Quick Analysis
Bajaj Pulsar N160
6.5 pts
Unweighted: 3 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
KTM RC 390
20.5 pts
Unweighted: 16 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Air-Cooled | Liquid cooling. Curved radiator with fans for better heat management |
| Displacement | 164.82 cc | 373.27 cc |
| Engine Type | 4 Stroke, Single Cylinder, SOHC, 2 Valve, Air Cooled, FI | Single Cylinder, Liquid Cooled, DOHC, FI Engine |
| Power | 16 PS @ 8750 rpm | 43.5 PS @ 9000 rpm |
| Torque | 14.65 Nm @ 6750 rpm | 37 Nm @ 7000 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14 L | 13.7 L |
| Mileage | 59.11 Kmpl | 29 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 152 | 172 |
| Seat Height | 795 | 835 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual‑channel ABS | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | 300 mm Disc | 320 mm Disc with Radially mounted calliper |
| Front Suspension | 37 mm Telescopic Forks | WP APEX USD forks, 43 mm diameter |
| Rear Brake | 230 mm Disc | 230 mm Disc with Floating calliper |
| Rear Suspension | Nitrox mono‑shock | WP APEX Monoshock, 10 step adjustable |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 100/80-17 Tubeless | 110/70 - 17 |
| Rear Tyre | 130/70‑17 Tubeless | 150/60 - 17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | Bi-functional Sealed LED projector HL with LED DRLs | LED Headlamp |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | — | 12 V, 8 AH MF battery |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Glossy-racing-red.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/GP-Edition-Blue.avif |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/SKy-blue.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Orange.avif |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Metallic-white.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/GP-Edition-Orange.avif |
| Cluster | Semi‑digital LCD | TFT Multifunction display |
| Color Options | Brooklyn Black | #1B1B1B Pearl Metallic White | #F4F4F0 Polar Sky Blue | #3A7BD5 Glossy Racing Red | #C1121F | Orange | #FF5A00 Blue | #1F3F8B GP Edition Blue | #1F3F8B, #FF5A00 GP Edition Orange | #FF5A00, #1F3F8B |
| Cons | Limited Top-End Performance – While the bike performs well in the city and mid-range, riders seeking strong high-speed acceleration may find the top-end performance less exciting than some rivals. Slightly Firm Rear Suspension – On badly broken roads and sharp bumps, some riders report that the rear suspension can feel firm, especially when riding solo. Weight Noticeable at Parking Speeds – Although manageable while riding, the motorcycle's weight can feel slightly noticeable during tight parking manoeuvres and low-speed handling. Pillion Comfort Could Be Better for Long Rides – The split-seat design provides adequate space, but extended journeys may feel less comfortable for the passenger compared to some commuter-focused motorcycles. Gear Shift Feel Not Always Consistent – A few owners have reported occasional stiffness in gear shifts, particularly before the motorcycle has been fully run-in. Limited Wind Protection – As a naked streetfighter, the N160 offers little protection from wind blast during sustained highway riding. Feature Availability Varies by Variant – Certain features such as Bluetooth connectivity and navigation are restricted to specific variants, which may create differences in equipment levels across the range. Engine Character Prioritizes Practicality – The tuning focuses on everyday usability and smoothness rather than outright sportiness, which may not appeal to riders looking for a more aggressive performance-oriented feel. | Heat Buildup: The single-cylinder engine can produce noticeable heat in heavy traffic or slow-moving city rides. Harsh Ride at Low Speeds: Stiff sport suspension can make daily commuting rough on bumpy or uneven roads. Aggressive Riding Posture: The forward-leaning position can be fatiguing for longer rides or casual commuting. Fuel Efficiency: The bike’s performance comes at a cost — real-world mileage is moderate when ridden aggressively. Maintenance Costs: Premium parts and periodic services (especially for the high-performance components) can be more expensive compared to typical middleweight bikes. Limited Comfort for Pillion: The rear seat is compact and not very comfortable for longer pillion rides. |
| Detailed Overview | The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is a street-naked motorcycle positioned in the 160cc segment and forms part of Bajaj’s newer generation of Pulsar models. It adopts a muscular design language inspired by larger motorcycles in the Pulsar N series, featuring sharp body panels, a sculpted fuel tank, compact tail section, and a projector-style LED headlamp setup. The motorcycle combines commuter-friendly dimensions with styling elements commonly associated with modern streetfighters, giving it a distinct appearance within its category. At the heart of the Pulsar N160 is a 164.82cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected, air-cooled engine. The engine produces approximately 16 PS of power and 14.65 Nm of torque, and is paired with a five-speed gearbox. The powertrain is tuned to provide accessible performance across everyday riding conditions, particularly in urban environments where smooth throttle response and low-to-mid-range torque are important. Fuel injection technology helps ensure consistent fuel delivery under varying operating conditions, while the air-cooled configuration contributes to mechanical simplicity and ease of maintenance. The motorcycle is built around a perimeter frame that serves as the foundation of its chassis. This frame design is intended to provide structural rigidity while supporting stable handling characteristics. Suspension duties are handled by telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock setup. Together, these components are designed to absorb road irregularities encountered during daily commuting while maintaining predictable behaviour through corners and changing road surfaces. The suspension tuning aims to balance rider comfort with handling stability across a variety of riding conditions. Braking performance is managed through disc brakes, with dual-channel ABS available on higher variants. The anti-lock braking system helps prevent wheel lock-up during sudden braking situations and contributes to controlled deceleration on different types of road surfaces. The motorcycle rides on alloy wheels fitted with tubeless tyres, a configuration commonly used for convenience and practicality in everyday riding scenarios. The Pulsar N160 incorporates a range of modern features depending on the selected variant. LED lighting is used for the headlamp, tail lamp, and daytime running lamps, improving visibility while contributing to the motorcycle’s contemporary appearance. A fully digital instrument console provides information such as speed, fuel level, odometer readings, trip information, gear position indicator, and other riding data. Certain variants also include Bluetooth connectivity, allowing access to functions such as call notifications, message alerts, and turn-by-turn navigation through a compatible smartphone. In terms of rider ergonomics, the motorcycle adopts an upright seating position with a wide handlebar and centrally positioned footpegs. This arrangement is designed to support comfort during daily commuting while maintaining adequate control during longer rides. The seat height of approximately 795 mm makes the motorcycle accessible to a broad range of riders, while the split-seat design accommodates both rider and passenger. A 14-litre fuel tank further supports everyday usability by reducing the frequency of fuel stops during regular travel. Combining a fuel-injected air-cooled engine, perimeter frame chassis, modern digital features, LED lighting, and streetfighter-inspired styling, the Bajaj Pulsar N160 represents a contemporary offering in the premium commuter motorcycle segment. Its specifications focus on balancing practicality, rider comfort, everyday performance, and modern technology for a wide range of riding requirements. | The KTM RC 390 is a fully faired motorcycle built around a 373cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. This engine produces close to 43 bhp and around 37 Nm of torque, and it is paired with a six-speed gearbox. The power delivery is spread across the rev range, with noticeable strength in the mid and top end, which becomes useful during highway riding and quick overtakes. The bike uses a ride-by-wire throttle system, which manages throttle input electronically, and it also comes with a slipper clutch that helps reduce sudden rear wheel movement during aggressive downshifts. The motorcycle is based on a steel trellis frame, which is designed to keep the weight low while maintaining structural strength. It is equipped with upside-down front forks from WP and a rear monoshock, both of which are tuned to handle higher speeds and cornering stability. The braking setup includes a large front disc and a rear disc, supported by dual-channel ABS. The ABS system also offers a Supermoto mode, which allows the rear ABS to be disengaged while keeping the front active. The bike rides on 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with tubeless tyres. In terms of design, the RC 390 features a fully faired body with a front section that includes a single LED headlamp and integrated indicators. The fairing is shaped to improve airflow around the rider and the engine area. The windscreen is slightly raised to provide some level of wind protection at higher speeds. The seat is split into two sections, with a slightly elevated rear portion, and the fuel tank is shaped to allow the rider to grip it while riding. The overall layout gives the bike a compact and focused appearance. The feature list includes a TFT display that shows information such as speed, gear position, fuel level, and trip data. It also supports smartphone connectivity for basic functions. Other electronic features include traction control, which helps manage wheel spin under acceleration. The bike has a fuel tank capacity of around 13.7 litres, and the kerb weight is approximately 172 kg. The seat height is around 824 mm, which affects how easily riders can place their feet on the ground. The riding position is set up with clip-on handlebars and rear-set footpegs, which creates a forward-leaning posture. This setup changes how the rider interacts with the bike, especially during longer rides or slow-moving traffic. Overall, the KTM RC 390 combines its engine, chassis, and electronic features into a package that is designed to deliver a certain type of riding experience, defined largely by its specifications and mechanical setup. |
| Expert Review | The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is built around a 164.82cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine paired with a five-speed gearbox. The engine focuses on delivering usable low- and mid-range performance, making it well-suited to urban traffic conditions where frequent acceleration and gear changes are common. Its perimeter frame provides a stable foundation, while the suspension setup balances ride comfort with predictable handling on a variety of road surfaces. The motorcycle features LED lighting, a digital instrument cluster, and dual-channel ABS on selected variants, adding modern functionality to the overall package. The upright riding posture, wide handlebar, and well-padded seat contribute to everyday comfort, while the fuel tank capacity and refined power delivery make it practical for regular commuting as well as occasional highway use. At higher speeds, riders may notice the lack of wind protection typical of naked motorcycles, and the engine's tuning prioritizes smoothness and accessibility over aggressive top-end performance. The N160 combines contemporary streetfight, 4.3, MotoAutiv Team | The KTM RC 390 is designed with a strong focus on performance and track-style riding, which is clear from its sharp fully faired design and aggressive riding posture. The low clip-on handlebars and rear-set footpegs place the rider in a forward-leaning position, offering better control at higher speeds but making slow city rides feel a bit demanding. Its 373cc single-cylinder engine delivers quick and energetic acceleration, especially in the mid and top range, and responds well to throttle inputs during overtakes or highway riding. The six-speed gearbox, along with a slipper clutch, helps in smoother shifts and better control while downshifting. Handling is one of its key strengths, with the bike feeling stable in corners and composed at higher speeds, supported by a lightweight frame and well-tuned suspension. Braking is predictable and confidence-inspiring, with disc brakes and dual-channel ABS adding to safety. It also comes with modern features like a TFT display and ride-by-wire throttle, though the overall setup leans more towards performance than everyday comfort, with a firm seat and committed riding position., 4.2, MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the engine capacity of the Bajaj Pulsar N160? A: The motorcycle is powered by a 164.82cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected, air-cooled engine paired with a 5-speed gearbox. Q: Is the Bajaj Pulsar N160 suitable for daily commuting? A: Yes. Its upright riding posture, smooth power delivery, and manageable dimensions make it suitable for everyday city riding. Q: What mileage does the Pulsar N160 deliver? A: Owners generally report real-world fuel efficiency between 45-55 kmpl, depending on riding style, traffic conditions, and maintenance. Q: Does the Pulsar N160 have dual-channel ABS? A: Yes. Higher variants come equipped with dual-channel ABS, while equipment may vary depending on the selected model. Q: Is the Pulsar N160 comfortable for long rides? A: The upright ergonomics, spacious seat, and stable chassis make it suitable for occasional highway rides and weekend trips. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the Pulsar N160? A: The motorcycle features a 14-litre fuel tank, helping reduce the frequency of fuel stops during regular use. Q: Does the Pulsar N160 have Bluetooth connectivity? A: Selected variants offer Bluetooth connectivity with features such as call alerts, message notifications, and turn-by-turn navigation. Q: What is the seat height of the Bajaj Pulsar N160? A: The seat height is approximately 795 mm, making it accessible to a wide range of riders. Q: Is the Pulsar N160 beginner-friendly? A: Yes. Its predictable power delivery, comfortable ergonomics, and manageable weight make it approachable for new riders. Q: How does the Pulsar N160 differ from the Pulsar N150? A: The N160 offers a more powerful engine, dual-channel ABS options, a perimeter frame, and a stronger focus on performance-oriented riding dynamics. Q: Does the Pulsar N160 vibrate at high speeds? A: Most riders find the engine relatively refined, though mild vibrations may be noticeable at higher RPMs and sustained highway speeds. Q: What type of riding is the Pulsar N160 best suited for? A: It is primarily designed for urban commuting, daily transportation, and occasional highway journeys. Q: Are spare parts and service support easily available? A: Yes. Bajaj has an extensive dealership and service network across India, making routine maintenance and parts availability relatively convenient. Q: What are the key features of the Bajaj Pulsar N160? A: Depending on the variant, features include LED lighting, a digital instrument console, Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, USB charging, and dual-channel ABS. Q: Does the Pulsar N160 offer good highway stability? A: The perimeter frame and chassis setup help the motorcycle maintain stability and predictable handling at typical highway cruising speeds. | Q: What is the engine specification of the KTM RC 390? A: The RC 390 is powered by a 373.27 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine. Q: How much power and torque does KTM RC 390 produce? A: KTM RC 390 generates approximately 43.5 PS at 9,000 rpm and 37 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and mileage of the RC 390? A: The bike has a 13.7-litre fuel tank. Q: What type of brakes and safety features does the KTM RC 390 come with? A: It features a 320 mm front disc and a 230 mm rear disc, paired with dual-channel ABS and a Supermoto mode for the ABS system. Q: What suspension setup does the RC 390 have? A: It uses WP APEX 43 mm USD forks at the front and a 10-step adjustable WP APEX monoshock at the rear. Q: What is the seat height and kerb weight of the RC 390? A: The seat height is 835 mm and the kerb weight is 172 kg. Q: Does the RC 390 support quick shifting and a slipper clutch? A: Yes, it comes with a slipper and assist clutch to make downshifts smoother and reduce rear-wheel chatter. Q: What electronic rider aids are available on the RC 390? A: The RC 390 offers several aids, including Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC), cornering ABS, and Quickshifter+. Q: What kind of instrument cluster does KTM RC 390 have? A: It features a TFT multifunction display that shows info like speed, rpm, gear position, fuel range, and more. Q: Is the KTM RC 390 suitable for both city riding and weekend rides? A: Yes, it’s designed to be sporty and rider-focused, making it agile enough for city commuting, while its power and handling also make it a capable pick for weekend rides. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Electronic Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | Single Channel Single Seat | 116142 Dual Channel Single Seat | 118909 Dual Channel Single Seat USD | 124549 Dual Channel Split Seat USD | 128496 | GP Edition | 322719 STD | 323068 |
| Pros | Refined Engine Performance – The 164.82cc Air-cooled engine delivers smooth power delivery with minimal vibrations, making it suitable for both city commuting and occasional highway rides. Strong Low and Mid-Range Torque – The engine produces usable torque at lower and mid RPMs, allowing riders to accelerate comfortably in traffic without frequent gear shifts. Comfortable Riding Ergonomics – The upright handlebar position, well-placed footpegs, and spacious seat create a relaxed riding posture for daily use. Confident Braking Performance – Dual-channel ABS variants provide controlled and predictable braking, enhancing rider confidence during sudden stops and wet-road conditions. Stable Handling Characteristics – The chassis feels planted through corners and remains composed at higher speeds, contributing to a balanced riding experience. Modern Feature Package – Features such as LED lighting, digital instrumentation, smartphone connectivity, and turn-by-turn navigation on select variants add convenience to everyday riding. Good Ride Quality – The suspension setup absorbs most road imperfections effectively, helping maintain comfort on uneven urban roads. Muscular Streetfighter Styling – The sharp tank extensions, projector LED headlamp, and aggressive bodywork give the motorcycle a distinctive street-naked appearance. | High Power for Its Class: With a 373cc single-cylinder engine, the RC 390 delivers blistering performance and is one of the most powerful in its segment. Aggressive Sport Styling: Fully-faired design, sharp lines, and MotoGP-inspired graphics make it visually striking. Premium Components: Equipped with WP suspension, a slipper/assist clutch, and a responsive quickshifter, giving a premium feel at this displacement. Modern Electronics: Features like Traction Control (MTC), cornering ABS, ride-by-wire throttle, and Quickshifter+ boost both safety and performance. Excellent Braking: Strong braking performance using a 320 mm front disc and dual-channel ABS ensures high safety. TFT Instrument Cluster: A full-color display provides essential information and adds a modern touch to the cockpit. Excellent Handling: Lightweight frame and sporty geometry result in agile, confidence-inspiring cornering and performance. |
| Starter | Electric | Self Start Only |
| Transmission | 5‑speed manual | 6 Speed Manual |
