At a Glance
Key differences that define each motorcycle
Bajaj Pulsar N160
- 164.82 cc Air-Cooled
- 16 PS @ 8750 rpm
- 51.6 km/l (ARAI)
- 14-litre tank
- 4 variants available
- Dual-channel ABS (most variants)
Bajaj Pulsar NS160
- 160.3 cc Oil-Cooled
- 17.2 PS @ 9000 rpm
- ~44 km/l (Owner reports)
- 12-litre tank
- 2 variants available
- Dual-channel ABS (top variant)
Full Specification Comparison
Every number that matters — side by side
| Specification | Pulsar N160 | Pulsar NS160 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Displacement | 164.82 cc | 160.3 cc |
| Cooling System | Air Cooled | Oil Cooled |
| Max Power | 16 PS @ 8750 rpm | 17.2 PS @ 9000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 14.65 Nm @ 6750 rpm | 14.6 Nm @ 7250 rpm |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 | 4 |
| Compression Ratio | 10.3 ± 0.3 : 1 | 9.8 ± 0.5 : 1 |
| Bore × Stroke | 58 × 62.38 mm | 58 × 60.7 mm |
| Emission Standard | BS6 Phase 2 | BS6 Phase 2 |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Manual |
| Top Speed | ~120 km/h | ~120 km/h |
| Fuel & Range | ||
| Mileage (ARAI) | 51.6 km/l | Not Claimed |
| Mileage (Real-world) | 45–50 km/l | ~44 km/l |
| Fuel Tank | 14 litres | 12 litres |
| Reserve Capacity | 2.8 litres | 2.4 litres |
| Riding Range | ~722 km | ~528 km |
| Brakes & Wheels | ||
| Braking System | Single / Dual Channel ABS | Single / Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc – 300 mm | Disc – 300 mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc – 230 mm | Disc – 230 mm |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Tyre Size (F / R) | 100/80-17 / 130/70-17 | 100/80-17 / 130/70-17 |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
| Suspension & Chassis | ||
| Front Suspension | Telescopic / USD Fork (top variants) | Telescopic / USD Fork (top variant) |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock | Nitrox Monoshock |
| Chassis | Perimeter Frame | Perimeter Frame |
| Rear Preload Adjuster | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions & Weight | ||
| Kerb Weight | 152–154 kg | 152 kg |
| Seat Height | 795 mm | 805 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 165 mm | 170 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1358 mm | 1372 mm |
| Overall L × W × H | 1989 × 743 × 1050 mm | 2017 × 804 × 1060 mm |
| Features & Electronics | ||
| Instrument Console | Digital | Digital LCD |
| Headlight | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| DRLs | Yes | Yes |
| Turn Signals | LED | Halogen |
| Hazard Warning Lights | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| USB Charging Port | Yes | Yes |
| Gear Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Traction Control | No | No |
| Riding Modes | No (except split-seat variant) | No |
| Keyless Ignition | No | No |
| Price & Warranty | ||
| Starting Price (ex-showroom) | ₹1,14,840 | ₹1,21,109 |
| Top Variant Price | ₹1,27,333 | ₹1,29,487 |
| Number of Variants | 4 | 2 |
| Standard Warranty | 5 Years / 75,000 km | 2 Years / 30,000 km |
★ Green highlights indicate the stronger value in each row. Prices are ex-showroom India averages and may vary by city.
Variant-wise Price Comparison
All variants laid out — find the right one for your budget
Pulsar N160 Variants
Pulsar NS160 Variants
Pros & Cons
Honest strengths and weaknesses of each bike
Pros
- Superior ARAI-certified mileage of 51.6 km/l
- 4 variant options for wider budget coverage
- Larger 14-litre fuel tank for longer range (~722 km)
- Dual-channel ABS across most variants
- LED turn signals and hazard warning lights
- Exceptional 5-year / 75,000 km warranty
- Lower starting price (₹1,14,840)
Cons
- Lower peak power (16 PS vs 17.2 PS)
- Air-cooled engine runs hotter in traffic
- Only 2 valves per cylinder
- Sporty posture may fatigue on long trips
Pros
- Higher peak power – 17.2 PS @ 9000 rpm
- Oil-cooled engine stays cooler in stop-go traffic
- 4-valve engine for better breathing at high rpm
- Taller ground clearance (170 mm vs 165 mm)
- Longer wheelbase for highway stability
- NS-series heritage — proven sporty platform
Cons
- Lower real-world mileage (~44 km/l)
- Only 2 variants — limited choice
- Smaller 12-litre tank, less riding range
- Higher starting price (₹1,21,109)
- Shorter warranty (2 years vs 5 years)
- Halogen turn signals (not LED)
- No hazard warning lights
Key Differences Explained
What really sets these two bikes apart
Engine Character
The N160 uses a 164.82 cc air-cooled, 2-valve engine tuned for smooth, linear mid-range power ideal for everyday commuting. The NS160 uses a 160.3 cc oil-cooled, 4-valve unit that revs harder and delivers stronger top-end performance.
Fuel Efficiency & Range
The N160 leads with an ARAI-certified 51.6 km/l and a larger 14-litre tank, giving it a theoretical range of around 722 km. The NS160 returns ~44 km/l from its 12-litre tank — roughly 528 km per fill.
Braking & Safety
Both bikes share the same 300 mm front disc and 230 mm rear disc setup. The N160 offers dual-channel ABS on three of its four variants, while the NS160 reserves dual-channel ABS for only the top variant.
Warranty & Ownership
The N160 comes with a 5-year / 75,000 km warranty versus the NS160's 2-year / 30,000 km coverage. The N160's warranty is significantly better, reducing long-term ownership risk considerably.
Price & Value
The N160 starts at ₹1,14,840 — about ₹6,269 less than the NS160's ₹1,21,109 base price. With four variants to choose from, the N160 gives buyers more options across a wider price band.
Ride & Handling
Both bikes use a perimeter frame and monoshock rear suspension. The NS160 gets a slightly longer wheelbase (1372 mm vs 1358 mm) and greater ground clearance (170 mm vs 165 mm), giving it a more planted feel at speed.
Expert Verdict
Which one should you actually buy?
Buy the Pulsar N160 if…
- You want the best fuel economy in the 160cc class
- You do daily commuting of 30+ km per day
- Long-term warranty matters to you
- You want dual-channel ABS without paying a premium
- Budget is a priority — starts ₹6,000 cheaper
- You want more variant choice
Buy the Pulsar NS160 if…
- You want the most powerful 160cc Bajaj streetfighter
- You enjoy revving hard and spirited riding
- Engine feel and character matter more than economy
- You prefer an oil-cooled engine for extended city use
- Highway stability and ground clearance are priorities
- You plan to upgrade the bike with accessories
Overall Winner for Most Riders: Bajaj Pulsar N160. Better mileage, more variants, lower price, dual-channel ABS across most trims and an outstanding 5-year warranty make it the more practical and better-value choice for the majority of Indian buyers. Choose the NS160 only if outright performance and the thrill of a hard-revving oil-cooled engine are your top priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered by our experts
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is better for most buyers who prioritise fuel efficiency (51.6 km/l ARAI vs ~44 km/l), a longer riding range, more variant options and a better warranty (5 years vs 2 years). The Pulsar NS160 is better if you want stronger outright performance (17.2 PS vs 16 PS), a more exciting oil-cooled engine and slightly better handling dynamics.
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 starts at ₹1,14,840 while the Pulsar NS160 starts at ₹1,21,109 ex-showroom. The NS160 is approximately ₹6,269 more expensive at the base variant level. Both prices are for India and may vary by city.
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 has significantly better mileage at 51.6 km/l (ARAI certified) with real-world figures of 45–50 km/l. The Pulsar NS160 delivers approximately 44 km/l in real-world conditions with no official ARAI figure claimed by Bajaj. For daily commuters, the N160's mileage advantage adds up to meaningful fuel savings over time.
The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 makes more power at 17.2 PS @ 9000 rpm compared to the Pulsar N160's 16 PS @ 8750 rpm. The NS160 also uses a 4-valve, oil-cooled engine that revs more freely and delivers stronger high-rpm performance compared to the N160's 2-valve, air-cooled unit.
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 offers a significantly better warranty of 5 years or 75,000 km compared to the Pulsar NS160's 2 years or 30,000 km. This is a major advantage for the N160, as it reduces long-term ownership risk and repair costs considerably.
Both bikes offer dual-channel ABS but in different configurations. The N160 offers dual-channel ABS on three of its four variants (starting from ₹1,17,619), while the NS160 only offers dual-channel ABS on its top variant (₹1,29,487). The N160 provides better access to dual-channel ABS at a lower price point.