02-Bajaj Pulsar NS160 : In the world of Motorcycles, The launch of 2025 Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is creating a buzz, as the increasing popularity of the Pulsar series bikes has effectively enabled Bajaj Auto to position them as a cheaper 160cc choice. We have already seen that this beauty took the market by fire with an amazing mixture of performance, style, and innovation. In this detailed and in-depth review, let’s take a close look at why the new Pulsar NS160 is a true game changer in the 160cc segment.
Pulsar: In this post we will tell about: Introduction: The Legacy of Pulsar.
The Bajaj Pulsar series has served as a foundation for the Indian motorcycle market for over 20 years. Since then, the Pulsar line has always blurred the lines of what a performance bike in the commuter segment could be. )_ Smooth Sport series – launched in 2012 with the NS200 – added a new level of sportiness and aggression to the Pulsar lineup.
Now, Bajaj has done it again with the launch of the 2025 Pulsar NS160. This new iteration is not merely an update; it’s an entirely new interpretation of what a 160cc motorcycle can be. I normalise this with a global 650 tenant that carries 83hp with a dry weight of 183kg.
Aesthetics and Design: DM Tuber Gets Attention on the Road
Striking First Impressions
The second you set your eyes on the 2025 Pulsar NS160, you know it’s something special. Where most often a balance between aggression and elegance or character and harmony is sought, doing a performance vehicle, oh it has managed a balancing act quite beautifully with this design that’s bold & charismatic.
Front fascia boasts a angular, sharp-edged headlamp cluster housing full LED lighting. These not only improve visibility but also contribute to a modern high-tech look on the bike. A muscular fuel tank with sharp contours merges in line with the proportions in the tail section, coalescing into a harmonious, tauter silhouette.
Attention to Detail
The NS160 stands out with the design details that it has on offer. Every single part was painstakingly designed, from the intricate alloy wheels to the murderous exhaust can. In addition to looking sporty, the split seat design offers great comfort to both rider and pillion.
The rear end also boasts an interesting LED light that blends into the design language. The exposed rear monoshock and the stubby swingarm add to the muscle-bound good looks of the bike and hints at its performance prowess.
Color Options That Pop
The NS160 comes with a choice of striking colour schemes aimed at underscoring the bike’s sporty character. There’s a color to please every rider’s tastes, from the strong and vibrant hues, to more toned down and elegant as well. The paint job and graphics are of high quality, which adds to the premium feel of the motorcycle.
Power and Performance: The Power Pack in the Tiny Package
Heart of the Beast
The heart of the 2025 Pulsar NS160 is its powertrain – a 164.2cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled unit. But don’t let the humble displacement deceive you; this engine is the jewel of modern engineering. Bajaj has used some sophisticated tech to extract the maximum performance out of this tiny powerplant.
The engine makes a respectable 16PS of power and 14.65Nm of torque. On paper, those numbers may not sound world-shattering, but it’s the delivery of that power that matters. Power delivery is linear on the NS160 which makes it fun as well as manageable enough for new riders or even seasoned enthusiasts looking for something fun without the same practical challenges a more powerful bike may create.
Performance That Excites
The NS160 excels in real-world conditions. The bike revs smartly, making its way to city speeds quickly and holding them effortlessly. I am most impressed with the mid-range, which gives enough grunt for overtaking checks and for all-out beech runs, when needed.
What’s even more impressive is just how polished this engine comes off. Bajaj’s attention to detail has helped keep vibrations at bay even at higher speeds. The smooth, precise gearbox provides effortless shifts at the highway and urban environments.
Victory: Elevating Your Fleet: Fuel Efficiency
The NS160 may be sporty, but she doesn’t slurp her fuel! The bike is loaded with a lot of fuel-saving technologies including an efficient fuel injection system which keeps the bike’s mileage in check. In-field improvement observations suggest that NS160 can return as much as 45-50 kmpl fuel efficiency in typical riding scenarios, making it an affordable solution for daily use.
Riding Dynamics: Handling and A Comfort for My Rear
Chassis and Suspension
The 2025 Pulsar NS160 employs a perimeter frame that ensures impressive rigidity and stability. Add to that the suspension setup, which is as well-tuned as you’d expect, and you have a bike that handles with confidence and precision.
The front of the bike gets a 37mm telescopic fork, while the rear gets an adjustable monoshock. A mix that strikes a good balance between sporty handling and comfortable ride quality. Despite this orientation, whether you’re carving through corners or bulldozing your way through pothole-ridden city streets, the NS160 is pretty composed and predictable.
Braking Performance
The NS160 gets a 300mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc for braking. And the setup delivers great stopping power, giving riders confidence to brake in all conditions. The lower variant also gains single-channel ABS, while the top-spec variant receives a dual-channel unit, which keeps the wheels from locking up during panic braking.
Ergonomics and Comfort
What felt good about the NS160 is its well-thought-out ergonomics. The riding position is a great blend between sporty and relaxed, so you could take this thing out for hours on end and not suffer from road fatigue. There’s a comfortable height to the handlebars and a neutral height when it comes to footpegs, so ergonomics are neither overly aggressive or relaxed.
Special mention must go to the seat. Bajaj has really thought about its design, providing plenty of support and cushioning to both the rider and pillion. Split seat does not just look good but it also helps in distributing body weight evenly and provides better comfort too during long duration rides.
Tech and Features: A High-Tech Ride
Advanced Instrument Cluster
The 2025 Pulsar NS160 also gets an informative, easy-to-read, fully digital instrument console. The reverse-LCD backlight is great in all lighting conditions. But it’s not only about looks; this console is a feature-laden future that modern riders will appreciate.
Bluetooth Connectivity
The new NS160’s Bluetooth connectivity is one of its highlight features. This system is paired with a dedicated smartphone app to allow riders access to a range of smart features:
Turn-by-turn navigation
- Incoming call alerts
- SMS notifications
- Ride statistics and analytics
Such neighbouring connectivity was once only available on significantly more expensive motorcycles, but Bajaj brought that into the 160cc segment, setting what seems to be the new standard for technology integration at this part of the market.
LED Lighting
The styling of the NS160 is inspired by other naked Bajaj offerings and we believe it looks good – it even comes equipped with an all-LED lighting setup with headlamp, taillight and turn indicators all being units. Not only does this help the bike look more modern, but it also means better visibility and energy efficiency. We especially love the headlights which provide superb illumination, making night riding easier and safer.
USB Charging Port
Realizing the need of the hour for the younger riders, Bajaj has added a USB charging port on the NS160. Whether used to charge devices for navigation or simply to stay connected on long rides, this handy addition provides riders the power they need to maintain their devices on the road.
Safety Features: Keeping the Rider Safe
Automotive Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
The braking system is one of the key components of any motorcycle that contributes to its safety aspect, and it has been advantageously improved in the 2025 Pulsar NS160. While the base variant features a single-channel ABS, dual-channel ABS are offered in higher variants. Most advantageous, the system avoids lock-up of the rear wheel under severe braking, permitting rider control under panic braking conditions.
Robust Build Quality
The perimeter frame on the NS160 is not only for accommodating a good handling bike, but it also plays an important role in the overall safety of the motorcycle. This solid build gives ample strength, increasing stability and ensuring protection of the rider in case of a fall.
High-Grip Tires
The NS160 gets quality tyres that offer good grip in both dry and wet conditions. The 100-section front and 130-section rear tires give a good compromise of stability and handling, albeit at the cost of safety and performance.
Engine Kill Switch
The engine kill switch is a simple, yet common safety feature that allows riders to rapidly kill the engine in an emergency situation. It’s a small detail but one that could go a long way in key moments.
Summary: So Many Variants and Colors
THIS SELECTION IS MULTIPLE VARIANTS SMART SET TO ALL NEEDS
Bajaj has launched the 2025 Pulsar NS160 in a few variants for various rider requirements and price-brackets:
- Base Variant: Available with single-channel ABS and features list.
- Mid Variant: This variant offers the dual-channel ABS without USD forks.
- Variant: Dual-channel ABS, USD forks – Performance and Safety up!
Both variants make use of this incremental step to encourage riders to get into the exact version that is needed for them, which gone guarantees them of not losing out on any of the key experience from the NS160.
Vibrant Color Palette
Each colourway on the NS160 has been developed to enhance the bike’s sporty persona:
- Racing Red
- Metallic Pearl White
- Satin Black
- Plasma Blue
- Burnt Orange
These color schemes enable riders to express their style while causing heads to turn on the street.
Pricing & Market Positioning: Best Bang for Buck
Competitive Pricing Strategy
Bajaj has always delivered good bang for buck and the 2025 Pulsar NS160 is no different. The variant pricing is as follow:
- In other words, you’re looking at: Base Variant (Single Seat): Rs. 1,21,722 (ex-showroom, Pune)
- Mid Variant (Dual Channel ABS with out USD fork): Rs. 1,33,000 (ex-showroom, Pune)
- Top Variant (Dual Channel ABS with USD fork): Rs. 1,40,000 (ex-showroom, Pune)
If you thought the NS160 was a great bike, well it is even better now at this price!
Market Positioning
2025 Pulsar NS160: Positioned as a duplicate of the more premium yet affordable in the 160cc space, targetted towards young enthusiasts looking to buy an entry-level sporty and loaded motorcycle. It locks horns with motorcycles such as the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Honda CB Hornet 160R and the Yamaha FZ-S FI V3.
Where the major differentiator breed for the NS160 is found lies in its fierce design, modern tools, and the good that the Pulsar badge delivers. The NS160, the latest addition to Bajaj’s portfolio, is set to attract those seeking the optimal combination of performance, good aesthetics wed with rich perception on a budget, further strengthened by Bajaj’s established brand equities within the market.
The NS Series: Evolution From Previous Designs
Design Evolution
The design philosophy of the 2025 NS160 has seen a clear development from its predecessors. Although the overall silhouette sticks to the NS series’ naked sport tradition, the new model has sharper lines, even more aggressive design accents, while overall the feel is a more premium look.