Quick Analysis
Bajaj Pulsar NS160
12.0 pts
Unweighted: 8 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
SUZUKI V-STROM SX
12.0 pts
Unweighted: 11 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Oil-cooled | Oil Cooled |
| Displacement | 160.3 cc | 249 cc |
| Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4-Valve, Twin Spark, DTS-i FI | 4-stroke, Single-cylinder, oil-cooled, SOHC |
| Power | 12.5 kW (17 PS) @ 9000 rpm | 26.5ps @ 9300rpm |
| Torque | 14.6 Nm @ 7,250 rpm | 22.2 Nm @ 7300 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L | 12 litres |
| Mileage | 40.36 Kmpl | 32 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 152 | 167 |
| Seat Height | 804 | 835 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual-channel ABS | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Dual Channel ABS, 300 mm Disc | Disc 300 mm Caliper - Front 2 Piston |
| Front Suspension | 37 mm Upside Down (USD) Fork (130 mm travel) | Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped |
| Rear Brake | 230 mm Disc(ABS) | Disc 220 mm Caliper - Rear 1 Piston |
| Rear Suspension | Nitrox Mono-shock | Swing arm type, coil spring, oil damped |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 100/80-17 Tubeless | 100/90 - 19 |
| Rear Tyre | 130/70-17 Tubeless | 140/70 - 17 |
| 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/Red.jpeg |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pewter-grey.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Sparkle-Black.jpeg |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Wine-Red-3.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Yellow-No.2.jpeg |
| Bike Image 4 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Yvb-Sparkle-Black.jpeg |
| Bike Image 5 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Yww-Pearl-White.jpeg |
| Bike Image 6 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Yu1-Yellow.jpeg |
| Cluster | Semi-digital LCD | — |
| Color Options | Ebony Black | #1B1B1B Pearl Metallic White | #F1F1ED Cocktail Wine Red | #7A1023 Pewter Grey | #6A6D70 | Champion blue | #1F4FA3 Champion yellow no2 | #F5C400, #0D0D0F Glass sparkle black | #0A0A0A Metallic sonoma red qsb | #7A1F1F Yu1 champion yellow no2 | #F5C400 Yvb glass sparkle black | #0D0D0F Yww pearl glacier white | #F2F2F2 |
| 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. | Seat height of 835 mm may be challenging for shorter riders. Fuel tank capacity of 12 litres could feel small for long-distance touring. Not designed for hardcore off-roading; more suited for mild trails. Wind protection is average at higher speeds. Rear tyre could have been slightly wider for stronger high-speed confidence. Engine feels a bit stressed above 100 km/h during continuous cruising. |
| 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 V-Strom SX is built around a 249cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine that produces around 26.5 PS of power and 22.2 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox and fuel injection system, which helps in delivering power in a smooth and controlled manner. Instead of feeling very aggressive, the engine is tuned to be easy to use, especially in daily riding conditions. Whether you are riding in the city or cruising on highways, the power delivery stays predictable and manageable. The bike uses a steel frame and comes with telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock with adjustable preload. The suspension setup offers around 120 mm travel at the front, which is enough for handling regular roads, speed breakers, and mild rough patches. It is not designed for extreme off-roading, but it can manage uneven surfaces without too much trouble. The braking setup includes disc brakes at both ends along with dual-channel ABS, which helps in maintaining control during sudden braking. One of the key highlights of the V-Strom SX is its wheel setup. It gets a 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel, both with tubeless tyres. This combination helps in maintaining stability on highways while also giving some confidence on broken roads. The ground clearance of 205 mm allows the bike to pass over bad roads and obstacles more easily, which is useful in Indian conditions. In terms of dimensions, the bike has a kerb weight of around 167 kg and a seat height of 835 mm. The weight is relatively manageable, but the seat height makes the bike feel slightly tall, especially for shorter riders. The fuel tank capacity is 12 litres, which is average for this segment, so it offers a decent range but may require fuel stops on longer rides. The design of the V-Strom SX is inspired by larger adventure bikes, with elements like a front beak, tall windscreen, and upright stance. These are not just for looks, as the windscreen helps reduce wind pressure while riding at higher speeds. The bike also gets LED headlights and tail lights, which improve visibility. On the feature side, it comes with a fully digital instrument cluster that supports Bluetooth connectivity through Suzuki Ride Connect. This allows basic functions like navigation alerts, call notifications, and ride information. There is also a USB charging port, which is useful for charging devices during rides. Overall, the V-Strom SX brings together a mix of simple engineering and practical features, with specifications that focus more on everyday usability and light touring rather than extreme performance or heavy off-road capability. |
| 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 V-Strom SX fits into the Indian market as a touring-focused motorcycle rather than a hardcore adventure bike, which becomes clear once you start riding it. Its 249cc engine feels smooth and predictable, making it easy to manage in daily use as well as on highways, though it doesn’t feel particularly strong when pushed hard. The riding position is upright and comfortable, which works well for long rides, but the bike is more road-biased than its design suggests. Suspension handles regular roads decently, but rough patches and off-road sections expose its limitations. Being lightweight compared to bigger ADVs helps in city traffic, though it still feels slightly tall for shorter riders. Overall, it sits in a space where it balances everyday usability with light touring ability without fully leaning into serious off-road performance., 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: What is the mileage? A: The mileage is around 35–40 kmpl in real-world riding. Q: Is the Suzuki V-Strom SX good for long rides? A: Yes, it’s very comfortable for touring thanks to its upright posture, smooth engine, and stable highway manners. Q: Can beginners ride Suzuki V-Strom SX bike easily? A: Yes, the power delivery is friendly, and the handling is light, making it suitable for new riders. Q: What is the seat height of Suzuki V-Strom SX? A: The seat height is 835 mm. Q: Does Suzuki V-Strom SX come with ABS? A: Yes, the bike is equipped with dual-channel ABS. Q: How does the suspension perform on bad roads? A: Suzuki V-Strom SX handles rough roads well due to long-travel suspension and 205 mm ground clearance. Q: What tyres does the V-Strom SX use? A: It has a 100/90-19 front tyre and a 140/70-17 rear tyre. Q: Does Suzuki V-Strom SX have Bluetooth features? A: Yes, the digital console supports Bluetooth connectivity, including call alerts and navigation prompts. Q: What is the ground clearance of Suzuki V-Strom SX? A: The ground clearance is 205 mm. Q: Is the bike comfortable for a pillion? A: Yes, the seat is wide and supportive, making pillion rides comfortable. Q: How big is the fuel tank of Suzuki V-Strom SX? A: The fuel tank capacity is 12 litres. Q: Does the engine heat up in traffic? A: No, the oil-cooled engine manages heat well and stays stable even in slow-moving traffic. Q: Is luggage mounting easy? A: Yes, panniers and top boxes can be mounted easily due to the strong rear subframe design. Q: What is the kerb weight of Suzuki V-Strom SX? A: The bike weighs 167 kg. Q: Is it suitable for off-roading? A: Light off-roading and rough patches are fine, but it’s not designed for hardcore off-road trails. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | Single Channel | 122897 Dual Channel USD | 131305 | STD | 198018 |
| 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 refined 249cc engine that’s great for both city and highway use. Very comfortable riding posture, ideal for long rides and daily commuting. Light and easy to handle despite the ADV stance. High 205 mm ground clearance makes bad roads easy to tackle. Dual-channel ABS adds strong safety during sudden braking. Long-travel suspension offers a plush ride over potholes and uneven surfaces. Bluetooth-enabled digital console with navigation alerts and phone notifications. Good stability thanks to 19-inch front wheel and well-balanced chassis. Easy to mount luggage for touring; strong rear subframe. Reliable, low-maintenance engine with proven Suzuki durability. |
| Starter | Electric | Electronic ignition |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6 Speed Manual |
