Quick Analysis
Bajaj Pulsar NS160
27.5 pts
Unweighted: 17 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
Honda Dio 125 DLX
5.0 pts
Unweighted: 5 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Oil-cooled | — |
| Displacement | 160.3 cc | 123.92 CC |
| Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4-Valve, Twin Spark, DTS-i FI | 4 Stroke, SI Engine, Fuel Injection |
| Power | 12.5 kW (17 PS) @ 9000 rpm | 10.5 Nm @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 14.6 Nm @ 7,250 rpm | 8.30 PS @ 6250 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L | 5.3 L |
| Mileage | 40.36 Kmpl | 48 Kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 152 | 104 |
| Seat Height | 804 | 708 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual-channel ABS | No |
| Front Brake | Dual Channel ABS, 300 mm Disc | Disc |
| Front Suspension | 37 mm Upside Down (USD) Fork (130 mm travel) | Telescopic |
| Rear Brake | 230 mm Disc(ABS) | Drum |
| Rear Suspension | Nitrox Mono-shock | 3-Step Adjustable Spring Loaded Hydraulic |
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 | Alloy/Steel |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | H4 Blue Tinge (12V 55/60W), With AHO (Auto Headlamps On) | LED Headlamp |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | DC, 12V, 4 Ah VRLA | 12 V, 5.0 Ah |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pearl-White-3.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/gray-metallic.jpeg |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pewter-grey.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/night-black.jpeg |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Wine-Red-3.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/red-metallic.jpeg |
| Bike Image 4 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/gray-1.jpeg |
| Bike Image 5 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Siren-blue.jpeg |
| Bike Image 6 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/sports-red.jpeg |
| Cluster | Semi-digital LCD | TFT |
| Color Options | Ebony Black | #1B1B1B Pearl Metallic White | #F1F1ED Cocktail Wine Red | #7A1023 Pewter Grey | #6A6D70 | Mat Axis Gray Metallic | #64676B Mat Marvel Blue Metallic | #2F4F7A Mat Sangria Red Metallic | #7B2431 Pearl Deep Ground Gray | #5D6166 Pearl Night Star Black | #121214 Pearl Siren Blue | #1E5FA8 Sports Red | #C21E2A |
| 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. | Performance Remains Commuter-Oriented – The engine is tuned for smoothness and efficiency rather than strong acceleration, which may disappoint riders seeking a more performance-focused scooter. Ride Quality Can Feel Firm on Broken Roads – Sharp potholes and rough surfaces are transmitted more noticeably than on some comfort-oriented rivals. Underseat Storage Is Average – Storage space is adequate for daily essentials but not among the largest in the segment. No Bluetooth Connectivity – Unlike some competitors, the DLX variant does not offer smartphone connectivity, call alerts, or navigation integration. Pillion Seat Space Is Limited – The rear section is suitable for daily commuting but may feel compact for larger passengers. Small Fuel Tank Capacity – The 5.3-litre tank is sufficient for city use but smaller than what some competing scooters offer. High-Speed Stability Is Not a Primary Focus – The scooter feels most comfortable in urban conditions rather than extended high-speed highway riding. |
| 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 Dio 125 DLX is a scooter designed mainly for everyday commuting. It combines a 125cc engine with features that are commonly expected in modern scooters, while keeping the overall package compact and easy to use. Unlike motorcycles that require gear changes, the Dio 125 DLX uses an automatic transmission, which allows the rider to focus only on throttle and braking inputs during daily travel. The scooter is powered by a 123.92cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. This engine uses fuel injection, which helps control fuel delivery more accurately than older carburetor-based systems. The engine produces around 8.2 bhp and 10.4 Nm of torque, figures that are typical for a 125cc commuter scooter. Power is delivered through a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which automatically adjusts gear ratios while riding. This setup allows smooth acceleration without the rider needing to shift gears manually. Honda has equipped the Dio 125 DLX with its Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) technology. This includes measures aimed at improving efficiency and reducing friction within the engine. The scooter also features an Idling Stop System. When the scooter remains stationary for a short period, such as at a traffic signal, the engine automatically switches off. Twisting the throttle restarts the engine, helping reduce fuel consumption during frequent stops. The chassis uses Honda’s underbone frame architecture. This type of frame is commonly found in scooters because it allows a step-through design, making it easier for riders to get on and off the vehicle. The suspension setup consists of telescopic forks at the front and a rear monoshock. Together, these components absorb bumps and road irregularities encountered during normal city riding. Braking duties are handled by a front disc brake and a rear drum brake. The scooter also uses Honda’s Combined Braking System (CBS), which distributes braking force between both wheels when the rear brake is applied. This system is designed to provide more balanced braking during everyday use. The Dio 125 DLX rides on alloy wheels fitted with tubeless tyres. Tubeless tyres are widely used because they generally lose air more slowly after a puncture and are easier to repair compared to tube-type tyres. The scooter weighs approximately 104–105 kg, which places it among the lighter options in the 125cc category. The relatively low weight contributes to easy handling during low-speed riding, parking, and navigating through traffic. In terms of dimensions, the seat height is around 708 mm, allowing riders of different heights to reach the ground comfortably. The fuel tank capacity is 5.3 litres, which is typical for a scooter in this segment. Storage space is available beneath the seat for carrying everyday items, while an external fuel filler cap allows refuelling without opening the seat compartment. The DLX variant includes a fully digital instrument cluster. The display shows information such as speed, fuel level, trip meter readings, average fuel efficiency, and service reminders. LED lighting is used for several components, contributing to visibility and reducing power consumption. Visually, the Dio 125 DLX follows a sporty design theme. The front section features sharp styling lines, angular body panels, and a compact overall shape. Despite its sporty appearance, the scooter remains focused on everyday transportation requirements. Its specifications combine a fuel-injected engine, automatic transmission, digital instrumentation, and commuter-oriented chassis components into a package intended for regular urban and suburban use. |
| 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 Dio 125 DLX follows a fairly straightforward approach within the 125cc scooter segment. Rather than trying to be the most feature-packed or the most performance-oriented option, it focuses on the fundamentals of daily commuting while retaining the sporty styling that has long been associated with the Dio name. The 123.92cc engine is tuned for smooth and predictable operation, making the scooter easy to ride in traffic and during frequent stop-and-go conditions. Its relatively low weight and compact dimensions contribute to quick steering responses and easy manoeuvrability, particularly in crowded urban environments. The riding position remains neutral and accessible, while the digital instrument cluster and external fuel filler add convenience to everyday use. At the same time, the scooter's priorities become evident when riding over rough roads or at sustained higher speeds, where comfort and stability are not emphasized to the same extent as they are on some larger or more comfort-focused scooters. The overall package reflects a scooter designed primarily around urban transportation, with styling and ease of use playing a larger role than outright performance or touring capability., 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: What engine powers the Dio 125 DLX? A: It uses a 123.92cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine paired with a CVT automatic transmission. Q: What is the power output? A: The engine produces approximately 8.2 bhp and 10.4 Nm of torque. Q: Does the Dio 125 DLX have fuel injection? A: Yes. The scooter uses Honda's PGM-FI fuel-injection system. Q: Does it have a digital instrument cluster? A: Yes. The DLX variant comes with a fully digital display showing speed, fuel level, trip information, mileage indicators, and service reminders. Q: Does the Dio 125 DLX have Bluetooth connectivity? A: No. Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity are not offered on the DLX variant. Q: Does it have Honda Smart Key? A: No. The Smart Key system is reserved for the higher Honda Dio 125 Smart variant. 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 Dio 125 DLX weighs approximately 104–105 kg, depending on model year and specifications. Q: Does it have an Idling Stop System? A: Yes. Honda's automatic engine start-stop system is included to help reduce fuel consumption during traffic stops. Q: What type of brakes does it use? A: The scooter features a front disc brake, rear drum brake, and Honda's Combined Braking System (CBS). Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is approximately 708 mm. Q: Is the Dio 125 DLX suitable for highway use? A: It can comfortably handle occasional highway rides, but it is primarily designed for city commuting and urban transportation. Q: What mileage does the Dio 125 DLX deliver? A: Real-world fuel efficiency typically ranges between 45 and 55 km/l, depending on traffic, riding style, and maintenance. Q: How is the Dio 125 DLX different from the Dio 125 Smart? A: The main difference is that the Smart variant adds Honda's Smart Key system and keyless operation features, while the DLX uses a conventional key setup. Q: How is the Dio 125 DLX different from the Activa 125? A: The Dio 125 DLX adopts sportier styling and a more youthful design, whereas the Activa 125 emphasizes practicality, comfort, and family-oriented usage. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | Single Channel | 122897 Dual Channel USD | 131305 | | 86733 |
| 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 125cc Engine – The fuel-injected 123.92cc engine delivers smooth power delivery and predictable throttle response, making the scooter easy to ride in everyday traffic conditions. Lightweight and Easy to Manoeuvre – At just over 100 kg, the Dio 125 DLX feels agile in congested urban environments, whether filtering through traffic or parking in tight spaces. Sporty Styling – The sharp bodywork, split grab rail design, aggressive front apron, and LED lighting give the scooter a more youthful appearance than many family-oriented alternatives. Fully Digital Instrument Cluster – The display provides fuel level, trip information, mileage indicators, service reminders, and other riding data in a clear layout. External Fuel Filling System – Refuelling can be done without lifting the seat, improving convenience during daily use. Good Fuel Efficiency – The combination of fuel injection and Honda's eSP technology helps maintain economical fuel consumption in city riding. Comfortable Urban Ergonomics – The riding position is upright and natural, making the scooter easy to use during frequent stop-and-go commuting. Wide Service Network – Honda's extensive dealership and service infrastructure simplifies maintenance and spare-parts availability. Engine Start/Stop System – The Idling Stop System helps reduce unnecessary fuel consumption when waiting at traffic signals. |
| Starter | Electric | Self/Kick |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
