Bajaj Auto, the world’s most valuable two-wheeler and three-wheeler company, has launched the all-new Pulsar N160 in India. It is the latest addition to the big Pulsar range, which has been one of country’s most popular motorcycle for a long time. The Pulsar N160 is built on the new Pulsar platform and joins a long list of models in the pulsar family, which differ from each other when it comes to displacement and body styles. The N160 is equipped dual-channel ABS, something that hasn’t been seen in the segment before and is surely going to be a USP of this bike. Bajaj says is set to become a benchmark for performance and control in the entry sports motorcycle segment.
Pulsar N160 comes with a muscular tank that is in contrast with a sleek, stylish waist section.
The Pulsar N160 is powered by a 165cc twin spark, oil-cooled DTS-i engine.
DESIGN
The design language of the Pulsar N160 includes dynamic and energetic character lines, tighter proportions, and modern aerodynamism. The muscular tank is contrasted with a sleek, stylish waist section that extends to a contoured step seat, making for an attractive profile. The bike is equipped with a sportier underbelly exhaust that growls at higher RPMs, something very typical of all Pulsar models. The luminescent elements of the LED tail lamps give a striking jewel look to the rear. The seat is wide enough and a height of 795 mm should suit most bikers in India.
FEATURES
For a 160cc motorcycle, the Pulsar N160 is loaded with features. It comes with a Bi-Functional LED projector headlamp that is flanked by signature naked wolf LED DRLs.
Apart from precise beam for improved safety, Bajaj is promising superior illumination with this lighting setup. The bike also gets an Infinity display console which retains the tachometer needle as a nod to the golden age of performance motorcycling.
You also get USB mobile charging which is placed at a convenient position near the tank flap to suit the rider ergonomically. Then there’s the gear position indicator, something that always comes in handy and yes there’s a distance to empty readout as well.
ENGINE
The Pulsar N160 is powered by a 165cc twin spark, oil-cooled DTS-i engine, which according to Bajaj gives superior power and immediate throttle response.
It delivers 16 PS of maximum power and 14.65 Nm of peak torque with 85% of that figure available throughout the rev band.
This ensures a faster pick-up and the signature Pulsar rush that is so often spoken about. Bajaj says the Pulsar N160 also provides the best-in-class tractive effort and enables better passing acceleration in every gear.
According to the company, the N160 is fastest in the 160cc segment in 3rd, 4th and 5th gear in terms of passing acceleration (30-70 kmph).
RIDE & HANDLING
The new Pulsar N160 is built on a tubular frame chassis that Bajaj says, offers high torsional stiffness for better handling. Further, the bike is equipped with a new precision-crafted underbelly exhaust system positioned close to its centre of gravity for improved balance. While it gets best-in-class 37 mm telescopic front forks, you also get a mono-shock suspension, something that aids in better handling without compromising on comfort. Then there is the segment-first Dual Channel ABS which inspires increased riding confidence by restricting wheel lockups during both front and rear braking. The stronger grip provided by wider cross-section tyres (front 100/80-17, rear 130/70-17) in the N160 adds to the riding control of the motorcycle. It gets 300 mm disc brakes in the front and 230 mm brakes in the rear.
PRICES
The Pulsar N160 is priced starting at RS.1,25,824 ex-showrooms (Kolkata) & Rs.1,27,853 ex-showroom (Delhi). While the Dual Channel ABS bike is available in Brooklyn Black colour, the single channel model is available in 3 different colours Techno Grey, Racing Red and Caribbean blue. Other bikes in the Pulsar family include the Pulsar 125, NS 125, Pulsar 150, NS 160, NS 200, RS 200, Pulsar 250 so yes the big family has become even bigger.
The author is a senior editor at carandbike.com.