At a Glance
Key differences that define each motorcycle
Honda SP 160
- 162.71 cc Air-Cooled, 2-valve
- 13.18 PS @ 7500 rpm
- ~50 km/l (Owner Reported)
- 12-litre tank
- 2 variants available
- Lightest at 138 kg
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 SP 160 | Bajaj Pulsar N160 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Displacement | 162.71 cc | 164.82 cc |
| Cooling System | Air-Cooled | Air-Cooled |
| Max Power | 13.18 PS @ 7500 rpm | 16 PS @ 8750 rpm |
| Max Torque | 14.58 Nm @ 5500 rpm | 14.65 Nm @ 6750 rpm |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 | 2 |
| Compression Ratio | 10.01 : 1 | 10.3 ± 0.3 : 1 |
| Bore × Stroke | 57.3 × 63.09 mm | 58 × 62.38 mm |
| Emission Standard | BS6 Phase 2 (OBD2) | BS6 Phase 2 |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Manual |
| Top Speed | ~110 km/h | ~120 km/h |
| Riding Modes | No | No (Road/Rain/Off-Road on top variant) |
| Traction Control | No | No |
| Fuel & Range | ||
| Mileage (Claimed) | ~50 km/l (Owner Reported) | 51.6 km/l (ARAI) |
| Fuel Tank | 12 litres | 14 litres |
| Reserve Capacity | 1.9 litres | 2.8 litres |
| Riding Range | ~600 km | ~722 km |
| Brakes & Wheels | ||
| Braking System | Single Channel ABS | Single / Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc – 276 mm | Disc – 300 mm |
| Rear Brake | Drum / Disc (variant dependent) | Disc – 230 mm |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Tyre Size (F / R) | 80/100-17 / 130/70-17 | 100/80-17 / 130/70-17 |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
| Suspension & Chassis | ||
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Fork | Telescopic / USD Fork (top variants) |
| Rear Suspension | Mono Shock | Monoshock |
| Chassis | Diamond Frame | Perimeter Frame |
| Rear Preload Adjuster | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions & Weight | ||
| Kerb Weight | 138 kg | 152–154 kg |
| Seat Height | 796 mm | 795 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 177 mm | 165 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1347 mm | 1358 mm |
| Overall L × W × H | 2061 × 786 × 1135 mm | 1989 × 743 × 1050 mm |
| Features & Electronics | ||
| Instrument Console | Fully Digital LCD | Digital |
| Headlight | LED | LED Projector |
| DRLs | Yes | Yes |
| Turn Signals | Halogen | LED |
| Hazard Warning Lights | No | Yes |
| Riding Modes | No | No (Road/Rain/Off-Road on top variant) |
| Traction Control | No | No |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes (all variants) |
| Call & SMS Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| USB Charging Port | Yes | Yes |
| Distance to Empty | Yes | Yes |
| Gear Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Tachometer | Digital | Digital |
| Silent Start | Yes | No |
| Keyless Ignition | No | No |
| Price & Warranty | ||
| Starting Price (ex-showroom) | ₹1,15,556 | ₹1,14,840 |
| Top Variant Price | ₹1,21,066 | ₹1,27,333 |
| Number of Variants | 2 | 4 |
| Standard Warranty | 3 Years / 42,000 km | 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 SP 160 Variants
Pulsar N160 Variants
Pros & Cons
Honest strengths and weaknesses of each bike
Pros
- Significantly lighter at 138 kg — easiest to handle in traffic
- Higher ground clearance (177 mm vs 165 mm)
- Honda's proven engine reliability and refinement
- Smooth, low-rev torque for relaxed city commuting
- Fully digital LCD console with distance-to-empty
- Silent start feature for quiet morning starts
- Lowest top-variant price (₹1,21,066 vs ₹1,27,333)
- Wide Honda service network across India
- Comfortable upright ergonomics for long commutes
Cons
- Significantly less power (13.18 PS vs 16 PS)
- No dual-channel ABS on any variant
- Smaller 12-litre tank, shorter range (~600 km)
- No official ARAI mileage certification
- Smaller 276 mm front disc vs 300 mm on N160
- Weaker warranty — only 3 years / 42,000 km
- Halogen turn signals (not LED)
- No hazard warning lights
- Only 2 variants — limited choice
Pros
- Higher peak power — 16 PS @ 8750 rpm
- ARAI-certified mileage of 51.6 km/l
- Dual-channel ABS from second variant (₹1,17,619)
- Larger 300 mm front disc for stronger braking
- Bigger 14-litre fuel tank with ~722 km range
- LED turn signals and hazard warning lights
- LED projector headlamp
- Stiffer perimeter frame for better stability
- Exceptional 5-year / 75,000 km warranty
- 4 variants — wider choice including USD forks
- Lower starting price (₹1,14,840)
Cons
- Heavier at 152–154 kg vs 138 kg
- Less ground clearance (165 mm vs 177 mm)
- More vibrations at city speeds vs Honda engine
- No traction control on any variant
- Top variant considerably pricier at ₹1,27,333
Key Differences Explained
What really sets these two bikes apart
Engine Character
Both bikes use air-cooled, 2-valve, single-cylinder engines but are tuned differently. The Pulsar N160's 164.82 cc unit produces 16 PS — over 21% more power — with a punchier, more energetic delivery suited to overtaking and spirited riding. The Honda SP 160's 162.71 cc engine is tuned for maximum smoothness with minimal vibration, delivering its torque lower in the rev range (5500 rpm vs 6750 rpm) for relaxed, beginner-friendly commuting.
Fuel Efficiency & Range
The N160 has the edge with an ARAI-certified 51.6 km/l against the SP 160's owner-reported ~50 km/l (Honda does not provide an official ARAI figure). The bigger advantage lies in the N160's 14-litre tank giving a theoretical range of ~722 km, versus ~600 km for the SP 160's 12-litre unit — a meaningful gap for riders who cover long daily distances.
Braking & Safety
The N160 comprehensively leads in braking hardware. Its 300 mm front disc is 24 mm larger than the SP 160's 276 mm unit. More importantly, dual-channel ABS is available on the N160 from just ₹1,17,619, while the Honda SP 160 is only available with single-channel ABS across both its variants — with the base variant still using a rear drum brake.
Weight & Handling
The Honda SP 160 is remarkably lighter at 138 kg against the N160's 152–154 kg — a difference of 14–16 kg. This makes the SP 160 noticeably easier to manoeuvre in dense city traffic, easier to handle for shorter riders, and more comfortable during slow-speed stop-and-go riding. The N160 compensates with a stiffer perimeter frame for better stability at higher speeds and during aggressive cornering.
Warranty & Ownership
The gap here is significant. The Pulsar N160 offers a 5-year / 75,000 km warranty while the Honda SP 160 offers just 3 years / 42,000 km. That is 2 additional years and 33,000 km more coverage. For a daily commuter averaging 15,000–20,000 km per year, this is a major financial advantage. Honda does offer a strong service network, but the warranty terms strongly favour the N160.
Price & Value
The N160 starts ₹716 cheaper (₹1,14,840 vs ₹1,15,556), while the SP 160 tops out at ₹1,21,066 — ₹6,267 less than the N160's top variant at ₹1,27,333. For most buyers, the N160's ₹1,17,619 dual-channel ABS variant represents a compelling sweet spot: dual-channel ABS, ARAI-certified mileage, a bigger tank and a superior warranty at a price only ₹2,063 above the SP 160's base variant.
Expert Verdict
Which one should you actually buy?
Buy the Honda SP 160 if…
- Honda reliability and refinement are your top priority
- You want the lightest bike in the segment at 138 kg
- You're a newer rider who values smooth, low-stress riding
- Ground clearance matters on your daily roads (177 mm)
- Your budget is strictly limited to under ₹1,21,066
- You prefer a comfortable upright commuter posture
- Honda's widespread service network is important to you
Buy the Pulsar N160 if…
- You want stronger performance (16 PS) for confident overtaking
- Dual-channel ABS braking safety is a priority
- You do daily commuting of 30+ km and want longer range
- The superior 5-year / 75,000 km warranty coverage matters
- Sporty N-series styling and LED projector headlamp appeal to you
- A larger 300 mm front disc for stronger braking is important
- You want more variant options including USD forks
Overall Winner for Most Riders: Bajaj Pulsar N160. More power, dual-channel ABS at a lower price point, a larger 300 mm front disc, ARAI-certified mileage, a bigger 14-litre fuel tank with longer range, LED projector headlamp, hazard warning lights and a vastly superior 5-year / 75,000 km warranty make the Pulsar N160 the better all-round value proposition for most Indian buyers. Choose the Honda SP 160 only if maximum engine smoothness, the lightest possible kerb weight, and Honda's legendary long-term reliability are your absolute top priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered by our experts
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is better for most buyers — it offers more power (16 PS), dual-channel ABS at ₹1,17,619, a larger 14-litre fuel tank, ARAI-certified mileage of 51.6 km/l, a bigger 300 mm front disc and a superior 5-year / 75,000 km warranty. The Honda SP 160 is better if you prioritise engine smoothness and refinement, a lighter 138 kg kerb weight for easier city manoeuvring, greater ground clearance (177 mm) and Honda's trusted long-term reliability.
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 starts at ₹1,14,840 while the Honda SP 160 starts at ₹1,15,556 ex-showroom — the N160 is ₹716 cheaper at the base level. At the top variant, the SP 160 (₹1,21,066) is ₹6,267 cheaper than the N160's top variant (₹1,27,333). However, the N160's top variants offer significantly more features including USD forks, dual-channel ABS and riding modes. Both prices are approximate India averages and may vary by city.
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 has an ARAI-certified mileage of 51.6 km/l, making it a verifiable figure. The Honda SP 160 does not provide an official ARAI figure; owner-reported mileage is around 50 km/l. Beyond efficiency, the N160's larger 14-litre tank gives it a considerably longer riding range of ~722 km versus ~600 km for the SP 160's 12-litre tank — a difference of over 120 km per fill.
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 makes significantly more power at 16 PS @ 8750 rpm compared to the Honda SP 160's 13.18 PS @ 7500 rpm — a difference of nearly 2.82 PS or about 21%. Both bikes produce similar torque figures (14.65 Nm vs 14.58 Nm), but the SP 160 delivers its torque lower at 5500 rpm for smoother low-speed riding, while the N160 peaks at 6750 rpm for a more energetic mid-range character.
No. The Honda SP 160 is only available with single-channel ABS across both its variants (Single Disc and Double Disc). The Bajaj Pulsar N160 offers dual-channel ABS from its second variant (Dual Channel ABS Single Seat) at ₹1,17,619 onwards. For riders who prioritise maximum braking safety, the N160 offers a clear advantage in this department.
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 offers a far superior warranty of 5 years / 75,000 km compared to the Honda SP 160's 3 years / 42,000 km. The N160 provides 2 extra years and 33,000 km more coverage. For a commuter averaging 15,000–20,000 km per year, the Honda's warranty may expire well before the bike itself, while the N160's warranty offers substantially more financial protection against unexpected repair costs.