Bajaj Pulsar N160 S, N160 SS Launched At Rs 1.34 Lakh - 4-Valve Engine, Bigger Brakes, TFT Screen & More

Indian automaker Bajaj has launched the Pulsar N160 S and Pulsar N160 SS motorcycles at Rs 1,33,511 and Rs 1,42,585 (ex-showroom Delhi) respectively. Both new versions of the Bajaj Pulsar N160 sport a new 164.5cc four-valve engine, a stronger electronics package and larger front forks compared to the existing two-valve engine version.

These new Bajaj N160 S and N160 SS mark the biggest change yet to the N160 range, and Bajaj will continue selling the outgoing two-valve Pulsar N160 alongside the two new four-valve variants rather than replacing it outright.

Visually, the changes are limited to sharper graphics and coloured alloy wheels over the familiar streetfighter stance, with the SS additionally getting a revised handlebar angle and seat arrangement aimed at rider comfort. Both new variants will be offered in Atlantic Blue, Pearl Metallic White and Brooklyn Black.

Powering the new Bajaj N160 S and SS is a brand new oil-cooled 164.5cc single-cylinder engine with four valves and ride-by-wire tech, producing 18.24bhp at 9,500rpm and 14.4Nm at 8,000rpm against the outgoing 164.9cc two-valve motor's 15.78bhp at 8,750rpm and 14.65Nm at 6,750rpm. Bajaj claims a 0-60km/h time of 4.5 seconds for the new Pulsar N160S and SS. The five-speed gearbox from the 2-Valve N160 has been carried over unchanged on both new bikes.

Bajaj's ride-by-wire tech, which it calls Intelligent Throttle, is also what unlocks four ride modes - Road, Rain, Sport and Off-Road on the N160 S and N160 SS. The new Crawl Technology feature builds on the same electronics allows the Pulsar N160 S & SS to move smoothly at low speeds in higher gears without the rider working the clutch or changing gears repeatedly.

The electronics package is where the new Bajaj Pulsar N160 S and SS start to diverge from each other too. Traction control is reserved for the top-spec SS variant, and it helps keep wheel slip in check in changing grip conditions. The SS variant also gets a brand new five-inch TFT display offering Google Maps mirroring, which Bajaj claims is a first for a sports motorcycle in India.

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 S makes do with an LCD console, Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation, while the SS adds WiFi alongside Bluetooth. ABS follows a similar split: single-channel with fixed control levers on the S, dual-channel with adjustable levers on the SS.

The two new Pulsar N160 also share other hardware including the 37mm USD front fork that replaces the 33mm unit on the two-valve bike, while a monoshock continues to handle rear duties and the tubular frame carries over unchanged.

The wheelbase of the new N160 variants stays unchanged at 1,348mm along with the ground clearance at 165mm, seat height at 795mm and kerb weight at 151kg across the entire N160 range, though power-to-weight climbs to 120.8bhp/tonne on the four-valve bikes from 104.5bhp/tonne on the two-valve model.

Bajaj has also upgraded the braking for the new N160 S and SS variants to help deal with the extra performance. The new Pulsar N160S and SS both sport a 300mm disc at the front,replacing the 280mm unit on the two-valve unit). At the rear, the N160 S sticks with a 130mm drum unit of the N160, while the N160 SS gets a 230mm disc.

The rear tyre also switches to a radial construction on the new bikes but is still sized at 130/70-17, while the 100/80-17 front tyre and 14-litre fuel tank are carried over unchanged from the two-valve N160.