- Claimed mileage is 52.2 kmpl. Owners typically see 41–46 kmpl in mixed city and highway riding.
- How much does the Pulsar NS160 cost to run per month?
- Fuel works out to about ₹2.18 per km in Delhi, so a 30 km daily commute costs roughly ₹1,700 a month before servicing.
- What is the EMI for the Pulsar NS160?
- With 10% down, a 36-month loan at 9.5% on the base variant comes to about ₹4,020 a month. A shorter tenure raises the EMI but cuts total interest; see the EMI calculator on the price page.
- What is the engine capacity and power of the Pulsar NS160?
- It uses a 160cc engine producing 17.03 bhp and 14.6 Nm, with a 5 speed.
- Is the Pulsar NS160 suitable for short riders?
- Mostly. Seat height is 805 mm, which suits riders from about 5'5". Shorter riders should sit on one at the showroom.
- Pulsar NS160 or Pulsar N160: which is better?
- The Pulsar N160 is ₹4,819 less expensive to start and less efficient at 45 kmpl against 52.2 kmpl. Pick the Pulsar NS160 for budget-focused commuting, the Pulsar N160 for upgrading from a 125. Our side-by-side comparison covers every spec.
- Which bikes are cheaper than the Pulsar NS160?
- Among the 75 sports bikes we have reviewed, the Pulsar 125 (₹93,507), the Apache RTR 160 (₹1.11 Lakh), the Pulsar N160 (₹1.22 Lakh) start lower.
- Should I buy the Pulsar NS160 or the newer N160 4V?
- The N160 4V typically offers USD forks, a slipper clutch and a projector headlamp for a comparable price, so unless the NS160 is available at a meaningfully lower on-road price, the N160 4V is usually the better buy.
- Is the Pulsar NS160 comfortable for daily commuting?
- Yes, at 152kg with a monoshock rear and 170mm ground clearance it handles Indian city roads and speed breakers well, making it a comfortable, low-maintenance daily commuter.
Pulsar NS160 vs its rivals
Around ₹1.27 Lakh
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Before you buy
Pulsar NS160 from
₹1.27 Lakh