Bajaj Pulsar NS160 vs KTM 390 Duke R

Last Updated: August 25, 2026

Bajaj Pulsar NS160 price starts at Rs. 1.26 Lakh, which is Rs. 2.19 Lakh cheaper than the base variant of KTM 390 Duke R, priced at Rs. 3.45 Lakh. In terms of mileage, the Pulsar NS160 offers a claimed 40.36 kmpl, while the 390 Duke R delivers 30 kmpl. On the performance front, the Pulsar NS160 uses a 160.3cc engine producing 17 PS @ 9000 rpm and the 390 Duke R a 398.63cc engine producing 46 PS @ 8500 rpm. If you're deciding between the Pulsar NS160 and 390 Duke R, the Pulsar NS160 is the better pick for affordability and mileage, while the 390 Duke R stands out for performance.

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Pulsar NS160 vs 390 Duke R Comparison Summary

Specification Bajaj Pulsar NS160KTM 390 Duke R
Ex-showroom price (base) Rs. 1.26 LakhRs. 3.45 Lakh
Mileage 40.36 kmpl30 kmpl
Engine 160.3 cc398.63 cc
Max power 17 PS @ 9000 rpm46 PS @ 8500 rpm
Kerb weight 152 Kg168.3 Kg

Pulsar NS160 vs 390 Duke R Key Highlights

Basic Info Bajaj Pulsar NS160 Single ChannelKTM 390 Duke R STD
Rating
352 reviews
144 reviews
Brand Name Bajaj KTM
Ex-Showroom Price Rs. 1.26 Lakh Check On Road Price Rs. 3.45 Lakh Check On Road Price
Engine Type 4 Stroke, Single Cylinder Single Cylinder, Liquid Cooled, DOHC, FI Engine
Max Power 17 PS @ 9000 rpm 46 PS @ 8500 rpm
Fuel Type Petrol Petrol
Colors
Bajaj Pulsar NS160 Colors
KTM 390 Duke R Colors
Braking Type Anti-lock Braking System Not Available
Wheel Size Front :-431.8 mm,Rear :-431.8 mm Front :-431.8 mm,Rear :-431.8 mm
Wheels Type (Pressed Steel/ Alloy) Alloy Alloy
ABS Single Channel Dual Channel
Starting Kick and Self Start Self Start Only
Speedometer Digital Digital
EMI
Rs. 3,775 @ 11.99% (36 months)
Rs. 9,454 @ 6% (36 months)
Insurance Rs. 10,814 Pulsar NS160 Insurance Rs. 22,870 390 Duke R Insurance
Brochure
Download Brochure
Download Brochure

Spark Plugs
2 Per Cylinder
1 Per Cylinder
Valves (per cylinder)
4
4
Claimed Top Speed
120 kmph
167 kmph
Emission Norm Compliance
bs6.2
bs6.2
Flex Fuel Blend
E20
Not Available
Engine Type
4 Stroke, Single Cylinder
Single Cylinder, Liquid Cooled, DOHC, FI Engine
Engine Displacement
160.3 cc
398.63 cc
Gear Box
5 Speed
6 Speed
Max Power
17 PS @ 9000 rpm
46 PS @ 8500 rpm
Max Torque
14.6 Nm @ 7250 rpm
39 Nm @ 6500 rpm
Bore
58 mm
89 mm
Stroke
60.7 mm
64 mm
Number Of Cylinders
1
1
Drive Type
Chain Drive
Chain Drive
Fuel System
Fuel Injection
Fuel Injection
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Ignition
DC
Contactless, Controlled, Fully Electronic Ignition System With Digital Ignition Timing Adjustment
Compression Ratio
9.8 : 1
12.71:1

Front Brake
Disc
Disc
Rear Brake
Disc
Disc
Front Caliper
2 Piston
4 Piston
Rear Caliper
1 Piston
2 Piston
Braking Type
Anti-lock Braking System
Not Available

Mileage (Overall)
40.36 kmpl
30 kmpl
Average Speed
Not Available
Yes
Estimated Mileage
45-50 kmpl
Not Available
Fuel Gauge
Digital
Digital

Suspension-Front
37 mm USD
5 Click Compression And Rebound Adjustable, Open Cartridge, Wp Apex Usd Forks, 43 mm Diameter
Suspension-Rear
Nitrox Monoshock
Adjustable Wp Apex Monoshock, 5 Step Rebound Damping, 10 Step Preload Adjustable

Front Tyre Pressure (Rider)
25 psi
29 psi
Front Tyre Pressure (Rider and Pillion)
25 psi
29 psi
Rear Tyre Pressure (Rider)
28 psi
32 psi
Rear Tyre Pressure (Rider and Pillion)
32 psi
32 psi
Brake Fluid Grade
DOT4
Not Available
Tyre Size
Front :-100/80-17,Rear :-130/70-17
Front :-110/70-17, Rear :-150/60-17
Wheel Size
Front :-431.8 mm,Rear :-431.8 mm
Front :-431.8 mm,Rear :-431.8 mm
Tyre Type
Tubeless
Tubeless
Wheels Type (Pressed Steel/ Alloy)
Alloy
Alloy

Seat height
805 mm
800 mm
Fuel Tank Reserve Capacity
2.4 L
3 L
Gross Weight
302 kg
Not Available
Engine Oil Grade
Bajaj DTSI 10000
Not Available
Length*Width*Height
2017*804*1060 mm3
Not Available
Wheelbase
1372 mm
1357 mm
Length
2017 mm
Not Available
Ground Clearance
170 mm
183 mm
Height
1060 mm
Not Available
Width
804 mm
Not Available
Fuel Tank Capacity
12 L
15 L
Kerb Weight
152 Kg
168.3 Kg
Tail Light
LED
LED
Front Brake Size
300 mm
320 mm
Rear Brake Size
230 mm
240 mm

Battery Type
Lead Acid
Not Available
Call/SMS Alerts
Yes
Yes
USB charging port
Yes
Yes
Headlight
LED
LED
Battery Capacity
12V / 4AH
12V / 8AH

Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Frame Type
Not Available
Split - Steel Trellis Frame, Aluminum Casted Sub-Frame
Digital Display Type
LCD
TFT
Malfunction Indicator
Yes
Yes
Trip Meter
Digital
Digital
Vehicle Location Tracking
Not Available
Yes
Pillion Seat
Yes
Yes
Pillion Grab Rail
Yes
Yes
Calls and Messaging
Yes
Yes
Navigation assist
Yes
Yes
Kick Start
Yes
Not Available
Riding Modes
Yes
Track,Rain,Street
Traction Control
Not Available
Yes
Kill Switch
Yes
Yes
Low battery alert
Not Available
Yes
Brightness Control
Yes
Yes
No. of Tripmeters
2
2
Engine Temperature Indicator
Not Available
Yes
Rear Footpegs
Yes
Yes
Multi-function Lock
Yes
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
Yes
Additional Features/Information
Not Available
Ride By Wire, Supermoto Mode, Track Screen, Quickshifter+, Cornering ABS
Gear Position Indicator
Yes
Yes
Average Fuel Economy Indicator
Yes
Not Available
ABS Type
Single Channel
Dual Channel
Distance To Empty
Yes
Not Available
Navigation Type
Turn-by-turn
Not Available
Side Stand Warning
Yes
Yes
Physical Key
Yes
Not Available
Exhaust Heat Shield
Yes
Not Available
Front Footpegs
Forward-set
Not Available
Idle Stop/Start
Yes
Not Available
Body
Fibre
Not Available
Instrument Cluster Control Switchcube
Yes
Not Available
Launch Control
Not Available
Yes
ABS
Single Channel
Dual Channel
Body Type
Sports Bikes
Sports Naked Bikes, Sports Bikes
Body Graphics
Yes
Yes
Instrument Console Type
Digital
Digital
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Bluetooth
Internet Connectivity
Not Available
Yes
Starting
Kick and Self Start
Self Start Only
Seat Type
Split
Split
Pass Beam Switch
Yes
Yes
Speedometer
Digital
Digital
Mobile Application
Yes
Not Available
Tachometer
Digital
Digital
Low Fuel Warning Lamp
Yes
Yes
Clock
Yes
Digital
Low Battery Indicator
Not Available
Yes
Stepup Seat
Not Available
Yes
Low Oil Indicator
Yes
Yes
Cooling System
Oil Cooled
Liquid Cooled
Odometer
Digital
Digital
Navigation
Yes
Yes
Service Due Indicator
Yes
Yes
Saree Guard
Yes
Yes
Shift Light
Not Available
Yes
Quick Shifter
Not Available
Yes
Hazard Light Switch
Not Available
Yes

1st Service
500-750 Km / 30-45 Days
1000 Kms/45 Days
2nd Service
4500-5000 Km / 8 Months
8500 Kms/150 Days
3rd Service
9500-10000 Km / 1 Year
16000 Kms/240 Days

Vehicle Warranty
5 Years or 75,000 Km
2 Years or 30,000 Km
Standard Warranty (Years)
5
2
Standard Warranty (kilometers)
75000
30000

Pros and Cons

  • Positives
  • Negatives
Bajaj Pulsar NS160
  • It packs a pretty powerful engine
  • Shares the capable perimeter frame with larger Pulsars
  • Stopping power is pretty good
KTM 390 Duke R
  • Improved performance means this is the quickest bike in its segment
  • Brakes feel sharp and predictable
  • Adjustable suspension handles bad road well even in its stock setting
  • Lower seat height should make it more accessible to shorter riders
  • Feels super light on its feet and agile when changing directions
  • You can barely feel any engine heat, even in bumper to bumper traffic
  • Motor has become a lot smoother than before
Bajaj Pulsar NS160
  • Engine refinement could have been better
  • It isn’t feature-rich like its segment rivals
  • It is the heaviest 160cc motorcycle
KTM 390 Duke R
  • Some of the panel gaps are a little too pronounced
  • H-rated Metzeler tyres feel a little squiggly when pushing the bike hard and the signature KTM orange colour option looks too garish in this model

Is Bajaj Pulsar NS160 Better Than KTM 390 Duke R?

50% users have chosen Bajaj Pulsar NS160 over KTM 390 Duke R in a survey being conducted on zigwheels.com.
Apart from this survey a total of 1640 users have also rated Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and KTM 390 Duke R on some really important factors like Mileage , performance, comfort, safety etc. and have given their personal opinions about these bikes.
KTM 390 Duke R has out rated Bajaj Pulsar NS160 on all the rating factors.
Before making your decision you should also consider the unbiased and thorough analysis of these bikes on every aspect by our auto experts who have summarised the analysis in pros, cons and final conclusion..

Ratings Factor 390 Duke R Pulsar NS160
Mileage 3.8 3.9
Performance 4.4 4.5
Comfort 4.2 4.6
Maintenance 3.9 4.1
Features 4.4 4.7
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Bajaj Pulsar NS160 Comparison with Similar Bikes

Latest News on Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and KTM 390 Duke R

Recently Asked User Questions

Q. Which bike is best Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 or Bajaj Pulsar NS 125?
  • Bajaj Pulsar NS125 packs a peppy engine, is fun to ride, and could be the perfect beginner bike. The entry-level NS125 could be the perfect platform for those graduating from a scooter, and yearning to learn the ropes. The money you save could be a deposit for your next bike. On the other hand, Bajaj has done well to endow the NS160 with high-spec cycle parts and features while keeping the price in check. the Pulsar NS160 ticks all the right boxes when it comes to style, performance, ride and handling. Given Bajaj's extensive service network and low service costs, peace of mind is ensured. The new NS160 is a worthy contender and makes a strong case for itself in this highly competitive 160cc segment. Moreover, we would suggest you take a test ride before making the final decision. Follow the link and select your desired city for dealership details.
Q. Which is better between Yamaha FZ S version 3 (bs6) and Pulsar NS 160 (bs6). Kindly help me I considered many in this 150/160 cc segment came to an conclusion between these two.
  • Selecting the right bike would depend on several factors such as your budget preference on the segment, features required, engine options, brand preference, etc. Yamaha FZS-FI V3 offers a Big bike styling, with good features and a smooth engine. Yamaha FZS-FI V3 is powered by a 149 cc engine. This FZS-FI V3 engine generates a power of 12.4 PS @ 7250 rpm and a torque of 13.3 Nm @ 5500 rpm. On the other hand, the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 BS6 might not have many tangible features to justify the price hike due to BS6 norms, it more than makes up for it with raw performance. In fact, it is the most powerful motorcycle in its segment, making it ideal for enthusiasts who prioritize performance over anything else. Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is powered by 160.3 cc engine.This Pulsar NS160 engine generates a power of 17.2 PS @ 9000 rpm and a torque of 14.6 Nm @ 7250 rpm. Moreover, we would suggest you to take a test ride before making the final decision. Follow the link and select your desired city for dealership.
Q. I'm confused between bajaj NS 160 and TVS Apache 160 4V. Daily ride 60-80 km city and highway, which one is better, please suggest.
  • Selecting the right bike would depend on several factors such as your budget preference on the segment, features required, engine options, brand preference, etc. While the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 BS6 might not have many tangible features to justify the price hike due to BS6 norms, it more than makes up for it with raw performance. In fact, it is the most powerful motorcycle in its segment, making it ideal for enthusiasts who prioritize performance over anything else. Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is powered by 160.3 cc engine.This Pulsar NS160 engine generates a power of 17.2 PS @ 9000 rpm and a torque of 14.6 Nm @ 7250 rpm. On the other hand, The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V has been the benchmark when it comes to 160cc motorcycles. With the BS6-compliant iteration, TVS has made sure it is still as sprightly, with the '21 update making it the most powerful bike in the 160cc sporty commuter class. The overall package and reasonable pricing make it a true value for money motorcycle in its segment. TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is powered by a 159.7 cc engine. This Apache 160 4V engine generates a power of 17.63 PS @ 9250 rpm and a torque of 14.73 Nm @ 7250 rpm. Moreover, we would suggest you to take a test ride before making the final decision. Follow the link and select your desired city for dealership.
|Bajaj Pulsar NS160 Community

Bajaj Pulsar NS160 Vs KTM 390 Duke R FAQs

Which bike is best between Bajaj Pulsar NS160 vs KTM 390 Duke R?
KTM 390 Duke R has out rated Bajaj Pulsar NS160 on all the rating factors.
Which bike is cheaper Bajaj Pulsar NS160 vs KTM 390 Duke R?
The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is cheaper than KTM 390 Duke R by ₹2.19 Lakh.
Which bike offers better performance Bajaj Pulsar NS160 vs KTM 390 Duke R?
For the Single Channel version, 160.3 cc Petrol engine of Pulsar NS160 produces 17 PS @ 9000 rpm of power and 14.6 Nm @ 7250 rpm of torque. Whereas for the STD version, 398.63 cc Petrol engine of 390 Duke R produces 46 PS @ 8500 rpm of power and 39 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque
As per the users experiences the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 has better performance.

Images of Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and KTM 390 Duke R

Which one do you like more?
390 Duke R
390 Duke R
Pulsar NS160
Pulsar NS160
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