Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS First Ride Review: Sporty Looks, More Tech And City-Friendly Performance
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS brings a sharper look, a new 4-valve engine, electronic throttle control, multiple riding modes and a 5-inch TFT display to the Pulsar N160 range. But does this feature-rich update make it a better all-round commuter?
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Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS First Ride Review
The Pulsar name has been around for long enough to become almost synonymous with sporty commuter motorcycles in India. Over the years, Bajaj has continuously evolved the formula, adding more performance, sharper styling and, increasingly, more technology.
The latest Pulsar N160 SS takes that approach further. Priced at Rs 1.43 lakh (ex-showroom), it sits alongside the N160 but adds a sportier appearance and a more comprehensive feature list. On paper, it has most of the ingredients that today's urban rider could ask for: a modern 4-valve engine, electronic throttle control, multiple riding modes, smartphone connectivity and a TFT instrument cluster. But beyond the specification sheet, how does it feel to ride?
The Pulsar N160 SS retains most of its original styling
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Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS Design: Familiar Pulsar Styling With A Sportier Edge
The N160 SS doesn't completely reinvent the Pulsar design language. Instead, it builds on the styling cues that have become familiar across the range. The sculpted front end houses an LED projector headlamp, while the tank shrouds flow neatly into the rest of the motorcycle.
The chunky pillion grab rails don't just look good, but add functional value as well
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The rear section gets a broader appearance, complemented by chunky pillion grab rails and a 130-section rear tyre. The result is a motorcycle that looks substantial without becoming unnecessarily bulky. It still has the unmistakable Pulsar identity, but the sportier detailing gives the N160 SS enough visual differentiation to appeal to riders looking for something more than a basic commuter.
The N160 SS is equipped with a 4-valve engine design
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Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS Engine And Performance: 18.5 PS For Everyday Riding
The N160 SS is powered by a 164.9cc, four-valve engine producing 18.5 PS and 14.4 Nm of torque. The move to a four-valve setup allows Bajaj to extract more peak power from the engine, although the torque figure is lower than before and arrives higher up the rev range.
For city riding, however, the engine's character works reasonably well. Power delivery is smooth and predictable, making it easy to navigate traffic and accelerate away from junctions without constantly working the gearbox.
The top end of the rev band introduces mild vibrations into the handlebars
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Push harder towards the top end and the limitations become more apparent. There is some strain under heavy throttle, accompanied by mild vibrations, which takes away some of the excitement when you are riding more aggressively. That means the N160 SS feels most at home as a quick and refined urban motorcycle rather than a machine designed for sustained high-speed riding.
Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS Riding Experience: Built For The City
The N160 SS's ergonomics are one of its stronger points. It has a compact, slightly chunky feel that wraps around the rider, creating a sense of confidence at low and medium speeds. This is particularly useful in dense city traffic, where frequent changes in direction and quick manoeuvres are part of everyday riding.
The Pulsar N160 SS makes dealing with everyday traffic easier
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The gearbox is slick and easy to operate, while the clutch action is light. Together, these characteristics make stop-and-go traffic considerably less tiring. The motorcycle also feels approachable without being completely stripped of character. There is enough performance to make city riding enjoyable, but the controls remain easy to manage for everyday use.
Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS Riding Modes: More Versatility With Electronic Throttle
One of the biggest technological changes is the introduction of electronic throttle control. This allows Bajaj to offer multiple riding modes, including Road, Rain, Sport and Off-road modes, along with a Tour mode that focuses on fuel-efficiency monitoring.
The different modes alter the motorcycle's behaviour depending on the riding conditions. It is a useful addition for a motorcycle that is primarily designed for everyday use, giving riders the ability to tailor the response to different situations.
Navigating menus to change ride modes can be cumbersome while riding
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However, there is one usability issue. Accessing and changing riding modes requires navigating through the instrument cluster's menus. That can become inconvenient when you want to make a quick adjustment while riding. The technology is certainly impressive for this segment, but the interface could be more intuitive.
Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS TFT Display: More Technology In The Commuter Segment
The new 5-inch TFT instrument cluster is another major upgrade. It gives the N160 SS a more premium feel and provides access to features including smartphone connectivity and Google Maps mirroring. This makes navigation and connected functions considerably more convenient than what you typically get on a motorcycle in this segment.
The TFT screen makes the whole motorcycle feel more premium
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It also helps differentiate the N160 SS from simpler commuter motorcycles, where digital displays are often limited to basic information. Quite simply, the addition of a TFT display with connectivity is a significant step forward for the Pulsar N160 range.
Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS Comfort And Ergonomics: Good For The Daily Commute
The dual-seat setup gets wide and well-cushioned seats, making the N160 SS comfortable for shorter urban rides. The seating position also gives the rider a confident view of the road and makes it easy to manoeuvre through traffic.
The pillion gets a reasonably accommodating seat as well, which is important for a motorcycle likely to be used as a family commuter.
However, the softness of the cushioning could become an issue over longer distances. While it feels comfortable initially, the seat may not offer the same level of support required for extended highway riding.
This reinforces the N160 SS's identity as a city-focused motorcycle rather than a dedicated touring machine.
Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS Verdict: A Feature-Rich Urban Pulsar
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS is an interesting evolution of the Pulsar 160 formula. It retains the familiar styling and everyday usability that have made the Pulsar name so popular, while adding a more sophisticated engine, electronic throttle control, multiple riding modes and a feature-rich TFT display.
The Pulsar N160 SS has kept its identity intact while featuring meaningful changes
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The motorcycle works particularly well in the environment it is designed for. Its light clutch, smooth gearbox, approachable ergonomics and predictable power delivery make it easy to live with in city traffic.
There are some shortcomings. The engine can feel strained when pushed hard towards the top end, and mild vibrations take away some of the refinement at higher revs. The soft seat may also limit its appeal for long-distance touring, while the menu-based riding mode selection could be easier to operate. But these aren't deal-breaking flaws for a motorcycle primarily aimed at urban riders.
The strained top-end of the N160 SS does mean that it's not suited for touring
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At Rs 1.43 lakh (ex-showroom), the N160 SS brings a strong combination of styling, technology and everyday usability to the Pulsar family. It may not be the motorcycle to choose if outright performance or long-distance touring is the priority, but for riders looking for a stylish, comfortable and tech-loaded commuter with a sporty edge, the N160 SS makes a convincing case for itself.
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