Quick Analysis
Aprilia SR 160
6.0 pts
Unweighted: 8 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
Bajaj Pulsar NS160
28.0 pts
Unweighted: 16 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Air-cooled | Oil-cooled |
| Displacement | 160.03 cc | 160.3 cc |
| Engine Type | Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 3-valve, air-cooled. | Single Cylinder, 4-Valve, Twin Spark, DTS-i FI |
| Power | 11.27 PS @ 7100 rpm | 12.5 kW (17 PS) @ 9000 rpm |
| Torque | 13.44 Nm @ 5300 rpm | 14.6 Nm @ 7,250 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 6 L | 12 L |
| Mileage | 35 kmpl | 40.36 Kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 118 | 152 |
| Seat Height | 780 | 804 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Single-channel ABS | Dual-channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc 220 mm | Dual Channel ABS, 300 mm Disc |
| Front Suspension | Front fork with 30 mm inner tube | 37 mm Upside Down (USD) Fork (130 mm travel) |
| Rear Brake | Drum 140 mm | 230 mm Disc(ABS) |
| Rear Suspension | Mono-shock absorber | Nitrox Mono-shock |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 120/70-14 | 100/80-17 Tubeless |
| Rear Tyre | 120/70-14 | 130/70-17 Tubeless |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | LED | H4 Blue Tinge (12V 55/60W), With AHO (Auto Headlamps On) |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12V, 5 Ah | DC, 12V, 4 Ah VRLA |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/aprilia_sr_160_banner_carbon-scaled.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pearl-White-3.avif |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/aprilia_sr_160_banner_red-scaled.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pewter-grey.avif |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/aprilia_sr_160_banner_grey-scaled.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Wine-Red-3.avif |
| Bike Image 4 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/aprilia_sr_160_banner_blue-scaled.webp | — |
| Bike Image 5 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/aprilia_sr_160_banner_black-scaled.webp | — |
| Bike Image 6 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/aprilia_sr_160_banner_race-scaled.webp | — |
| Cluster | Fully digital | Semi-digital LCD |
| Color Options | SR CARBON | #687559, #000000 SR RACE | #f2180c, #000000 ENIGMA BLACK | #000000 VIBRANT BLUE | #0479cc STORM GREY | #b0b0b0 POWER RED | #f2180c ESSENCE WHITE | #fafaf7 | Ebony Black | #1B1B1B Pearl Metallic White | #F1F1ED Cocktail Wine Red | #7A1023 Pewter Grey | #6A6D70 |
| Cons | The suspension is on the stiffer side, making rough roads and broken patches feel more noticeable than on comfort-oriented scooters. Fuel efficiency is average, and riders looking for high mileage may be disappointed. Under-seat storage is limited, which reduces practicality for carrying larger items or a full-face helmet. The seat is slightly firm and not ideal for long rides, especially for pillion comfort. The pricing is on the premium side, so it may feel expensive compared to traditional commuter scooters. | Limited Top-End Performance – While strong in the mid-range, the motorcycle is not as exciting at higher RPMs as some performance-focused rivals. Engine Vibrations at Higher Speeds – Mild vibrations can become noticeable through the handlebar and footpegs during prolonged high-speed riding. Seat Comfort Could Be Better for Touring – The seat works well for commuting, but longer highway rides may feel tiring for some riders. Feature List Not Segment-Leading – Certain competitors offer Bluetooth connectivity, riding modes, TFT displays, or traction control systems. Pillion Comfort Is Average – The rear seat is usable for daily travel but may not feel ideal for extended two-up journeys. Wind Blast at Highway Speeds – As a naked street motorcycle, riders experience noticeable wind pressure at higher speeds. Gearbox Feel Could Be Smoother – Some riders report that gear shifts do not feel as refined as certain competitors in the segment. Headlamp Performance Could Be Better – While modern-looking, some users feel the headlamp throw could improve for highway night riding. |
| Detailed Overview | The Aprilia SR 160 is powered by a 160.03 cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke, 3-valve engine that runs air-cooled. That modest displacement might sound normal on paper, but the way this engine behaves in urban traffic and everyday use gives it a distinct identity, it never feels sluggish, and its refinement suits daily commuting well. The engine sends its output through a CVT (automatic) transmission with a dry centrifugal clutch, meaning rides are smooth and stress-free: no gear shifting, just twist-and-go, perfect for stop-and-go city traffic or quick bursts on open stretches. In real-world terms, you get just over 11 PS of power (officially, 11.27 PS at 7100 rpm on some spec-lists) and a torque output around 13.4 Nm (some sources quote 11.6 Nm at 6000 rpm, depending on variant), which provides enough low-end and mid-range punch for city rides and occasional highway runs. The stated fuel efficiency is about 35 km/l, which for a 160-cc sporty scooter represents a fair balance between performance and efficiency. The 6-litre fuel tank gives a reasonable range between refuels, making it practical for daily commuting or moderate distance rides without frequent stops at the pump. The chassis rides on a tubular steel frame, with a front suspension that uses a telescopic front fork (with 30 mm inner tube) and a rear mono-shock absorber. That setup gives the SR 160 a stable yet nimble ride: you feel confident navigating busy streets or weaving through traffic, and the suspension does a decent job absorbing typical road undulations. It’s not plush like a cruiser, but for an urban-centric sporty scooter, it strikes a comfortable middle ground — firm enough for stability, but forgiving enough for potholes and uneven roads. Braking duties are carried out by a 220 mm front disc and a 140 mm rear drum brake (on most standard variants). Higher trims come equipped with a single-channel ABS (or combined braking system), which enhances safety and gives confidence when braking suddenly — useful when you’re sharing chaotic traffic or need quick stops in unpredictable conditions. Alloy 14-inch wheels shod with tubeless 120/70-14 tyres both front and rear help maintain grip and control. That tyre size and wheel setup give decent stability during cornering or lane changes, and make everyday manoeuvring easier compared to bulky, heavy scooters. In terms of size and ergonomics, SR 160 stretches roughly 1,985 mm in length, with a wheelbase around 1,365 mm. The seat height sits at about 780 mm — a middle-of-the-road height that tends to suit a wide range of riders; it gives a semi-sporty riding stance while keeping it accessible for city traffic and frequent stops. The kerb weight is around 118–122 kg depending on trim, balancing lightness for agility with enough heft for stable rides when speed picks up or on rough patches. The electricals and features feel suitably modern. SR 160 gets a LED headlight (and typically LED tail-/parking lights), a digital or semi-digital instrument console with speedometer, odometer/tripmeter, fuel gauge/indicator, sometimes a fuel-economy readout, and other basic readouts. There’s under-seat storage and usually an accessory (like a USB charger in some markets) — practical touches for daily use. For starting the scooter, you get both kick and electric start, nice for reliability, especially in situations where battery strength might be compromised. Putting it all together, riding the Aprilia SR 160 feels like having a sporty-looking commuter that doesn’t compromise practicality. It isn’t a high-power beast, but its engine offers enough punch for city commuting and occasional longer rides; the CVT and air-cooled setup keep things simple and low-maintenance. Suspension and tyre setup deliver a balanced ride without being overly harsh or overly soft. Brakes give adequate stopping power, and ABS/CBS adds a layer of safety often missing in basic scooters. Its weight and dimensions strike a balance, light and nimble enough for city traffic, stable enough for comfort on rough roads. | The Pulsar NS160 has always felt slightly different from the average 160cc motorcycle, mainly because it borrows a lot from bigger street bikes instead of following the usual commuter-bike formula. Even today, the exposed perimeter frame, sharp tank shrouds, and underbelly exhaust give it a more mechanical and purposeful look than most motorcycles in its category. It does not look minimal or commuter-focused, and that visual character plays a big role in how the bike is perceived on the road. The motorcycle uses a 160.3cc single-cylinder engine with fuel injection and oil cooling. On paper, the numbers are fairly competitive for the segment, but the way the engine delivers power is more important than outright figures. Most of the usable performance sits in the mid-range, so the bike feels responsive in regular riding conditions like overtaking traffic, accelerating out of corners, or riding through open city roads. It does not chase extremely high top-end performance, but the engine feels energetic enough to keep the motorcycle engaging without becoming difficult to manage in daily use. A large part of the NS160’s identity comes from its chassis. Bajaj uses a perimeter frame instead of the simpler setups seen on many commuter motorcycles, and that changes the way the bike behaves while riding. The front end feels more planted while cornering, and the motorcycle remains fairly stable even when pushed harder than a typical city commuter usually would be. This is one of the reasons many riders still consider the NS160 one of the more enjoyable bikes in the segment from a handling perspective. The suspension setup consists of telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. The tuning is not especially soft, so the bike tends to feel firmer over rough roads and sharp potholes. On smoother roads, though, that same firmness helps the motorcycle feel controlled and stable. The wider tyres also contribute to that sense of grip and confidence, particularly while leaning into turns or riding at higher speeds. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes at both ends, and newer versions include dual-channel ABS. The braking feel is predictable during regular riding, and the addition of dual-channel ABS helps the motorcycle feel more secure during sudden braking situations, especially on wet or uneven surfaces. Despite the aggressive styling, the riding posture is not overly committed. The handlebar is positioned high enough to avoid putting excessive pressure on the wrists, and the seat height remains manageable for most riders. That balance makes the NS160 usable for everyday commuting while still retaining the slightly sporty feel the design suggests. The split-seat layout and compact tail section add to the visual appeal, although pillion comfort is average rather than especially spacious. The instrument console includes a digital display with information such as speed, fuel level, trip readings, and gear position indication. Recent updates have also added LED lighting and Bluetooth-based navigation support on certain variants, although the feature list remains less extensive than some newer competitors that focus heavily on connected technology. Overall, the NS160 feels more like a street motorcycle adapted for daily use than a commuter bike trying to look sporty. Its strongest points continue to be the chassis behaviour, mid-range performance, and the overall riding feel rather than outright specifications alone. |
| Expert Review | The Aprilia SR 160 is a sporty scooter that focuses more on performance than everyday comfort. Its 160cc engine delivers quick acceleration and a responsive feel, especially in city riding, while the lightweight body and 14-inch wheels make handling sharp and engaging. The suspension is slightly stiff, which helps in stability but can feel firm on rough roads. Braking performance is adequate with a front disc and single-channel ABS. However, the feature list remains basic, and practicality takes a back seat compared to more commuter-focused scooters., 3.9, MotoAutiv Team | The Pulsar NS160 still feels like one of the more engaging motorcycles in the 160cc segment, mainly because of the way its chassis behaves. The perimeter frame gives the bike a planted feel through corners, and the steering remains predictable even when ridden aggressively in traffic or on twisty roads. Its 160cc oil-cooled engine performs best in the mid-range, where throttle response feels lively enough for quick overtakes and daily commuting, although the top-end performance is less exciting than some rivals. The riding position strikes a reasonable compromise between sporty and comfortable, so the motorcycle does not become tiring in regular use. Ride quality is slightly on the firmer side, especially over sharp bumps, but the suspension setup helps the bike feel stable at higher speeds. The NS160 also benefits from mature styling that still looks purposeful without appearing overly aggressive. At the same time, the feature list now feels simpler compared to newer competitors offering connectivity features and more advanced electronics., 4.3, MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: Is the Aprilia SR 160 good for daily commuting? A: It can handle daily commutes, but it is more focused on performance than comfort, so it may feel slightly stiff over rough roads compared to typical commuter scooters. Q: What is the mileage of the Aprilia SR 160? A: The scooter offers a real-world mileage of around 30–35 km/l, depending on riding style and traffic conditions. Q: How is the performance of the Aprilia SR 160? A: Performance is one of its strong points, with quick acceleration and a responsive throttle that makes city riding more engaging. Q: Is the Aprilia SR 160 comfortable for long rides? A: It is not primarily designed for long-distance comfort, as the suspension is on the stiffer side and the seat is better suited for shorter rides. Q: Does the Aprilia SR 160 have good handling? A: Yes, it offers sharp handling and stability thanks to its lightweight body and larger wheels, making it enjoyable in corners. Q: What features does the Aprilia SR 160 offer? A: It comes with a semi-digital instrument cluster, LED lighting, and basic modern features, but lacks advanced connectivity options. Q: Is the Aprilia SR 160 suitable for beginners? A: Yes, it is easy to ride and manageable, but its sporty nature may feel slightly aggressive for completely new riders. Q: How does it compare to other scooters in the segment? A: It stands out for performance and handling, while many rivals offer better comfort, features, or fuel efficiency. Q: What are the common drawbacks of the Aprilia SR 160? A: Users often point out the stiff suspension, average mileage, and limited features as its main downsides. Q: Is the Aprilia SR 160 worth its price? A: It depends on what you value, if performance and sporty feel matter more than comfort and features, it fits well within that preference. | Q: What is the engine capacity of the Bajaj Pulsar NS160? A: The motorcycle is powered by a 160.3cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected, oil-cooled engine. Q: Is the Pulsar NS160 suitable for daily commuting? A: Yes. Its upright riding posture, manageable dimensions, and responsive mid-range performance make it practical for city riding. Q: What mileage does the Pulsar NS160 deliver? A: Most riders report real-world fuel efficiency between 40–50 kmpl, depending on riding style, traffic, and maintenance. Q: Does the Pulsar NS160 have dual-channel ABS? A: Yes. Recent versions come equipped with dual-channel ABS. Q: Is the Pulsar NS160 beginner-friendly? A: Yes. The motorcycle's predictable handling and manageable power delivery make it approachable for riders upgrading from commuter motorcycles. Q: What is the top speed of the Pulsar NS160? A: Under suitable conditions, the motorcycle can reach approximately 115–120 km/h. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the NS160? A: The motorcycle comes with a 12-litre fuel tank. Q: Does the Pulsar NS160 have Bluetooth connectivity? A: Selected newer variants offer Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation support. Q: How comfortable is the NS160 for long rides? A: The motorcycle can handle occasional highway rides comfortably, although the firmer suspension and compact seat may feel tiring over very long distances. Q: What type of motorcycle is the Pulsar NS160? A: It is classified as a streetfighter-style street motorcycle with sporty handling and commuter-friendly ergonomics. Q: How is the NS160 different from the Pulsar N160? A: The NS160 feels sportier and sharper in handling due to its perimeter frame and riding dynamics, while the N160 focuses more on refinement and everyday comfort. Q: Does the Pulsar NS160 vibrate at high speeds? A: Mild vibrations can be felt at higher RPMs and sustained highway speeds, particularly through the handlebars and footpegs. Q: Is the NS160 good for college students and young riders? A: Many riders prefer it for its sporty styling, manageable performance, and relatively affordable running costs. Q: Does the Pulsar NS160 have LED lighting? A: Recent versions include LED lighting elements, though equipment may vary depending on the variant and model year. Q: Are spare parts and servicing easily available? A: Yes. Bajaj has a widespread dealership and service network across India, making maintenance and spare parts access relatively convenient. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | STD | 120692 Carbon | 122991 Race | 129165 | Single Channel | 122897 Dual Channel USD | 131305 |
| Pros | The SR 160 offers strong acceleration and lively performance, making it one of the peppiest scooters in the 160cc class. Its sporty, aggressive design stands out on the road and appeals to riders who want a stylish, premium-looking scooter. The scooter feels very stable at higher speeds, thanks to its larger 14-inch wheels and firm suspension setup. Handling is sharp and confidence-inspiring, especially in city traffic where quick lane changes and gaps are common. The front disc brake and ABS provide solid stopping power and add an extra layer of safety during emergency braking. Build quality feels premium, and the scooter gives a sense of riding something more performance-focused than a typical commuter. | Strong Mid-Range Performance – The 160cc oil-cooled engine delivers responsive acceleration in the mid-range, making overtakes and urban riding feel effortless. Sharp Streetfighter Styling – Inspired by the larger NS-series motorcycles, the aggressive tank extensions, exposed perimeter frame, and muscular stance give the NS160 a sporty road presence. Good Handling Balance – The perimeter frame and suspension setup help the motorcycle feel stable while cornering and manageable in city traffic. Comfortable Riding Position – Despite its sporty appearance, the upright ergonomics and wide handlebar make it suitable for daily commuting and occasional longer rides. Refined Engine Character – The engine remains smooth through most of the rev range and provides predictable throttle response for everyday riding conditions. Dual-Channel ABS Availability – Recent versions include dual-channel ABS, improving braking confidence and safety during sudden stops. Good Ride Quality – The suspension setup absorbs most road imperfections effectively without making the motorcycle feel overly soft. Value-Oriented Feature Package – LED lighting, digital instrumentation, and sporty hardware help the NS160 offer a modern specification list within the segment. |
| Starter | Self start | Electric |
| Transmission | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| YouTube Video URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AZ6pX18eFw | — |
