Quick Analysis
Bajaj Pulsar NS160
24.0 pts
Unweighted: 15 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
Honda Activa Standard
5.5 pts
Unweighted: 6 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Oil-cooled | Air Cooled |
| Displacement | 160.3 cc | 109.51 cc |
| Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4-Valve, Twin Spark, DTS-i FI | 4 stroke, SI Engine |
| Power | 12.5 kW (17 PS) @ 9000 rpm | 7.99 PS @ 8000 rpm |
| Torque | 14.6 Nm @ 7,250 rpm | 9.05 Nm @ 5500 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L | 5.3 L |
| Mileage | 40.36 Kmpl | 59.5 Kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 152 | 106 |
| Seat Height | 804 | 764 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual-channel ABS | No |
| Front Brake | Dual Channel ABS, 300 mm Disc | 130 mm Drum |
| Front Suspension | 37 mm Upside Down (USD) Fork (130 mm travel) | Telescopic |
| Rear Brake | 230 mm Disc(ABS) | 130 mm Drum |
| Rear Suspension | Nitrox Mono-shock | 3 Step Adjustable Unit Swing |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 100/80-17 Tubeless | 90/90-12 |
| Rear Tyre | 130/70-17 Tubeless | 90/100-10 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | TubeLess |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Steel |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | H4 Blue Tinge (12V 55/60W), With AHO (Auto Headlamps On) | Halogen |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | DC, 12V, 4 Ah VRLA | 12 V, 5.0 Ah (Maintenance Free) |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pearl-White-3.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Blue-1.avif |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pewter-grey.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Gray-2.avif |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Wine-Red-3.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Red-1.avif |
| Bike Image 4 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Siren-blue-2.avif |
| Bike Image 5 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/White-2.avif |
| Cluster | Semi-digital LCD | TFT Screen Display |
| Color Options | Ebony Black | #1B1B1B Pearl Metallic White | #F1F1ED Cocktail Wine Red | #7A1023 Pewter Grey | #6A6D70 | Pearl Igneous Black | #121214 Pearl Precious White | #F3F2EC Decent Blue Metallic | #3E6F9B Pearl Siren Blue | #1E5FA8 Rebel Red Metallic | #B11F2A Mat Axis Gray Metallic | #64676B |
| 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. | Basic Feature Set – Compared with higher variants and some competitors, the Standard variant offers fewer convenience and technology features. No Smart Key System – Unlike the H-Smart version, the Standard model relies on a conventional key and lacks keyless operation. Limited Instrumentation – The instrument cluster focuses on essential information and does not provide advanced ride data or connected features. Drum Brakes at Both Ends – The braking setup is simple and does not include a front disc brake option. Performance Is Strictly Commuter-Oriented – The engine prioritizes efficiency and smoothness rather than quick acceleration or sporty riding. Average Underseat Storage Capacity – Storage space is sufficient for daily essentials but not class-leading. Not Intended for Regular Highway Use – While capable of occasional highway rides, the scooter is most comfortable in urban and suburban environments. Conservative Styling – The design focuses on familiarity and practicality rather than aggressive or youthful styling. |
| 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 Honda Activa Standard is the entry-level version of the Activa range and is designed around the requirements of daily commuting. It combines a compact scooter layout with an automatic transmission and a fuel-efficient engine, making it suitable for routine travel within cities and suburban areas. While higher variants in the lineup add extra convenience features, the Standard model focuses on the core mechanical package and essential equipment. Powering the scooter is a 109.51cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. The engine uses Honda’s programmed fuel injection system, which replaces older carburetor technology and manages fuel delivery electronically. This setup helps maintain consistent performance across different riding conditions while supporting fuel efficiency. The engine develops around 7.8 bhp and 8.9 Nm of torque, figures that are intended for urban transportation rather than high-speed performance. Power is delivered through a continuously variable transmission (CVT), allowing the scooter to operate without manual gear changes. The rider simply controls acceleration through the throttle, which makes riding in stop-and-go traffic more convenient. The scooter also incorporates Honda’s Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) technology. This includes engineering measures intended to reduce friction within the engine and improve overall efficiency. An Idling Stop System is also included. During brief stops at traffic signals or in traffic jams, the engine can automatically switch off to reduce fuel consumption. Once the rider twists the throttle, the engine restarts automatically and the scooter moves off normally. The Activa Standard is built around an underbone frame, a layout commonly used in scooters because it creates the familiar step-through design. This design allows riders to mount and dismount the scooter easily without swinging a leg over a fuel tank or seat. The chassis supports a compact overall structure while also creating space for storage and other practical features. Suspension duties are handled by telescopic front forks and a rear shock absorber. The front suspension helps absorb road imperfections and provides steering stability, while the rear suspension supports rider and passenger weight during everyday use. The suspension system is configured for typical urban conditions, including uneven roads, potholes, and speed breakers that are commonly encountered during city commuting. For braking, the scooter uses drum brakes at both the front and rear. Honda’s Combined Braking System (CBS) is included as standard. This system distributes braking force between both wheels when the rear brake is applied, helping provide more balanced braking during routine riding situations. The setup is designed around simplicity and ease of maintenance. The scooter has a kerb weight of approximately 106 kg, which contributes to its manageable nature at low speeds. Parking, U-turns, and slow-moving traffic situations generally require less effort compared to heavier two-wheelers. The seat height is around 692 mm, allowing riders of different heights to place their feet on the ground comfortably when stationary. A 5.3-litre fuel tank supplies fuel to the engine, while an external fuel-filler cap allows refuelling without lifting the seat. Under-seat storage provides space for carrying daily essentials such as documents, groceries, or small personal items. The instrument console combines analogue and digital elements, displaying information such as speed, fuel level, and other basic ride-related data. In terms of styling, the Activa Standard follows a conservative design approach. Smooth body panels, simple graphics, and compact proportions give the scooter a familiar appearance that has remained largely consistent through multiple generations. The design places emphasis on practicality and everyday usability, reflecting the scooter’s role as a daily means of transportation rather than a performance-focused vehicle. Overall, the Honda Activa Standard combines a fuel-injected engine, automatic CVT transmission, commuter-focused chassis, and practical everyday features into a scooter designed for routine urban mobility and regular transportation needs. |
| 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 Honda Activa Standard remains focused on the basics of everyday commuting, offering a simple and easy-to-use package built around practicality rather than performance or technology. Its 109.51cc fuel-injected engine delivers smooth and predictable power for city riding, while the CVT automatic transmission keeps operation straightforward in stop-and-go traffic. The scooter's comfortable riding position, manageable weight, and accessible seat height make it suitable for a wide range of riders, and the suspension is tuned to handle typical urban road conditions with reasonable comfort. Features such as external fuel filling and under-seat storage add convenience to daily use, though the Standard variant misses out on advanced equipment like Smart Key technology, Bluetooth connectivity, and disc brakes. Overall, the Activa Standard is designed primarily as a no-nonsense commuter scooter, with its strengths lying in ease of use, fuel efficiency, and day-to-day practicality rather than feature richness or performance-focused riding., 4.1, 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: Which engine powers the Activa Standard? A: It uses a 109.51cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine. Q: What is the power output? A: The engine produces approximately 7.8 bhp and 8.9 Nm of torque. Q: Does the Activa Standard have fuel injection? A: Yes. It uses Honda's PGM-FI fuel-injection system. Q: Does it have an Idling Stop System? A: Yes. The engine automatically switches off during prolonged stops and restarts when the throttle is applied. Q: Does it have Smart Key technology? A: No. Smart Key functionality is available only on the Honda Activa H-Smart variant. Q: Does it have Bluetooth connectivity? A: No. The Activa Standard does not offer smartphone connectivity or navigation functions. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The scooter has a 5.3-litre fuel tank. Q: What is the kerb weight? A: The Honda Activa Standard weighs approximately 106 kg. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is approximately 692 mm. Q: What braking system does it use? A: It uses drum brakes at both ends along with Honda's Combined Braking System (CBS). Q: Does it have external fuel filling? A: Yes. The scooter includes an external fuel-filler cap for easier refuelling. Q: What mileage can be expected? A: Real-world fuel efficiency generally ranges between 45 and 55 km/l, depending on riding conditions, maintenance, and traffic. Q: Is the Activa Standard suitable for beginners? A: Yes. Its automatic transmission, low seat height, and predictable controls make it beginner-friendly. Q: Is it suitable for highway riding? A: It can handle occasional highway trips, but it is primarily designed for city and suburban commuting. Q: How is the Activa Standard different from the DLX variant? A: The DLX variant adds cosmetic enhancements and additional convenience features, while the Standard variant focuses on essential functionality. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | Single Channel | 122897 Dual Channel USD | 131305 | | 78366 |
| 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. | Refined and Smooth Engine – The 109.51cc fuel-injected engine is designed for everyday commuting and delivers predictable performance with smooth throttle response in city traffic. Easy to Ride – The automatic CVT transmission eliminates manual gear changes, making the scooter simple to operate for riders of all experience levels. Comfortable Riding Position – The upright seating posture, wide floorboard, and accessible seat height help make daily commuting less tiring. Good Fuel Efficiency – Honda's fuel-injection system, eSP technology, and Idling Stop System contribute to economical fuel consumption. Light Steering and Manageable Weight – The scooter feels easy to manoeuvre in congested streets, parking areas, and low-speed situations. External Fuel Filling – Refuelling can be done without opening the seat, improving convenience during daily use. Reliable Everyday Transportation – The mechanical package is straightforward and designed around routine commuting requirements. Wide Service Network – Honda's extensive dealership and service coverage across India makes maintenance relatively convenient. Comfortable Suspension for City Use – The telescopic front suspension handles common urban road imperfections reasonably well. Low Seat Height – The accessible seat height allows a wide range of riders to place their feet on the ground comfortably while stopped. |
| Starter | Electric | Self/Kick |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
