Breaking: Bajaj Launches Updated & More Premium Pulsar NS160

Over the past year, the Pulsar lineup had been getting a thorough makeover and updates. All along, the NS family had to patiently wait for Bajaj to call them to the front of the line, and that time has arrived, for Bajaj just launched the NS200 and its younger sibling, the NS160, with a set of crucial updates. 

Price & Rivals:

With a price tag of Rs 1,34,675 (ex-showroom), the new NS160 is Rs 9,561 dearer than the previous generation model. Now equipped with updated hardware and underpinnings, Bajaj can rival the likes of Yamaha MT-15 V2 and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V. 

Variants:

Bajaj offers the updated Pulsar NS160 in a single variant with dual-channel ABS as standard. Its predecessor was retailed with just single-channel ABS. 

What's new?

• 33mm upside down fork paired to a familiar monoshock 
• Goodbye ByBre, hello Grimeca calipers.
• Dual-channel ABS now standard  
• Petal discs are done away with for more conventional ones 
• BS6 Phase-2 (OBD-2) ready engine, claimed mileage stands at 45kmpl
• Revised semi-digital console with - gear position indicator, real time mileage and distance to empty readouts   
• Lighter rims - almost 1kg weight saving (combined)
• That said, compared to its predecessor, NS160 is 1kg heavier
• Shod in slightly wider 100/80 and 130/70 section MRF Nylogrip Zapper tyres
• New colour with updated livery

What's unchanged:

More than anything else, the design, features like the basic halogen headlight remain unchanged. The motorcycle is powered by the same 160.3cc, single-cylinder motor producing a familiar 17.2PS and 14.6Nm, and continues to be mated to the same five-speed gearbox. Even the frame is carried over from the 2022 model, while the instrumentation is still the same old semi-digital console which does not get connectivity features. 

ZigSays:

With the current hardware on offer on the NS160, Bajaj is certainly punching its way into the premium 160cc segment. But, to know what it's like to ride and our first impressions of it, catch our review which goes live at 1700 hours on March 25.