Bajaj Pulsar NS160

When Bajaj launched the Pulsar NS160 a few years back, it instantly attracted young riders. Over time, the bike has seen small updates rather than complete redesigns, and the 2023 version continues the same formula.

At first glance, the NS160 still looks sharp and aggressive, almost like its elder sibling, the NS200. The new USD forks, lighter wheels, and updated brakes are the most noticeable changes, and they do make a difference both in looks and riding.

After spending a full week riding it in the city, on highways, and even a few twisty ghat roads, we can confidently say that the NS160 still has enough fire in it to keep young riders excited.

This is a bike that balances sportiness with everyday usability. And if you’re someone who has just entered college, started a first job, or wants a fun and affordable streetfighter, the NS160 still makes a strong case.

• The design of the Pulsar NS160 is sharp and streetfighter-like. This makes it instantly appealing when parked in front of a college canteen or even at a café. 
• The muscular tank, sharp extensions, and overall aggressive stance make it look bigger than it actually is. This is something we noticed when we parked it next to other 160cc bikes, the NS160 had more road presence.
• The new USD forks and lighter alloy wheels really add to the premium feel. Even at night, the bike holds its own with its sleek lighting setup.
• The new model gets a full LED unit instead of sticking to some halogen bits.
• The bike feels well-built overall, but a few exposed wires can be seen near the headlamp or under the seat.

• These wires don’t affect the ride, but in today’s time, they make the bike look a bit dated.

• The riding triangle feels very natural with a flat handlebar, rear-set pegs, and good seat height.

• In the city, the wide handlebar makes it easy to control the bike in traffic.
• Quick direction changes or squeezing between cars feel effortless because of the bike’s design.
• Taller riders won’t feel cramped, and the seat offers enough room for comfort.

• At 5’10, our rider could easily place both feet flat on the ground.
• Moving the bike around in tight parking spots felt very simple and manageable.
• On highways, the seat is fine for short rides but could use more padding for long trips.
• After a couple of hours, you start wishing the seat were a little softer.

• The 160.3cc OBD-2B engine feels lively once the revs climb past the mid-range.

• In city traffic, you’ll use the gearbox often, but once the road clears, the bike feels energetic.
• In bumper-to-bumper jams, frequent downshifts are needed to keep the bike moving smoothly.
• When the road opens up, the same engine rewards you with a strong pull and engaging ride.
• On highways, it can comfortably cruise at 80-90 kmph without feeling strained. The top speed we managed was around 115-117 kmph, though vibrations kick in at that point.

• The power delivery feels predictable, which gives confidence while riding in different conditions.
• On weekend ghat rides, the engine had enough punch to keep the ride exciting. Taking bends felt enjoyable as the bike carried speed without losing composure.

• The handling is one of the NS160’s biggest plus points, which makes it feel confident and stable everywhere.
• The USD forks and tuned suspension keep the bike planted whether in city lanes or mountain twisties.

• On weekend ghat rides, the bike leaned into corners easily and felt eager to take on bends.
• The MRF tyres gave strong grip, letting us push harder through turns without worrying about slipping.

• In daily commuting, the suspension takes care of potholes and breakers decently, though sharp bumps feel a bit stiff.
• The lighter wheels make direction changes quick and responsive, especially useful in busy traffic.
• While weaving through evening traffic, the bike reacted instantly to my handlebar inputs, which makes it fun to ride even in jams.

• The 2025 model now comes with a negative LCD, which makes it more value for money. 
• Turn-by-turn navigation and call/SMS alerts make daily rides more convenient without having to check your phone.
• Dual-channel ABS adds a solid safety net, especially when braking hard in sudden situations.
• Once, when a car cut across unexpectedly, the ABS kept the bike steady and prevented a scary skid.
• The switchgear feels well-built, and the backlit buttons make night rides feel a little more premium.
• It also gets three riding modes, including Rain, Road, and Off-road.
• The indicator switch takes a firmer press than expected, which can feel slightly fiddly at times.

The Pulsar NS160 is great for riders who want more fun than a simple commuter bike. It gives a good balance of performance, style, and daily use practicality. This bike is the perfect choice if you just got your license and want a bike that feels confident and exciting.

If you want the latest features, LED lights, or a smoother engine, rivals like Apache RTR 160 4V feel more modern. But if you love the Pulsar brand, the NS160 still offers bold looks and a fun riding experience.