Bajaj Pulsar NS160 vs KTM RC 390

Last Updated: September 18, 2026

Bajaj Pulsar NS160 price starts at Rs. 1.26 Lakh, which is Rs. 2.06 Lakh cheaper than the base variant of KTM RC 390, priced at Rs. 3.33 Lakh. In terms of mileage, the Pulsar NS160 offers a claimed 40.36 kmpl, while the RC 390 delivers 29 kmpl. On the performance front, the Pulsar NS160 uses a 160.3cc engine producing 17 PS @ 9000 rpm and the RC 390 a 373.27cc engine producing 43.5 PS @ 9000 rpm. If you're deciding between the Pulsar NS160 and RC 390, the Pulsar NS160 is the better pick for affordability and mileage, while the RC 390 stands out for performance.

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Pulsar NS160 vs RC 390 Comparison Summary

Specification Bajaj Pulsar NS160KTM RC 390
Ex-showroom price (base) Rs. 1.26 LakhRs. 3.33 Lakh
Mileage 40.36 kmpl29 kmpl
Engine 160.3 cc373.27 cc
Max power 17 PS @ 9000 rpm43.5 PS @ 9000 rpm
Kerb weight 152 Kg172 Kg

Pulsar NS160 vs RC 390 Key Highlights

Basic Info Bajaj Pulsar NS160 Single ChannelKTM RC 390 GP Edition
Rating
352 reviews
103 reviews
Brand Name Bajaj KTM
Ex-Showroom Price Rs. 1.26 Lakh Check On Road Price Rs. 3.33 Lakh Check On Road Price
Engine Type 4 Stroke, Single Cylinder Single Cylinder, Liquid Cooled, DOHC, FI Engine
Max Power 17 PS @ 9000 rpm 43.5 PS @ 9000 rpm
Fuel Type Petrol Petrol
Colors
Bajaj Pulsar NS160 Colors
KTM RC 390 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. 9,111 @ 6% (36 months)
Insurance Rs. 10,814 Pulsar NS160 Insurance Rs. 22,687 RC 390 Insurance
Brochure
Download Brochure
Download Brochure

Spark Plugs
2 Per Cylinder
1 Per Cylinder
Valves (per cylinder)
4
4
Claimed Top Speed
120 kmph
169 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
373.27 cc
Gear Box
5 Speed
6 Speed
Max Power
17 PS @ 9000 rpm
43.5 PS @ 9000 rpm
Max Torque
14.6 Nm @ 7250 rpm
37 Nm @ 7000 rpm
Bore
58 mm
89 mm
Stroke
60.7 mm
60 mm
Number Of Cylinders
1
1
Drive Type
Chain Drive
Chain Drive
Fuel System
Fuel Injection
Fuel Injection
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Ignition
DC
Not Available
Compression Ratio
9.8 : 1
12.88:1

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

Mileage (Overall)
40.36 kmpl
29 kmpl
0-100 Kmph (sec)
Not Available
6.49s
Braking 60-0 km/h
Not Available
17.13m
Average Speed
Not Available
Yes
Braking 80-0 km/h
Not Available
30.81m
Braking 100-0 km/h
Not Available
48.22m
Estimated Mileage
45-50 kmpl
Not Available
Roll-ons 30-70 kmph (3rd Gear)
Not Available
3.65s
Roll-ons 40-80 kmph (4th Gear)
Not Available
5.13s
Fuel Gauge
Digital
Digital

Suspension-Front
37 mm USD
Wp Apex Usd Forks, 43 mm Diameter
Suspension-Rear
Nitrox Monoshock
Wp Apex Monoshock, 10 Step 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
29 psi
Rear Tyre Pressure (Rider and Pillion)
32 psi
30 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
Radial Tyre
Not Available
Yes
Wheels Type (Pressed Steel/ Alloy)
Alloy
Alloy

Seat height
805 mm
835 mm
Fuel Tank Reserve Capacity
2.4 L
1.5 L
Gross Weight
302 kg
Not Available
Engine Oil Grade
Bajaj DTSI 10000
Not Available
Length*Width*Height
2017*804*1060 mm3
2145*760*830 mm3
Wheelbase
1372 mm
1340 mm
Length
2017 mm
2145 mm
Ground Clearance
170 mm
153 mm
Height
1060 mm
830 mm
Width
804 mm
760 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
12 L
13.7 L
Kerb Weight
152 Kg
172 Kg
Tail Light
LED
LED
Front Brake Size
300 mm
320 mm
Rear Brake Size
230 mm
230 mm

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

Frame Type
Not Available
Split Trellis Frame (Tubular), Sub Frame Newly Engineered Bolt On Subframe
Digital Display Type
LCD
TFT
Malfunction Indicator
Yes
Yes
Trip Meter
Digital
Digital
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
Yes
Traction Control
Not Available
Yes
Kill Switch
Yes
Yes
Low battery alert
Not Available
Yes
Brightness Control
Yes
Not Available
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
Rider Aids - MTC, Quickshifter+, Cornering ABS, Supermoto, Race Derived Technology
Windscreen
Not Available
Yes
Gear Position Indicator
Yes
Yes
Average Fuel Economy Indicator
Yes
Yes
ABS Type
Single Channel
Dual Channel
Distance To Empty
Yes
Yes
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
Handlebar type
Not Available
Adjustable
ABS
Single Channel
Dual Channel
Body Type
Sports Bikes
Sports Bikes
Body Graphics
Yes
Yes
Instrument Console Type
Digital
Digital
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Bluetooth
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
Yes
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

1st Service
500-750 Kms
1000 Kms/45 Days
2nd Service
4500-5000 Kms
8500 Kms/150 Days
3rd Service
9500-10000 Kms
16000 Kms/240 Days
4th Service
14500-15000 kms
Not Available

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 RC 390
  • Added engine versatility leads to more excitement; Sharp handling doesn’t scare you silly; Relatively relaxed ergos makes it more accommodating and lends better bike control; Cornering ABS, traction control and quickshifter!
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 RC 390
  • Design is extremely polarising; Massive price hike compared to its predecessor; Fit and finish levels are sub-par
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Bajaj Pulsar NS160 Comparison with Similar Bikes

Latest News on Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and KTM RC 390

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 RC 390 FAQs

Which bike is best between Bajaj Pulsar NS160 vs KTM RC 390?
Bajaj Pulsar NS160 has out rated KTM RC 390 on all the rating factors.
Which bike is cheaper Bajaj Pulsar NS160 vs KTM RC 390?
The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is cheaper than KTM RC 390 by ₹2.06 Lakh.
Which bike offers better performance Bajaj Pulsar NS160 vs KTM RC 390?
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 GP Edition version, 373.27 cc Petrol engine of RC 390 produces 43.5 PS @ 9000 rpm of power and 37 Nm @ 7000 rpm of torque
As per the users experiences the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 has better performance.

Images of Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and KTM RC 390

Which one do you like more?
RC 390
RC 390
Pulsar NS160
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