Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS Review: Sporty Looks, Strong Performance; Better Than its Rivals?

I rode the Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS this week in Brooklyn Black and several things about the bike really stood out to me. The brand launched this top spec Pulsar N160 variant in India at Rs 1.43 lakh (ex showroom). 

The Bajaj bike is aimed at young riders looking for sporty styling and modern features under Rs 1.5 lakh. I rode it on city roads, highways and off road to see how it performs in different conditions. Here is my honest take on its performance, ownership costs and the areas where it could have been better:

Pulsar N160 SS Review: First Impressions

The Pulsar N160 SS looks sharp on the road. The muscular tank, LED projector headlamp and gold finished front fork give it a premium stance. My test unit came in Brooklyn Black and the paint quality looked rich in daylight. Bajaj also sells this bike in Pearl Metallic White and Atlantic Blue. The body graphics add a sporty touch without looking loud. Riders who want a bike that stands out at traffic signals will like this design.

Pulsar N160 SS Review: Engine And Performance

The Pulsar N160 SS comes with a new 164.82cc single cylinder engine. This is one of the areas where I noticed a clear difference during my ride. Its 4 valve, oil cooled engine with fuel injection looks promising on paper, but what matters more is how the engine feels on the road.

During my ride, the N160 SS felt quick and responsive, especially when pulling away from traffic or making quick overtakes. The acceleration felt punchy without being difficult to control. Bajaj claims a 0 to 60 km/h time of 4.5 seconds and you will witness it when you open the throttle. I also liked the smooth throttle response, which made the bike easy to ride in both city traffic and on open roads.

Another highlight of the bike is its four riding modes:

• Road mode: Feels like the best option for everyday riding, offering a balanced response.
• Rain mode: Softens the throttle, which should be useful when riding on slippery roads.
• Sport mode: Makes the throttle response sharper and brings out the more aggressive character of the bike.
• Off Road mode: Delivers a more controlled response when riding over rough or loose surfaces.

The N160 SS also gets a crawl feature, which I found particularly useful in heavy traffic. It allows the bike to move slowly without requiring constant clutch inputs. In bumper to bumper traffic, this makes the riding experience less tiring and adds to the bike's everyday usability.

Overall, the engine is not just about bigger numbers. The N160 SS feels more lively, responsive and versatile than a typical 160cc commuter oriented motorcycle, while still remaining easy to ride every day.

Pulsar N160 SS Review: Braking And Handling

The N160 SS offers strong braking and stable handling, which made me feel confident during faster rides and corners.

• 300mm front disc and 230mm rear disc
• Dual channel ABS offered as standard
• Brakes felt strong and easy to control
• 37mm USD front fork improves stability
• Suspension handles bumps and uneven roads well
• Bike feels planted while cornering
• Traction control helped on wet surfaces

Pulsar N160 SS Review: Mileage And Comfort

The N160 SS returned around 35 kmpl mileage during my ride, which is reasonable for a sporty 160cc motorcycle.

• Mileage depends on traffic and riding style
• Comfortable riding position for longer rides
• Seat provides good support
• Suspension keeps most road bumps under control
• Suitable for regular city riding 

Pulsar N160 SS Review: TFT Display

This is where the N160 SS disappointed me. The bike gets a 5 inch TFT display with Wi Fi connectivity and Google Maps mirroring, which sounds impressive on paper. However, my experience with the navigation was not as smooth.

After connecting my Bluetooth to use Google Maps, I noticed a clear lag on the display. The map sometimes took a few seconds to update my location. For a bike that puts a strong focus on smart features and connectivity, this is a noticeable issue.

Bajaj can fix this with a software update, but until then, the lag takes away from what could otherwise be a useful feature. After all, there is little point in having navigation on the screen if it cannot keep up with your actual location.

Pulsar N160 SS: Full Specifications

Pulsar N160 SS Review: Running Costs And Warranty

The N160 SS costs Rs 1.43 lakh, while its mileage and warranty make it easier to manage for daily use.

• Claimed mileage of 44 kmpl
• 14 litre fuel tank
• Fewer fuel stops on longer rides
• 5 year or 75,000 km warranty
• Smooth low end power for city traffic
• Crawl feature helps during slow moving traffic

Main Rivals Compared

The Pulsar N160 SS faces competition from several 160cc bikes with different strengths and riding styles.

• TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: Sportier setup with a more aggressive riding character.
• Yamaha FZ S Fi: Better suited to riders who prefer comfort and easy handling.
• Bajaj Pulsar NS200: Offers more performance and sits above the N160 SS in Bajaj's lineup.

Key Things To Know Before Buying

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS gets most things right. It has a fresh design, a strong engine and confident braking. The riding modes and traction control also add useful features. However, the TFT display can feel slow at times.

The navigation system may also need some software improvements. Buyers should check these features during a test ride. Overall, the N160 SS looks like a strong option in the 160cc segment.

Don’t miss out to check: Top 3 Bajaj Commuter Bikes Under Rs. 80,000 in India