Quick Analysis
Bajaj Pulsar NS160
13.0 pts
Unweighted: 9 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
SUZUKI GIXXER SF 250/ GIXXER 250
11.0 pts
Unweighted: 9 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Oil-cooled | Oil Cooled |
| Displacement | 160.3 cc | 249cc |
| Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4-Valve, Twin Spark, DTS-i FI | 4-Cycle, 1-cylinder, Oil cooled |
| Power | 12.5 kW (17 PS) @ 9000 rpm | 26.13 bhp @ 9300 rpm |
| Torque | 14.6 Nm @ 7,250 rpm | 22.2 Nm @ 7,300 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L | 12 L |
| Mileage | 40.36 Kmpl | 38 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 152 | 156-161 |
| Seat Height | 804 | 740-805 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual-channel ABS | Dual Channel |
| Front Brake | Dual Channel ABS, 300 mm Disc | Disc 300 mm Front 2 Piston |
| Front Suspension | 37 mm Upside Down (USD) Fork (130 mm travel) | Telescopic |
| Rear Brake | 230 mm Disc(ABS) | Disc 220 mm Real 1 Piston |
| Rear Suspension | Nitrox Mono-shock | Monoshock |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 100/80-17 Tubeless | 110/70R17M/C 54S |
| Rear Tyre | 130/70-17 Tubeless | 150/60R17M/C 66S |
| 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 | Maintenance free, 12V 6Ah |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pearl-White-3.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Triton-Blue.avif |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pewter-grey.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Matte-Black.avif |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Wine-Red-3.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Glass-Sparkle-Black.avif |
| Bike Image 4 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Pearl-Glacier-White.avif |
| Cluster | Semi-digital LCD | — |
| Color Options | Ebony Black | #1B1B1B Pearl Metallic White | #F1F1ED Cocktail Wine Red | #7A1023 Pewter Grey | #6A6D70 | Met Triton Blue | #1F4FA3 Pearl Glacier White | #F2F2F2 Glass Sparkle Black | #0D0D0F Metallic Matte Black | #1C1C1C Met Mat Bordeaux Red/Metallic Matte Black | #6A1F2B, #1C1C1C |
| 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. | Fuel tank capacity is modest, which limits long-distance range between fill-ups. It’s not built for rough off-road or hardcore touring - more suited for smooth roads and occasional rough patches. As a 250-class bike, performance is modest compared to larger motorcycles - may feel underpowered for those seeking outright speed or heavy touring. Rear suspension setup and seat may feel basic for very long rides or heavy pillion + luggage combos. Fuel efficiency and mileage will depend heavily on riding style - aggressive riding can reduce the “balanced” efficiency benefit. |
| 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 Suzuki Gixxer 250 and Gixxer SF 250 are built around a 249cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine that produces around 26.5 PS of power and 22.2 Nm of torque. The engine uses Suzuki’s oil-cooling system instead of a full liquid-cooling setup, which helps in maintaining temperature while keeping the overall design simpler. In real use, the power delivery feels linear, meaning it builds gradually rather than coming in sudden bursts, which makes the bike easier to ride in mixed conditions like city traffic and highways. The engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox, and the gear ratios are spaced in a way that supports both low-speed riding and steady cruising. At city speeds, the bike doesn’t feel stressed, and on highways, it can maintain a consistent pace without frequent gear changes. The throttle response is predictable, which helps in smoother riding, especially for those who prefer a controlled feel over aggressive acceleration. In terms of chassis, both bikes use a diamond-type frame, which is designed to balance rigidity and comfort. The suspension setup includes telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock. This setup is tuned more towards everyday road use rather than sporty or off-road riding. It absorbs regular road imperfections reasonably well, but sharper bumps and potholes are still noticeable, especially at higher speeds. Braking is handled by disc brakes at both ends, supported by dual-channel ABS. This adds a layer of safety during sudden braking or slippery conditions. The tyres are wide enough to provide decent grip on normal roads, though they are not specifically designed for aggressive cornering or track use. The main difference between the two versions lies in their design and riding posture. The Gixxer 250 is a naked motorcycle with a more upright seating position, making it feel slightly more relaxed in daily use. The Gixxer SF 250, on the other hand, comes with full fairing and clip-on style handlebars, which give it a slightly forward-leaning posture. However, it is not as aggressive as a typical supersport bike, so it remains manageable for longer rides. The bike comes with a fully digital instrument cluster that displays essential information such as speed, gear position, fuel level, and trip details. It also includes LED lighting for both headlamp and tail lamp. The fuel tank capacity is around 12 litres, which is average for this segment, offering a usable range for both city and occasional highway riding. Overall, the Gixxer 250 and SF 250 are built with a focus on simple engineering and usable performance, with specifications that aim to balance daily riding needs and occasional longer journeys. |
| 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 Suzuki Gixxer 250 and Gixxer SF 250 come across as motorcycles that have been tuned with Indian usage clearly in mind, rather than chasing outright performance figures. The 249cc engine feels smooth and predictable, which makes a difference in daily traffic where sudden power isn’t always useful. What stands out is how easy the bike is to ride without demanding too much attention from the rider, whether in the city or on short highway runs. The ergonomics are fairly practical, even on the faired version, so it doesn’t feel uncomfortable over longer durations. At the same time, the suspension and overall setup feel more suited to regular roads than aggressive riding or rough conditions., 4.2, 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: Is the Suzuki Gixxer 250 good for daily use in India? A: Yes, the Suzuki Gixxer 250 is commonly used for daily riding because the engine is smooth and the riding posture is manageable. It doesn’t feel too aggressive, which helps in city traffic. Q: What is the real mileage of the Suzuki Gixxer 250? A: In real Indian riding conditions, the Suzuki Gixxer 250 usually gives around 30–35 km/l, depending on traffic and riding style. Q: Is the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 comfortable for long rides? A: The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 has a slightly leaned-forward posture, but it is not extreme. Many riders find it comfortable for short to medium highway rides. Q: Does the Suzuki Gixxer 250 feel underpowered? A: The Suzuki Gixxer 250 is not built for aggressive performance. It focuses more on smooth and usable power, so it may feel calm rather than fast. Q: What is the top speed of the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250? A: The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 can reach around 140–150 km/h under ideal conditions, though real-world speeds depend on road and riding conditions. Q: Is the Suzuki Gixxer 250 better than Yamaha R15 in daily use? A: The Suzuki Gixxer 250 is generally more comfortable and relaxed for daily riding, while the Yamaha R15 is more focused on sporty performance. Q: Does the Suzuki Gixxer 250 have heating issues? A: The Suzuki Gixxer 250 is generally well-managed in terms of heat, but like most bikes, some heat can be felt in heavy traffic. Q: What is the difference between Suzuki Gixxer 250 and Gixxer SF 250? A: The Suzuki Gixxer 250 is a naked bike, while the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 is a fully faired version with slightly more wind protection. Q: Is the Suzuki Gixxer 250 good for beginners? A: Yes, the Suzuki Gixxer 250 is considered beginner-friendly because of its predictable power delivery and easy handling. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | Single Channel | 122897 Dual Channel USD | 131305 | STD | 181517 Special Edition | 181976 |
| 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. | Smooth and manageable 249 cc engine - good balance of enough power for city and highway without being intimidating. Light, nimble handling and reasonable kerb weight make it easy to maneuver in traffic and tight spaces. Comfortable seat height and posture for both city rides and longer journeys. Suspension does a decent job of absorbing bumps and uneven surfaces, giving a comfortable ride even on rough roads. Disc brakes front and rear with dual-channel ABS provide dependable stopping power and added safety. A good balance of sporty feel and everyday usability - suitable for daily commutes as well as occasional spirited rides. |
| Starter | Electric | ELECTRIC |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6- speed |
