Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 vs KTM 160 Duke Spec Comparison: What’s Different?

If you're looking for a premium 160cc street motorcycle with sharp performance or a value-for-money machine for everyday riding, the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and the KTM 160 Duke are two compelling options.

While the Pulsar NS160 focuses on affordability, practicality and proven reliability, the KTM 160 Duke brings a more performance-oriented package with a powerful engine, premium hardware and aggressive styling. Both motorcycles cater to young enthusiasts but target different kinds of buyers. In this comparison, we take a closer look at their engine specifications, dimensions, features, suspension, braking setup and pricing to find out which 160cc naked bike offers the better overall package.

The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is priced from Rs 1.20 lakh (ex-showroom), making it the more affordable option in the segment.

In comparison, the KTM 160 Duke carries a starting price of Rs 1.70 lakh (ex-showroom).

Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 vs KTM 160 Duke: Dimensions

The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 measures 2,017mm in length, 804mm in width, 1,060mm in height and has a wheelbase spanning 1,372mm. The street bike gets a ground clearance of 170mm. The motorcycle has a seat height of 805mm and a kerb weight of 152 kg.

The KTM 160 Duke comes with a 1,357mm wheelbase and 174mm ground clearance. It has a seat height of 815mm, a kerb weight of 147 kg, and a 10.1-litre fuel tank, making it a well-balanced motorcycle for everyday riding as well as spirited performance.

The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is powered by a 160cc oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 17 PS of power at 9,000 rpm and 14.6 Nm of peak torque, paired with a 5-speed gearbox.

In comparison, the KTM 160 Duke gets a 164.2cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine, derived from the larger Duke 200. It delivers 19 PS (18.73 bhp) at 9,500 rpm and 15.5 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 rpm, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

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Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 vs KTM 160 Duke: Features

The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 comes loaded with features such as a Bluetooth-enabled digital instrument console with turn-by-turn navigation and ABS ride modes. It also gets all-LED lighting, USD front forks, a Nitrox monoshock with canister, dual-channel ABS, a 300mm front disc and 230mm rear disc, a USB charging port, and a 12-litre fuel tank.

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The KTM 160 Duke, meanwhile, offers a more premium hardware package with a 320mm front disc brake with a radial caliper, a 230mm rear disc with a floating caliper, and dual-channel ABS with SuperMoto mode. Other highlights include a split-steel trellis frame, LCD/TFT instrument display, LED headlamp with DRLs, and a slipper clutch. The motorcycle is available in Atlantic Blue, Metallic Silver, and Electronic Orange colour options.