At a Glance
Key differences that define each motorcycle
Honda Hornet 2.0
- 184.4 cc Air-Cooled, 2-valve
- 17.03 PS @ 8500 rpm
- 42.3 km/l (ARAI)
- 12-litre tank
- 1 variant available
- USD front forks (standard)
Bajaj Pulsar N160
- 164.82 cc Air-Cooled, 2-valve
- 16 PS @ 8750 rpm
- 51.6 km/l (ARAI)
- 14-litre tank
- 4 variants available
- Dual-channel ABS (most variants)
Full Specification Comparison
Every number that matters — side by side
| Specification | Honda Hornet 2.0 | Bajaj Pulsar N160 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Displacement | 184.4 cc | 164.82 cc |
| Cooling System | Air-Cooled | Air-Cooled |
| Max Power | 17.03 PS @ 8500 rpm | 16 PS @ 8750 rpm |
| Max Torque | 16.1 Nm @ 6000 rpm | 14.65 Nm @ 6750 rpm |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 | 2 |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5 : 1 | 10.3 ± 0.3 : 1 |
| Bore × Stroke | 61 × 63.1 mm | 58 × 62.38 mm |
| Emission Standard | BS6 OBD2 | BS6 Phase 2 |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Manual |
| Top Speed | ~130 km/h | ~120 km/h |
| Riding Modes | No | No (Road/Rain/Off-Road on top variant) |
| Traction Control | No | No |
| Start Type | Electric | Electric |
| Fuel & Range | ||
| Mileage (Claimed) | 42.3 km/l (ARAI) | 51.6 km/l (ARAI) |
| Fuel Tank | 12 litres | 14 litres |
| Reserve Capacity | 1.9 litres | 2.8 litres |
| Riding Range | ~504 km | ~722 km |
| Brakes & Wheels | ||
| Braking System | Single Channel ABS | Single / Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc – 276 mm | Disc – 300 mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc – 220 mm | Disc – 230 mm |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Tyre Size (F / R) | 110/70-17 / 140/70-17 | 100/80-17 / 130/70-17 |
| Wheel Size | 17 inch (F & R) | 17 inch (F & R) |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
| Suspension & Chassis | ||
| Front Suspension | USD Fork (standard) | Telescopic / USD Fork (top variants) |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock | Monoshock |
| Chassis | Diamond Type Frame | Perimeter Frame |
| Rear Preload Adjuster | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions & Weight | ||
| Kerb Weight | 142 kg | 152–154 kg |
| Seat Height | 790 mm | 795 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 168 mm | 165 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1355 mm | 1358 mm |
| Overall L × W × H | 2047 × 783 × 1064 mm | 1989 × 743 × 1050 mm |
| Features & Electronics | ||
| Instrument Console | Fully Digital LCD | Digital |
| Headlight | LED | LED Projector |
| DRLs | Yes | Yes |
| Turn Signals | LED | LED |
| Hazard Warning Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | No | Yes (all variants) |
| Call & SMS Alerts | No | Yes |
| USB Charging Port | No | Yes |
| Distance to Empty | No | Yes |
| Gear Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Service Reminder | Yes | Yes |
| Tachometer | Digital | Digital |
| Keyless Ignition | No | No |
| Traction Control | No | No |
| Price & Warranty | ||
| Starting Price (ex-showroom) | ₹1,47,151 | ₹1,14,840 |
| Top Variant Price | ₹1,47,151 (single variant) | ₹1,27,333 |
| Number of Variants | 1 | 4 |
| Standard Warranty | 3 Years | 5 Years / 75,000 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
Honda Hornet 2.0 Variants
Pulsar N160 Variants
Pros & Cons
Honest strengths and weaknesses of each bike
Pros
- Larger 184.4 cc engine — more power (17.03 PS) and torque (16.1 Nm)
- USD front forks standard — superior front-end handling
- Rear disc brake (220 mm) standard on the only variant
- Lighter kerb weight at 142 kg — most agile in class
- Aggressive streetfighter styling with full LED lighting
- LED turn signals, DRLs and hazard warning lights
- Higher top speed (~130 km/h)
- Gear indicator and service reminder on console
- Trusted Honda reliability and strong resale value
Cons
- Significantly more expensive — ₹32,311 costlier than N160 base
- Only single-channel ABS — no dual-channel option
- Lower mileage (42.3 km/l vs 51.6 km/l ARAI)
- Smaller 12-litre tank — shorter riding range (~504 km)
- No Bluetooth connectivity
- No USB charging port
- No distance-to-empty readout
- Only 1 variant — no configuration choice
- Shorter 3-year warranty vs N160's 5-year / 75,000 km
Pros
- Superior ARAI-certified mileage of 51.6 km/l
- Dual-channel ABS from second variant (₹1,17,619)
- Larger 300 mm front disc brake
- Bigger 14-litre fuel tank for longer range (~722 km)
- Bluetooth on all variants with call & SMS alerts
- USB charging port standard across all variants
- Distance to empty display
- Exceptional 5-year / 75,000 km warranty
- Significantly lower starting price (₹1,14,840)
- 4 variants — flexible choice to suit budget
- USD forks available on upper two variants
- Riding modes on top split-seat variant
Cons
- Lower peak power (16 PS vs 17.03 PS)
- Lower torque (14.65 Nm vs 16.1 Nm)
- Heavier at 152–154 kg vs 142 kg
- USD forks only on top two variants
- Air-cooled 164 cc engine — less highway refinement
- No traction control on any variant
Key Differences Explained
What really sets these two bikes apart
Engine & Performance
The Honda Hornet 2.0 uses a 184.4 cc air-cooled engine producing 17.03 PS and 16.1 Nm of torque — a meaningful advantage in both power and torque over the Pulsar N160's 164.82 cc unit making 16 PS and 14.65 Nm. The Hornet's larger displacement and higher torque at a lower rpm (6000 rpm) means stronger real-world pulling power for overtakes and highway riding. The N160 is tuned for mid-range city performance.
Fuel Efficiency & Range
The Pulsar N160 leads decisively with an ARAI-certified 51.6 km/l against the Hornet's 42.3 km/l — a 22% advantage. With a larger 14-litre tank, the N160's theoretical range of ~722 km dwarfs the Hornet's ~504 km from its 12-litre unit. For daily commuters riding 40–60 km a day, this translates to fewer refuelling stops and meaningfully lower monthly fuel costs.
Braking & Safety
The Pulsar N160 wins on accessible braking safety: its 300 mm front disc is larger than the Hornet's 276 mm, and crucially, dual-channel ABS is available from just ₹1,17,619. The Hornet 2.0 offers only single-channel ABS despite its premium price. Both offer rear disc brakes as standard (230 mm for N160 and 220 mm for Hornet). The N160's dual-channel ABS availability is a clear safety advantage.
Suspension & Handling
The Honda Hornet 2.0 has a premium hardware advantage: golden USD front forks are standard equipment on its single variant, delivering superior front-end feel and stability. The Pulsar N160 offers USD forks only on its two top variants (₹1,25,013 and ₹1,27,333). At the N160's base price, buyers get conventional telescopic forks. The Hornet's lighter 142 kg kerb weight also enhances its agility compared to the N160's 152–154 kg.
Features & Connectivity
The Pulsar N160 comprehensively leads on everyday tech features. Bluetooth connectivity, call & SMS alerts, a USB charging port and distance-to-empty display are all standard across every N160 variant. The Honda Hornet 2.0 offers none of these features despite costing ₹32,311 more. The Hornet does provide a gear indicator and service reminder, but its feature list is sparse for its price bracket.
Price, Value & Warranty
This is the sharpest contrast in the comparison. The Pulsar N160 starts at ₹1,14,840 — ₹32,311 cheaper than the Hornet 2.0's ₹1,47,151. Even the N160's most expensive variant at ₹1,27,333 is ₹19,818 cheaper than the Hornet. The N160 also offers a vastly superior 5-year / 75,000 km warranty versus the Hornet's 3-year coverage. For the money difference, the N160 also delivers better mileage, dual-channel ABS and Bluetooth.
Expert Verdict
Which one should you actually buy?
Buy the Honda Hornet 2.0 if…
- You want a larger engine (184.4 cc) with more power and torque
- USD front forks as standard matter to you
- You want the lightest bike in this comparison (142 kg)
- You enjoy spirited highway and canyon riding
- Honda's long-term reliability and brand trust are priorities
- You want a premium streetfighter aesthetic with full LED
- Higher top speed (~130 km/h) is important for your riding
Buy the Pulsar N160 if…
- Budget is a key consideration — starts ₹32,311 cheaper
- Superior fuel efficiency (51.6 km/l) matters for daily commuting
- Dual-channel ABS at an accessible price is important
- You want Bluetooth, USB charging and distance-to-empty as standard
- A longer 5-year / 75,000 km warranty gives you peace of mind
- You want a 14-litre tank for a longer riding range (~722 km)
- You want variant choice (4 options) to suit your budget
- Strong braking with 300 mm front disc is a priority
Overall Winner for Most Riders: Bajaj Pulsar N160. A significantly lower starting price (₹32,311 cheaper), vastly superior fuel efficiency (51.6 km/l vs 42.3 km/l), a larger fuel tank with ~218 km more range, dual-channel ABS from just ₹1,17,619, Bluetooth and USB charging standard on all variants and a class-leading 5-year / 75,000 km warranty make the Pulsar N160 the overwhelmingly better-value choice for the majority of Indian buyers. Choose the Honda Hornet 2.0 only if a larger engine, standard USD forks, lighter weight and Honda reliability are worth the substantial ₹32,311 premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered by our experts
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is better for most buyers offering superior fuel efficiency (51.6 km/l ARAI), dual-channel ABS at a much lower price, a larger 14-litre tank, longer riding range, Bluetooth standard on all variants and a 5-year / 75,000 km warranty — all at ₹32,311 less than the Hornet. The Honda Hornet 2.0 is better if you want a larger 184.4 cc engine with more power (17.03 PS), standard USD forks, a lighter 142 kg kerb weight and the confidence of Honda's engineering.
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 starts at ₹1,14,840 while the Honda Hornet 2.0 is priced at ₹1,47,151 ex-showroom — a difference of ₹32,311. The Hornet is available in a single variant, while the N160 ranges from ₹1,14,840 to ₹1,27,333 across four variants. Even the most expensive N160 variant is ₹19,818 cheaper than the Hornet. Both prices are ex-showroom India averages and may vary by city.
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 has significantly better mileage at 51.6 km/l (ARAI certified) compared to the Honda Hornet 2.0's 42.3 km/l ARAI figure — a 22% advantage. The N160 also has a larger 14-litre fuel tank versus the Hornet's 12-litre unit, giving it a theoretical riding range of ~722 km compared to ~504 km for the Hornet 2.0. For daily commuters, this gap translates to real, noticeable savings.
The Honda Hornet 2.0 makes more power at 17.03 PS @ 8500 rpm and more torque at 16.1 Nm @ 6000 rpm, compared to the Bajaj Pulsar N160's 16 PS @ 8750 rpm and 14.65 Nm @ 6750 rpm. The Hornet's larger 184.4 cc displacement gives it a meaningful performance edge, with torque arriving earlier in the rev range for stronger real-world pulling power.
No, the Honda Hornet 2.0 is only available with single-channel ABS despite its premium pricing of ₹1,47,151. The Bajaj Pulsar N160, meanwhile, offers dual-channel ABS from as low as ₹1,17,619 (its second variant). This makes the N160 a significantly better-equipped option for braking safety despite being much cheaper.
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 offers a significantly better warranty at 5 years / 75,000 km compared to the Honda Hornet 2.0's 3-year coverage. For high-mileage commuters clocking 15,000–20,000 km per year, the N160's additional two years of warranty protection can save considerably on unexpected repair costs — making its already-lower price an even more compelling proposition.
No, the Honda Hornet 2.0 does not offer Bluetooth connectivity, a USB charging port or call and SMS alerts on its single variant. The Bajaj Pulsar N160 includes all three of these features as standard across all four of its variants, making it a more connected and convenient daily commuter despite its much lower price.