Quick Analysis
Bajaj Pulsar NS160
23.0 pts
Unweighted: 19 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
KTM 450 SX-F
8.5 pts
Unweighted: 6 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Oil-cooled | Liquid cooled |
| Displacement | 160.3 cc | 449.9 cc |
| Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4-Valve, Twin Spark, DTS-i FI | 1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine |
| Power | 12.5 kW (17 PS) @ 9000 rpm | 62.96 PS @ 9500 rpm |
| Torque | 14.6 Nm @ 7,250 rpm | 74 Nm @ 9500 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L | 7.2 L |
| Mileage | 40.36 Kmpl | 15.33 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 152 | 107 |
| Seat Height | 804 | 958 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual-channel ABS | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Dual Channel ABS, 300 mm Disc | Disc 260 mm |
| Front Suspension | 37 mm Upside Down (USD) Fork (130 mm travel) | WP XACT-USD (AER), Ø 48 mm |
| Rear Brake | 230 mm Disc(ABS) | Disc 220 mm |
| Rear Suspension | Nitrox Mono-shock | WP XACT Monoshock with linkage |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 100/80-17 Tubeless | 80/100 - 21 |
| Rear Tyre | 130/70-17 Tubeless | 110/90 - 19 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Spoke |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | H4 Blue Tinge (12V 55/60W), With AHO (Auto Headlamps On) | — |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | DC, 12V, 4 Ah VRLA | 12.8V / 2AH |
| 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 | — |
| Cluster | Semi-digital LCD | — |
| Color Options | Ebony Black | #1B1B1B Pearl Metallic White | #F1F1ED Cocktail Wine Red | #7A1023 Pewter Grey | #6A6D70 | Orange | #FF5F00 |
| 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. | Very Tall Seat: At ~958 mm, it’s difficult to handle for shorter riders, especially off-road. Small Fuel Tank: The 7.2-liter tank limits how far you can ride — built more for racing than touring. Harsh Power Delivery: The high-revving engine is race-tuned, which may be too aggressive for casual use or beginners. Vibrations: The single-cylinder engine can vibrate strongly, especially at higher RPMs. High Maintenance Cost: Premium motocross parts and servicing (suspension, clutch, engine) can be expensive. Limited Street Usability: Not ideal for daily commuting due to track-focused ergonomics and setup. Reliability Trade-offs: Some riders report issues under hard race-type use, like stripped screws or wear on high-stress parts. |
| 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 KTM 450 SX-F is a high-performance motocross machine built to compete at the highest level; it’s engineered for speed, agility, and race track domination rather than casual cruising. At its core lies a 449.9 cc four-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, tuned to generate strong and immediate power with a broad rev range. This powertrain is designed to make explosive bursts out of corners, offer consistent throttle response, and deliver a raw racing feeling. The engine’s lightweight construction contributes significantly to the bike’s competitive edge, keeping the overall weight low and enabling sharp acceleration. KTM has optimized the 450 SX-F’s handling through a sophisticated chassis and suspension setup. The bike features WP XACT 48 mm inverted front forks and a matching WP XACT rear shock which combine to offer generous travel (around 310 mm front and 300 mm rear), excellent damping, and great control during jumps or uneven terrain. This suspension system provides riders with a stable and predictable ride, whether they’re launching off a tabletop or navigating whoops on a technical track. The frame itself, likely a high-grade steel trellis design, balances rigidity and flexibility to help maintain stability under heavy loads while allowing for sharp and responsive feedback when pushed aggressively. Electronics on the 450 SX-F reflect its competitive nature. It comes equipped with launch control, enabling better starts during drag-style races. Additionally, the bike offers selectable engine mappings and traction control, giving riders the flexibility to choose different levels of assistance based on track conditions. These systems help control wheel spin, optimize torque delivery, and enhance safety at high RPMs. The inclusion of a quickshifter goes a long way in making aggressive riding smoother, while the engine maps help tailor performance for dry, dusty tracks or slippery surfaces. Though a serious racewheel, KTM hasn’t compromised on user convenience: the 450 SX-F includes an electric starter, so riders don’t need to rely on kick-starting, a welcome feature for modern motocross users. The ergonomics are built for competition: a high seat height (~958 mm) and tall, wide handlebars give the rider a commanding posture, facilitating balance and control over big jumps and landings. Despite being built for off-road prowess, the rider’s triangle provides a decent balance—standing up or sitting down remains natural and feels intentional, rather than an afterthought. The bike’s weight is impressively kept in check, making it lighter than many of its peers. This low weight improves not only maneuverability but also helps reduce rider fatigue during extended sessions on the track. At the same time, the drivetrain is engineered with a 5-speed gearbox, making gear changes efficient and suited to the demands of motocross. The clutch is performance-oriented, ensuring durability and precise engagement under racing stress. Fuel capacity is modest (around 7.2 liters), which is typical for a motocross bike but restricts the 450 SX-F to race or track use rather than long-distance adventures. Maintenance is regular and can be demanding: high-revving competition engines demand careful attention to oil changes, suspension settings, and component wear. Still, many motocross riders consider this a fair trade-off given the bike’s competitive performance. In summary, the KTM 450 SX-F is a race-bred motocross machine that delivers raw power, high agility, and top-tier handling. It’s not designed for comfort cruising or commuting—it’s built for serious track work and competitive environments. For riders who live for the thrill of racing, who demand the sharpest throttle response, and who don’t shy away from the maintenance demands of four-stroke competition bikes, the 450 SX-F is a standout performer. |
| 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 KTM 450 SX-F is a purpose-built motocross machine centered around a 449.9cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine producing close to 62–63 bhp and 74 Nm, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The engine delivers strong, immediate power across the rev range, with selectable engine maps and traction control allowing slight variation in throttle response depending on conditions. It is built on a lightweight chassis with a kerb weight of around 107 kg, supported by fully adjustable WP XACT suspension offering long travel, which keeps the bike responsive over jumps and uneven terrain while maintaining stability at speed. The riding ergonomics are aggressive and track-focused, with a high seat height of around 958 mm and a narrow body that allows easier movement while riding off-road. Braking is handled by disc brakes at both ends, supported by ABS and lightweight spoke wheels with off-road tyres, while features like launch control and quickshifter add to its race-oriented setup. With a small 7.2-litre fuel tank and high ground clearance of over 300 mm, the overall design remains focused on track performance rather than everyday usability., 4.6, 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 engine specification of the KTM 450 SX-F? A: The bike is powered by a 449.9 cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke liquid-cooled engine. Q: What is the power and torque output? A: According to specs, the 450 SX-F produces about 62.96 PS and approximately 74 Nm of torque. Q: What kind of transmission does KTM 450 SX-F have? A: It uses a 5-speed gearbox. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of KTM 450 SX-F? A: The fuel tank capacity is around 7.2 litres. Q: What is the seat height and ground clearance of KTM 450 SX-F? A: The seat height is 958 mm, and ground clearance is very high at 343 mm. Q: What suspension setup is used on the 450 SX-F? A: It comes with WP XACT 48 mm USD front forks and a WP XACT monoshock with linkage. Q: What brakes does KTM 450 SX-F have? A: The 450 SX-F is equipped with a 260 mm front disc and a 220 mm rear disc. Q: What electronic / rider-aid features does KTM 450 SX-F include? A: It comes with launch control, quickshifter, selectable engine maps + traction control (TC), and a connectivity unit for off-road use. Q: What is the weight of the 450 SX-F? A: The kerb weight is approximately 107 kg for the standard model. Q: Does KTM 450 SX-F have an electric starter? A: Yes, it has a self-starter (electric), so you don’t need to kick-start it. Q: How reliable is the 450 SX-F? A: While KTM 450s are high-performance machines, many owners report good longevity with regular maintenance. Some have raised concerns about top-end rebuilds, but others say healthy use with regular oil changes can bring 180+ hours before any major work. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | — |
| Price Variants | Single Channel | 122897 Dual Channel USD | 131305 | STD | 1025100 |
| 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. | Very High Performance: The 449.9 cc single-cylinder engine delivers strong, race-ready power for motocross. Light and Agile: With its low weight (around 107 kg) and compact frame, it’s extremely maneuverable on tracks. Top-Tier Suspension: Equipped with WP XACT 48 mm USD forks and a high-travel rear shock, making it very capable over jumps and rough terrain. Modern Electronics: Includes launch control, selectable engine maps, quickshifter, and traction control for improved control. Electric Start: Convenient and practical - no need for kick-starting. Strong Chassis: The trellis frame offers a good mix of stiffness and flexibility, ideal for aggressive riding. Serviceability: Easy access to key components like the air filter and suspension for maintenance. |
| Starter | Electric | Self |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 5 Speed Manual |
