Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS Review: The New 160cc Performance Benchmark

Bajaj is marking 25 years of the Pulsar this year, marking a quarter of a century of producing performance-oriented motorcycles for the masses. To mark the occasion, the entire Pulsar lineup, Classic, N and NS is getting a revamp and one of the first to transform is the Pulsar N160.

And unlike other times, this is not just a new sticker job. The new Pulsar N160 S and the range-topping N160 SS get an all-new 4-valve engine, a fistful of new electronics and a features list that genuinely punches above its price point. We spent a few hours riding the Pulsar N160 SS in Bangalore to find out if it's actually as good as the spec sheet makes it sound.

Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS Review: Design & Features

The N160 SS still looks unmistakably like a Pulsar, and that's both a compliment and a small gripe. The streetfighter stance carries over, but the new graphics, black finish and red accents give it a genuinely sporty look in the metal. What holds it back a bit is that Bajaj is using a very similar design and colour language across its own range these days, so the N160 SS doesn't feel quite as special or unique as it could have.

The big change to the feature set comes in the form of the new 5-inch TFT display, and it's a proper step up from the old console. It looks premium, throws a lot more information at you, and comes with Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, music controls and Google Maps mirroring. That navigation feature in particular is genuinely useful, since you're not constantly reaching for your phone to check the route.

Power comes from a new 164.9cc, 4-valve engine making 18.5 PS and 14.4 Nm, sent to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox. The motorcycle also gets a chunkier set of 37mm upside-down forks up front, in place of the older bike's 33mm units, along with a 300mm front disc and dual-channel ABS.

Bajaj has also thrown in traction control, which is a nice bit of kit to have in this segment, especially if you're riding on a wet or greasy surface. There is also a new Crawl mode which makes riding in the city easier and there are adjustable clutch and brake levers as well.

Where things get a bit more interesting is the riding modes. The N160 SS gets five: Road, Rain, and Sport and there's also an off-road mode that helps with the braking especially if you're going up and down the ghats, while the Touring mode just brings about changes to the display to make it more easy to view the Google Maps being mirrored onto it.

Bajaj Pulsar N160SS Riding Modes - Power & Torque Output Changes

Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS Review: Riding Impressions

Twist the throttle of the Bajaj N160 SS and the new engine feels smooth and genuinely refined, especially through the mid-range. Rev it harder and the motorcycle wakes up and gets noticeably more energetic, and the top-end is a clear step up over the older N160. Bajaj has also worked on keeping vibrations in check, so even when you push it towards the top of the rev range, it doesn't feel harsh or buzzy. The familiar Pulsar exhaust note is still there too, giving it a bit of character rather than sounding sterile.

On paper that riding-mode spread looks like a decent spec sheet exercise, but out on the road, we honestly couldn't feel a huge difference riding between sport and Road during normal use. They're there, they work, but don't expect a night-and-day transformation every time you toggle between Road and Sport modes.

The revised riding position for the N160 SS works out quite well. The handlebar sits higher and slightly closer to the rider now, so you're not stretching forward to reach it, and that gives you a comfortable, upright stance without losing that sporty edge entirely.

The front end is genuinely the star of the show here. Those 37mm USD forks do a really good job soaking up potholes, broken patches and generally uneven roads, and you'll notice how controlled it feels the moment you hit a bad stretch, without it ever feeling overly stiff. The rear is decent too, and copes with the usual bad patches without much fuss, but it's the front that leaves the bigger impression.

Out on the highway, the N160 SS feels properly planted. Changing lanes, leaning into a corner, holding a higher cruising speed, the bike stays predictable throughout and gives you the confidence to just get on with the ride. Braking backs this up nicely too, with good bite and a progressive feel whether you're crawling through city traffic or hauling down speed on the highway, and the dual-channel ABS and the traction control add a welcome safety net that is not too intrusive.

Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS Review: Verdict & Final Thoughts

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS feels like a genuinely good balance between performance and everyday practicality. It's comfortable enough to live with when riding in the city, stable and confident on the highway, and has enough performance on tap to actually enjoy a weekend ride. The new TFT console, connectivity features, sharper front suspension and a more refined engine all add up to make this feel like a far more complete motorcycle than the outgoing N160.

Our gripes are minor: we'd have liked the riding modes to feel more distinct from one another, and a slightly more distinctive design wouldn't have hurt, given how similar Bajaj's current lineup looks across the board.

However, If you want a 160cc motorcycle that can handle your daily commute without complaint, but still has enough left in the tank for the highway and a spirited weekend ride, the Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS is a bike we'd happily recommend you put down the cash for. .