Quick Analysis
Bajaj Pulsar NS160
26.5 pts
Unweighted: 17 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
Aprilia Storm 125
3.5 pts
Unweighted: 3 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Oil-cooled | Air‑cooled |
| Displacement | 160.3 cc | 124.45 cc |
| Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4-Valve, Twin Spark, DTS-i FI | Single‑cylinder, 4‑stroke, air‑cooled, 3‑valve |
| Power | 12.5 kW (17 PS) @ 9000 rpm | 9.92 PS @ 7700 rpm |
| Torque | 14.6 Nm @ 7,250 rpm | 9.7 Nm @ 6000 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L | 6.5 L |
| Mileage | 40.36 Kmpl | 40 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 152 | 118 |
| Seat Height | 804 | 780 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual-channel ABS | No, CBS |
| Front Brake | Dual Channel ABS, 300 mm Disc | Ø 220 mm disc with hydraulic control assisted by CBS |
| Front Suspension | 37 mm Upside Down (USD) Fork (130 mm travel) | Hydraulic double-telescopic fork |
| Rear Brake | 230 mm Disc(ABS) | Ø 140 mm drum brake |
| Rear Suspension | Nitrox Mono-shock | Mono Shock Absorber |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 100/80-17 Tubeless | 120/80‑12 |
| Rear Tyre | 130/70-17 Tubeless | 130/80‑12 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | H4 Blue Tinge (12V 55/60W), With AHO (Auto Headlamps On) | LED |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | DC, 12V, 4 Ah VRLA | 12 V / 5 Ah |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pearl-White-3.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sr_storm_yellow-scaled.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pewter-grey.avif | — |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Wine-Red-3.avif | — |
| Cluster | Semi-digital LCD | Analogue + digital console |
| Color Options | Ebony Black | #1B1B1B Pearl Metallic White | #F1F1ED Cocktail Wine Red | #7A1023 Pewter Grey | #6A6D70 | Matte Red | #e3292f Matte Yellow| #ffff00 |
| Cons | 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. | The seat is firm and compact, which can feel less comfortable on longer rides or with a pillion. The suspension is firm, so rough or pothole-laden roads transmit more bumps to the rider. Fuel tank capacity is modest at 6.5 litres, limiting range for longer trips. Storage space is limited, restricting the ability to carry larger items or full-face helmets comfortably. Being a smaller-displacement scooter, highway cruising is limited, and top speeds are moderate. |
| Detailed Overview | 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. | The Aprilia Storm 125 is positioned as a 125cc scooter that combines everyday usability with a slightly rugged and sporty design approach. At its core, it uses a 124.45cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produces close to 10 PS of power and around 9.7 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a CVT automatic transmission, which keeps the riding experience simple and smooth, especially in city traffic. The throttle response feels linear, and while it is not tuned for aggressive performance, it delivers enough power for regular commuting, short bursts of acceleration, and occasional overtakes. One of the distinguishing aspects of the Storm 125 is its design and tyre setup. Unlike most scooters in this segment, it features chunkier, wider tyres that are intended to offer better grip on uneven or broken roads. This, combined with its slightly upright riding stance, gives the scooter a more planted feel when riding over rough patches or poorly maintained streets. The suspension setup consists of telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear, which is tuned to handle typical urban road conditions. It manages bumps reasonably well, although sharper potholes can still be felt depending on speed. The overall dimensions and weight make it manageable for a wide range of riders. Its lightweight construction helps with maneuverability in traffic and makes it easier to handle at low speeds. The seat height is accessible, and the riding posture is neutral, allowing riders to sit upright without putting too much strain on the back or wrists. This makes it suitable for daily commutes, short errands, and general urban usage. In terms of braking, the Storm 125 comes with a front disc brake and a rear drum brake, supported by a combined braking system (CBS). This setup provides adequate stopping power for city riding conditions and helps maintain stability during braking. The 12-inch wheels also contribute to balance and control, especially when navigating through crowded streets. The feature list on the Storm 125 is relatively simple compared to some of its competitors. It includes a semi-digital instrument cluster that displays essential information such as speed, fuel level, and trip details. The lighting setup is conventional, and there are no advanced connectivity features like Bluetooth or navigation. Storage space is also fairly standard, with under-seat storage that is enough for basic daily items but not particularly spacious. From a practical standpoint, the scooter focuses on ease of use and straightforward functionality. The fuel tank capacity is around 6.5 litres, which, combined with its efficiency, provides a reasonable riding range for city use. Maintenance requirements are similar to other scooters in this category, and the mechanical simplicity helps keep things uncomplicated for everyday ownership. Overall, the Aprilia Storm 125 presents itself as a scooter that blends a slightly rugged design with city-friendly performance and handling, offering a different approach compared to more feature-focused or comfort-oriented options in the 125cc segment. |
| Expert Review | 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 | The Aprilia Storm 125 comes across as a sporty-looking 125cc scooter that focuses more on rugged styling and everyday usability than outright performance. It is powered by a 124cc three-valve engine producing around 9.5–10 PS, which feels smooth and refined for city riding, though not the quickest when compared to rivals like the Ntorq. Acceleration is decent for daily traffic, but it requires a bit of throttle input to feel lively, especially during overtakes. The standout element is its chunkier tyres and upright riding stance, which give it better grip and confidence on rough or broken roads, making it slightly more versatile than typical scooters. Suspension is tuned for comfort, and the lightweight body helps with easy handling in urban conditions. However, the feature list remains basic, with a simple semi-digital console and no advanced connectivity, while practicality is average with limited storage space., 4, MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | 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. | Q: What is the mileage of the Aprilia Storm 125? A: The scooter offers a real-world mileage of around 35–40 km/l, depending on traffic and riding style. Q: Is the Aprilia Storm 125 good for daily commuting? A: Yes, it works well for city commuting due to its smooth engine, lightweight body, and easy handling in traffic. Q: How is the performance of the Aprilia Storm 125? A: The 124cc engine produces around 10 PS and offers decent performance for city use, though it is not the quickest in its segment. Q: What makes the Aprilia Storm 125 different from other scooters? A: Its chunky tyres and slightly rugged design give it better grip and confidence on uneven or rough roads compared to typical scooters. Q: Is the Aprilia Storm 125 comfortable for long rides? A: It is more suited for short to medium rides, as the seat and overall setup are designed mainly for city use rather than long-distance comfort. Q: What is the top speed of the Aprilia Storm 125? A: The scooter has a top speed of around 90 km/h, which is adequate for urban riding. Q: Does the Aprilia Storm 125 come with modern features? A: It gets a semi-digital console and basic features, but it lacks advanced connectivity or smart features seen in some rivals. Q: Is the Aprilia Storm 125 suitable for beginners? A: Yes, it is easy to ride with automatic transmission and predictable performance, making it beginner-friendly. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Petrol, fuel‑injected |
| Price Variants | Single Channel | 122897 Dual Channel USD | 131305 | STD | 107196 |
| Pros | 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. | The Storm 125 has nimble and agile handling, making it easy to weave through city traffic and park in tight spaces. Its sporty and aggressive design stands out, giving it a premium, performance-oriented look compared with regular scooters. The engine delivers smooth, usable performance, with enough punch for urban commuting and occasional highway bursts. Front disc and rear drum brakes with CBS provide reliable stopping power and enhance rider confidence. Automatic CVT transmission makes it very easy to ride in stop-and-go traffic without the hassle of manual gear changes. LED lighting and combined analogue-digital cluster improve visibility and modernize the riding experience. Lightweight (118 kg) and compact dimensions make the scooter easy to maneuver, even for newer riders. |
| Starter | Electric | Kick + Electric self‑start |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
