Quick Analysis
Bajaj Pulsar NS160
34.5 pts
Unweighted: 24 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
ATHER 450 Apex
17.5 pts
Unweighted: 27 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Oil-cooled | — |
| Displacement | 160.3 cc | — |
| Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4-Valve, Twin Spark, DTS-i FI | — |
| Power | 12.5 kW (17 PS) @ 9000 rpm | 7.0 kW |
| Torque | 14.6 Nm @ 7,250 rpm | 26 Nm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L | — |
| Mileage | 40.36 Kmpl | — |
| Top Speed (km/h) | — | 100 |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 152 | 111.6 |
| Seat Height | 804 | 780 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual-channel ABS | Combined braking system & regenerative braking |
| Front Brake | Dual Channel ABS, 300 mm Disc | Hydraulically actuated triple-piston calliper disc, 200mm |
| Front Suspension | 37 mm Upside Down (USD) Fork (130 mm travel) | Telescopic forks |
| Rear Brake | 230 mm Disc(ABS) | Hydraulically actuated single-piston calliper disc, 190mm |
| Rear Suspension | Nitrox Mono-shock | Symmetrically mounted progressive monoshock |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 100/80-17 Tubeless | 90/90 - 12 |
| Rear Tyre | 130/70-17 Tubeless | 100/80 - 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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| 0–40 km/h (s) | — | 2.9 |
| Anti-Theft / IoT Tracking | — | Yes |
| App Connectivity | — | Yes |
| Battery | DC, 12V, 4 Ah VRLA | 3.7 kWh Lithium-ion |
| Battery Capacity (kWh) | — | 3.7 |
| Battery Chemistry | — | Li-ion |
| Battery Warranty (Years) | — | 5 |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pearl-White-3.avif | — |
| 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 | — |
| Built-in GPS Navigation | — | Yes |
| Charger Output Power (kW) | — | 0.7 |
| Charging Port Type | — | Proprietary |
| Charging Time (Fast) | — | 1–1.5h |
| Charging Time (Standard) | — | 5.45 |
| Cluster | Semi-digital LCD | — |
| Color Options | Ebony Black | #1B1B1B Pearl Metallic White | #F1F1ED Cocktail Wine Red | #7A1023 Pewter Grey | #6A6D70 | Indium Blue | #2A4B8D, #F04E23 |
| Connectivity Features | — | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 4G, navigation, call/music control |
| 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. | Relatively expensive — might feel like overkill if you only need basic commuting. Suspension and ride comfort may feel a bit firm on rough or potholed roads. Storage and seating/space may feel limited if you need more room or are a taller rider. Real-world range drops noticeably with aggressive riding or heavy load — and reliability depends on having charging access. The premium features and extra cost may not feel “worth it” for riders who don’t use them often. |
| 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 Ather 450 Apex is an electric scooter designed with a focus on performance and advanced features for urban use in India. It is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor paired with a 3.7 kWh battery pack. The motor produces around 7 kW of peak power and about 26 Nm of torque, which allows the scooter to accelerate quickly, especially at lower speeds. It can reach a top speed of around 100 km/h, and the 0–40 km/h acceleration is approximately 2.9 seconds. The scooter offers multiple riding modes such as SmartEco, Eco, Ride, Sport, and Warp+, which adjust how power is delivered depending on riding conditions and preferences. The battery is fixed and uses lithium-ion chemistry, and it is charged using a portable home charger or through Ather’s fast-charging network. A full charge using a standard charger takes around 5 hours and 45 minutes, while fast charging can reduce the time significantly for partial charging. The claimed range is around 157 km under IDC conditions, although real-world range typically varies between 110 and 120 km depending on speed, riding mode, and traffic conditions. In terms of design, the Ather 450 Apex includes a unique look with translucent side panels that partially reveal the internal structure. The scooter maintains a compact and sporty form factor, which helps in city riding and maneuverability. The overall weight is balanced to keep it manageable in daily conditions. The suspension setup includes telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock, which are tuned to provide stability, although bumps and uneven roads can still be felt. The braking system includes disc brakes at both ends with a combined braking system to improve control during sudden stops. The scooter is equipped with a touchscreen TFT display that shows speed, battery status, navigation, and ride data. It supports smartphone connectivity through Bluetooth and internet features like navigation, call alerts, and ride statistics. Over-the-air updates are also available, allowing the system software to be updated without visiting a service center. Additional features include reverse mode, side-stand sensor, and different levels of regenerative braking. The seating position is slightly forward but still comfortable for daily use, and the overall ergonomics are suited for urban commuting. Storage space is limited compared to larger scooters, which may affect practicality for carrying bigger items. The Ather 450 Apex is built to offer a combination of performance, technology, and everyday usability, with its overall experience depending on factors like charging access, road conditions, and traffic in India. |
| Drive Modes | — | SmartEco, Eco, Ride, Sport, Warp+ |
| 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 Ather 450 Apex is positioned as a performance-focused electric scooter in India, aimed at riders who want quicker acceleration and higher top speed than regular EVs. Its motor delivers strong initial pickup, which is noticeable in city traffic as well as on open roads. The ride quality is slightly firm, so rough roads and potholes can be felt more clearly. It comes with a detailed electronics and connectivity package, which may take some time for new users to fully understand. Range and charging still depend on usage patterns and access to charging infrastructure. It is more relevant for riders who prioritize performance and features over simple commuting needs., 4.5, 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 top speed of the Ather 450 Apex? A: The top speed is around 100 km/h. Q: How fast does the Ather 450 Apex accelerate from 0–40 km/h? A: It accelerates from 0–40 km/h in about 2.9 seconds. Q: What is the battery capacity of the Ather 450 Apex? A: It comes with a 3.7 kWh lithium-ion battery. Q: What is the real-world range of the Ather 450 Apex? A: You can typically expect around 110–130 km in mixed riding, and about 75–95 km in hard riding. Q: What is the certified range of the Ather 450 Apex? A: The official IDC-certified range is up to 157 km per charge. Q: How long does it take to charge the Ather 450 Apex? A: A full charge through the home charger takes roughly 5.75 hours. Q: What kind of motor does the Ather 450 Apex use? A: It uses a 7.0 kW PMSM motor that produces up to 26 Nm of torque. Q: Does the Ather 450 Apex have fast charging? A: It supports Ather fast charging, letting you top up quickly on compatible chargers. Q: What ride modes are available on the Ather 450 Apex? A: Modes include SmartEco, Eco, Ride, Sport, and Warp+. Q: What type of brakes does the Ather 450 Apex have? A: It has disc brakes at both front and rear, with combined braking and regenerative braking. Q: What is Magic Twist on the Ather 450 Apex? A: Magic Twist is a regenerative braking system that slows the scooter when you release the throttle. Q: How much does the Ather 450 Apex weigh? A: It weighs around 111.6 kg. Q: What is the under-seat storage capacity? A: It offers 22 litres of under-seat storage. Q: Does the Ather 450 Apex have navigation? A: Yes, it has onboard navigation integrated into the touchscreen display. Q: What size is the instrument display? A: It has a 7-inch touchscreen dashboard. |
| Fast Charging Supported | — | Yes |
| Final Drive Type | — | belt |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | — |
| Ingress Protection (IP Rating) | — | IP67 |
| Motor Power (Continuous, kW) | — | -0.1 |
| Motor Power (Peak, kW) | — | 7 |
| Motor Type | — | PMSM |
| OTA Updates | — | Yes |
| Price Variants | Single Channel | 122897 Dual Channel USD | 131305 | Standard | 189946 |
| 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. | Strong, responsive acceleration — fun and confident around city traffic or during quick overtakes. Good top speed for an electric scooter, making it usable not just for city commutes but occasional longer or faster rides. Smart, modern features and a connected dashboard — adds convenience, navigation, and a premium feel. Adequate real-world battery range for daily commuting and moderate longer rides. Low maintenance compared with petrol scooters — simpler upkeep, no fuel hassles. |
| Range (Claimed, km) | — | 157 |
| Starter | Electric | Push Button Start |
| Torque (Electric, Nm) | — | 26 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | — |
| Vehicle Warranty (Years) | — | 3 |
