Quick Analysis
Bajaj Pulsar N250
16.5 pts
Unweighted: 10 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
KTM 160 DUKE
10.5 pts
Unweighted: 9 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Oil‑cooled | Liquid Cooled |
| Displacement | 249.07 cc | 164.2 cc |
| Engine Type | Single cylinder, 4 stroke, SOHC, 2 valve, Oil cooled, FI | Liquid Cooled, 4 stroke, Single Cylinder, SOHC, Internal Combustion Engine |
| Power | 18 kW (24.5 PS) @ 8750 rpm | 19 Ps @ 9500 rpm |
| Torque | 21.5 Nm @ 6,500 rpm | 15.5 Nm at 7500 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14 L | 10.1 L |
| Mileage | 39 Kmpl | 36.5 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 164 | 147 |
| Seat Height | 795 | 815 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual‑channel ABS | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | 300 mm Disc | Disc, Radial caliper, 320mm |
| Front Suspension | USD telescopic fork (37 mm) | USD Front Fork, 138.2 mm |
| Rear Brake | 230 mm Disc | Disc, Floating caliper, 230mm |
| Rear Suspension | Nitrox mono‑shock | Monoshock Suspension, 160.98 mm |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 110/70–17 Tubeless | 110/70 - 17 |
| Rear Tyre | 140/70–17 Tubeless | 140/60 - R17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | Bi functional LED projector headlamp with LED DRLs | LED HEADLAMP |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12 V, 8 Ah VRLA | 12 V 8 AH Maintenance free Exide/Amaron |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Red-6.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/atlantic-blue.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/White-3.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/silver-matte.webp |
| Cluster | Fully digital LCD | LCD Speedo |
| Color Options | Glossy Racing Red | #C1121F Pearl Metallic White | #F4F4F0 Brooklyn Black | #1B1B1B | Electronic Orange | #FF5A00 Silver Metallic Matte | #1F3F8B Atlantic Blue | #8A8F98 |
| Cons | Limited Top-End Excitement – While the engine performs strongly in the mid-range, some enthusiasts feel it lacks the aggressive high-RPM character found in certain rivals. Gearbox Could Feel More Precise – Some riders have reported that gear shifts are not always as slick or crisp as those offered by a few competing motorcycles. Suspension Can Feel Firm on Sharp Bumps – The setup generally balances comfort and handling well, but harsh potholes and broken roads can occasionally be felt through the chassis. No Wind Protection at Highway Speeds – As a naked streetfighter, the motorcycle exposes the rider to wind blast during prolonged high-speed riding. Pillion Comfort Is Average for Touring – While suitable for daily use, the rear seat may not be the most accommodating option for extended two-up journeys. Feature Availability Depends on Variant – Certain features such as traction control, riding modes, and connectivity functions may be restricted to specific versions. Weight Noticeable During Parking Manoeuvres – Although manageable while riding, the motorcycle's weight can feel slightly noticeable when pushing it around in tight spaces. Competition Offers More Premium Hardware – Some rivals in the segment provide features such as upside-down forks, more advanced electronics, or liquid-cooled engines, depending on the price point. | Short gearing limits top speed: The bike’s gearing is tuned for quick acceleration, but this hurts its highway performance and top-end speed. Firm seat: Multiple users note that the seat is firm, which may lead to discomfort on longer trips. Basic instrument console: The LCD display is functional but lacks the premium feel of a color TFT screen. Price premium: It’s relatively expensive for its displacement, making it less value-focused compared to some rivals. Rear ABS not always active: While it has dual-channel ABS, the supermoto mode allows disabling rear ABS, which may be a safety concern for some. |
| Detailed Overview | Within India’s growing 250cc motorcycle segment, the Bajaj Pulsar N250 occupies a space that bridges the gap between everyday commuter motorcycles and larger performance-oriented street bikes. It has been developed to offer a combination of practical usability, modern technology, and accessible performance, making it suitable for riders who require a motorcycle capable of handling both urban travel and highway riding. The N250 also represents one of the more feature-rich offerings in the Pulsar lineup, incorporating updated styling and contemporary equipment alongside a larger-capacity engine. The motorcycle draws attention with its muscular design language. A sculpted fuel tank, sharp tank shrouds, projector LED headlamp, and compact rear section contribute to its modern street-bike appearance. The bodywork follows an aggressive yet functional approach, with exposed mechanical components and minimal fairing panels emphasizing its naked-bike design. LED lighting is used throughout, including the headlamp, daytime running lights, and tail lamp, enhancing visibility while complementing the overall styling. At the heart of the Pulsar N250 is a 249.07cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected, oil-cooled engine paired with a five-speed gearbox. The engine produces approximately 24.5 PS of power and 21.5 Nm of torque. Fuel injection helps ensure precise fuel delivery and consistent throttle response across varying riding conditions, while the oil-cooling system assists in regulating operating temperatures during extended use. The engine characteristics focus on delivering usable performance throughout the rev range, particularly in low- and mid-range speeds where most daily riding takes place. Supporting the engine is a tubular frame chassis designed to provide a balance between stability and manoeuvrability. Suspension duties are handled by upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock suspension system. This setup is intended to absorb road imperfections while maintaining predictable handling characteristics. Whether navigating city streets, uneven surfaces, or open highways, the suspension and chassis work together to provide controlled road manners and rider confidence. Braking responsibilities are managed by disc brakes at both ends, complemented by dual-channel ABS as standard equipment. The anti-lock braking system helps reduce the possibility of wheel lock-up under hard braking conditions and assists riders in maintaining control. Recent versions of the motorcycle also include traction control, which monitors rear-wheel grip and intervenes when excessive wheel slip is detected. Riding modes are available as well, allowing riders to adjust throttle response characteristics according to different riding requirements. The feature list includes a digital instrument console that displays information such as speed, fuel level, gear position, trip information, distance-to-empty data, and other ride-related details. Bluetooth connectivity on selected variants enables smartphone integration, providing call alerts, message notifications, and navigation assistance. These features are designed to improve convenience while maintaining a rider-focused interface. Comfort remains an important aspect of the motorcycle’s design. The upright riding posture, wide handlebar, and centrally positioned footpegs create a relaxed seating position for everyday use. A seat height of approximately 795 mm makes the motorcycle accessible to a wide variety of riders, while the split-seat arrangement provides accommodation for both rider and passenger. The 14-litre fuel tank further supports longer journeys by reducing the frequency of refuelling stops. With its 249cc engine, modern electronics, advanced safety features, and street-focused design, the Bajaj Pulsar N250 offers a specification package that caters to a broad range of riding scenarios within the 250cc motorcycle category. | The KTM Duke 160 is a naked street motorcycle that sits in the 160cc segment and follows the same design language seen on larger Duke models. It uses a 164cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that is paired with a six-speed gearbox. The engine produces around 19 bhp and 14.7 Nm of torque, which places it among the more powerful options in its category. The power delivery is tuned to be responsive in city riding conditions, especially in the mid-range, which helps during frequent acceleration and overtaking. The gearbox is designed to offer smooth shifts, and the inclusion of a slipper clutch helps reduce wheel hop during downshifts. In terms of hardware, the Duke 160 is built on a lightweight steel trellis frame, which is a key part of its overall structure. This frame is combined with upside-down (USD) front forks and a rear monoshock suspension. The suspension setup is tuned to balance stability and everyday usability. The bike rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, fitted with tubeless tyres. For braking, it comes with a disc brake at both ends along with single-channel ABS, which is designed to improve safety during sudden braking situations. The design of the Duke 160 closely follows the sharp and angular styling seen across KTM’s lineup. It features a split LED headlamp with integrated daytime running lights, a sculpted fuel tank, and exposed frame elements that give it a mechanical look. The tail section is compact and slightly raised, and the overall stance of the bike is upright yet sporty. The seat height is around 818 mm, and the kerb weight is approximately 148 kg, which makes it relatively manageable in terms of handling and movement in traffic. On the feature side, the bike comes with a fully digital LCD instrument cluster that displays information such as speed, gear position, fuel level, and trip details. It also includes features like side-stand engine cut-off and an engine kill switch. The fuel tank capacity is around 13.4 litres, which is suitable for daily commuting as well as moderate-distance rides. The riding posture is slightly forward-leaning, with rear-set footpegs and a wide handlebar, which affects how the rider is positioned during longer journeys. Overall, the KTM Duke 160 is designed with a focus on combining a relatively compact engine with a lightweight frame and modern components. |
| Expert Review | The Bajaj Pulsar N250 is powered by a 249.07cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine paired with a 5-speed gearbox, delivering a torque-focused riding experience that is particularly noticeable in city traffic and during highway overtakes. The motorcycle's perimeter frame, wide handlebar, and upright ergonomics contribute to stable handling and rider comfort across a variety of road conditions. Features such as a digital instrument console, LED lighting, traction control, riding modes, and Bluetooth connectivity on selected variants bring modern functionality to the package. The suspension setup is tuned to balance ride comfort and control, while the braking system with dual-channel ABS provides predictable stopping performance. The engine emphasizes smooth power delivery and mid-range usability rather than aggressive high-rev performance, and the naked streetfighter design means riders experience noticeable wind blast at higher speeds. Overall, the N250 combines contemporary styling, everyday practicality, modern features, and accessible performance., 4.4, MotoAutiv Team | The KTM Duke 160 is a sporty and sharp-looking bike that carries the same aggressive design as its bigger siblings, so it doesn’t feel like a small motorcycle on the road. Its 164cc engine feels smooth yet quick, especially in city riding where it responds well and makes traffic riding easy. The handling is one of its strongest points, it feels light, stable, and confident while taking turns, which makes it enjoyable for both new and experienced riders. The suspension manages a good balance between comfort and sportiness, though the rear brake could have offered better feedback. For daily use, it is practical enough with comfortable ergonomics, but the price feels slightly on the higher side for its segment. Overall, the Duke 160 focuses more on delivering a fun riding experience rather than being the most value-for-money option., 4.7, MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the engine capacity of the Bajaj Pulsar N250? A: The motorcycle is powered by a 249.07cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected, oil-cooled engine. Q: Is the Pulsar N250 suitable for daily commuting? A: Yes. The upright riding position, manageable dimensions, and strong low- and mid-range torque make it practical for everyday city use. Q: What mileage does the Pulsar N250 deliver? A: Most owners report a real-world fuel efficiency of around 32–40 kmpl, depending on riding style, traffic conditions, and maintenance. Q: Does the Pulsar N250 have dual-channel ABS? A: Yes. The motorcycle is equipped with dual-channel ABS as standard. Q: Does the Pulsar N250 offer traction control? A: Yes. Recent versions include traction control to help manage wheel slip under certain riding conditions. Q: Does the Pulsar N250 feature riding modes? A: Yes. Select variants offer riding modes that adjust throttle response characteristics for different riding situations. Q: Is the Pulsar N250 comfortable for long rides? A: The upright ergonomics, spacious seat, and stable chassis make it suitable for highway travel and weekend touring. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the Bajaj Pulsar N250? A: The motorcycle comes with a 14-litre fuel tank, providing a useful riding range between refuelling stops. Q: What is the seat height of the Pulsar N250? A: The seat height is approximately 795 mm, making it accessible to a wide variety of riders. Q: Does the Pulsar N250 have Bluetooth connectivity? A: Selected variants include Bluetooth connectivity for call alerts, message notifications, and turn-by-turn navigation. Q: Is the Pulsar N250 beginner-friendly? A: Riders with basic motorcycling experience can adapt to the motorcycle comfortably, thanks to its predictable power delivery and manageable ergonomics. Q: How does the Pulsar N250 differ from the Pulsar NS200? A: The N250 offers a larger engine, stronger torque delivery, modern electronics, and a more relaxed riding posture, while the NS200 has a more rev-happy performance character. Q: Does the Pulsar N250 vibrate at highway speeds? A: Most riders consider the engine reasonably refined, though mild vibrations may become noticeable at higher RPMs and sustained high speeds. Q: What type of motorcycle is the Pulsar N250? A: It is classified as a naked streetfighter or sports commuter, designed to balance everyday practicality with sporty performance. Q: Are spare parts and service support easily available? A: Yes. Bajaj's extensive dealership and service network across India generally ensures good parts availability and maintenance support. | Q: What is the engine capacity and power output of the KTM 160 Duke? A: It has a 164.2 cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces about 19 PS at 9,500 rpm. Q: What is the torque figure of the 160 Duke? A: The peak torque is 15.5 Nm at 7,500 rpm. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of KTM 160 Duke? A: The bike has a fuel tank capacity of 10.1 litres. Q: What is the seat height and ground clearance of KTM 160 Duke? A: The seat height is 815 mm, and the ground clearance is 174 mm. Q: What kind of brakes and ABS does KTM 160 Duke come with? A: It comes with a 320 mm front disc and 230 mm rear disc, and has dual-channel ABS (with off-road ABS mode). Q: Does the 160 Duke have a modern instrument cluster and connectivity? A: Yes, it features a 5-inch LCD screen with Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, and KTM Connect app integration. Q: What is the kerb weight of the KTM 160 Duke? A: The kerb weight (unloaded weight) is around 147 kg. Q: What is the expected mileage of the 160 Duke? A: According to KTM, the mileage is around 37 km/l. Q: What is the price of the KTM 160 Duke? A: The ex-showroom price is approximately ₹ 1.74 lakh. Q: What features does KTM 160 Duke have to set it apart in the entry-level performance bike segment? A: It has premium features such as WP USD front forks, a trellis frame, off-road ABS mode, LED lighting, and a slipper & assist clutch. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Electronic Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | STD | 136974 | STD | 174368 TFT | 182360 |
| Pros | Strong Mid-Range Performance – The 249cc engine delivers ample torque in the mid-range, making overtaking and highway cruising feel effortless without frequent gear changes. Refined Engine Character – Riders often appreciate the smooth power delivery and relatively low vibration levels compared to many motorcycles in the segment. Comfortable Riding Ergonomics – The upright seating position, wide handlebar, and well-cushioned seat provide comfort for daily commuting as well as longer rides. Stable Highway Manners – The motorcycle feels planted at higher speeds, giving riders confidence during highway journeys and fast-moving traffic conditions. Light and Predictable Handling – Despite its engine capacity, the N250 remains easy to manoeuvre in city traffic and offers confidence-inspiring cornering behaviour. Feature-Rich Package – Depending on the variant, features such as traction control, riding modes, a digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB charging add modern functionality. Good Ride Quality – The suspension setup absorbs most road imperfections effectively while maintaining stability on uneven surfaces. Attractive Streetfighter Styling – The muscular fuel tank, LED projector headlamp, and sharp bodywork give the motorcycle a distinctive road presence. Practical for Everyday Use – The combination of manageable power, comfortable ergonomics, and reasonable fuel efficiency makes it suitable for a wide range of riding conditions. | Rev-happy, fun engine: The 164 cc liquid-cooled engine produces about 19 PS and feels very lively, especially when pushed. Excellent handling: Lightweight trellis frame (147 kg) paired with good-quality WP suspension gives very agile and precise cornering. Premium braking setup: It comes with a large 320 mm front disc and dual-channel ABS + supermoto mode for confident and versatile braking. Modern, useful features: Full LED lighting, slip-and-assist clutch, digital LCD display, and optional Bluetooth connectivity via KTM Connect. Good low-end tractability: A large portion of torque is available at low RPMs, which makes it very manageable in city traffic. Improved heat management: Bigger radiator keeps engine heat under check, even in traffic-heavy conditions. |
| Starter | Electric | Self Start Only |
| Transmission | Manual 5‑speed | 6 Speed Manual |
