Pulsar N160 Introduction
To date, the Pulsar N160 is the smallest offering spawned by Bajaj’s new-age Pulsar platform. And it adds a slew of new features and freshness to the table over previous Pulsar models. We thoroughly evaluated it in the past, and you can read our complete assessment here. If you want a more succinct assessment of the bike, below are the pros and drawbacks of the Pulsar N160 to help you decide whether or not to buy it.
Pros
Pulsar N160 Visual Appeai
The Pulsar N160 attracted a lot of attention on the road during my time with it, owing to its striking front end, muscular fuel tank section, and sharp and upswept tail section. As a result, it ranks well in terms of visual appeal.
Some may claim that the motorbike lacks originality in terms of design, and it is true that its front fascia is similar to the Yamaha MT 15. Nonetheless, it appears sporty and belligerent.
Pulsar N160 Refinement & Tractability
The Pulsar’s air-cooled 160cc engine is admirably refined. Even at speeds of 100kmph, there is barely any vibration, which is impressive for a motorcycle of this size. Also, because of the engine’s very flat torque curve, it’s fairly tractable and doesn’t throw tantrums even while riding lazily at low speeds in higher gears. Meanwhile, the acceleration isn’t segment-leading, but there’s enough punch to appreciate in town.
N160 Agility
Another impressive feature is the speed with which the Pulsar N160 changes directions. The bike feels highly sensitive to your inputs because of the well-engineered chassis and sufficiently stiff suspension setup, making it a joy to flick through city traffic and around tight curves.
Exciting Ride
The N160 provides a genuinely interesting and enjoyable ride experience, particularly in the city, where I was having a great time all the time. The low kerb weight, somewhat committed riding position, light clutch, smooth transmission, and bassy exhaust sound are the key reasons for this.
Cons
Lack of Modern Features
The Pulsar N160 is equipped with beneficial features like as dual-channel ABS, a USB charger, LED lighting, and a semi-digital dashboard that displays a good amount of data. However, at an age when even 155cc bikes have rapid shifters, the Pulsar N160 should have done more in this department. Bluetooth connectivity, warning lights, and a silent starter would have undoubtedly increased its value.
The loss of the X factor
While the Pulsar N160 is a good sporty commuter with a lot of adaptabilities, it doesn’t establish any new standards in terms of design, features, performance, or comfort. And with competitors like the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Hero Xtreme 160R in the market, this could be a source of concern for Bajaj.
To sum up
The Pulsar N160 does all of the duties associated with a sporty commuter admirably. On a motorcycle, your daily trips would be seamless and exciting. You can also enjoy a weekend trip through your favourite mountain twisties. The occasional long rides, though, are also manageable. Not to mention, purchasing the N160 will provide you access to the extensive service network of Bajaj as well as reasonably priced service and replacements.
