Quick Analysis
Bajaj Pulsar NS160
17.5 pts
Unweighted: 12 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE SPEEDMASTER
11.5 pts
Unweighted: 8 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Oil-cooled | Liquid cooled |
| Displacement | 160.3 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4-Valve, Twin Spark, DTS-i FI | 8 valve, SOHC, 270° crank angle parallel twin |
| Power | 12.5 kW (17 PS) @ 9000 rpm | 78 PS / 76.9 bhp (57.5 kW) @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 14.6 Nm @ 7,250 rpm | 106 Nm @ 4000 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L | 12 L |
| Mileage | 40.36 Kmpl | 22 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 152 | 263 |
| Seat Height | 804 | 705 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual-channel ABS | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Dual Channel ABS, 300 mm Disc | Twin Ø310mm disc, Brembo 2-piston sliding axial calipers, ABS |
| Front Suspension | 37 mm Upside Down (USD) Fork (130 mm travel) | Ø 47 mm Showa cartridge forks |
| Rear Brake | 230 mm Disc(ABS) | Single Ø255mm disc, Nissin single piston sliding axial caliper, ABS |
| Rear Suspension | Nitrox Mono-shock | Mono-shock RSU with linkage and preload adjustment |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 100/80-17 Tubeless | MT 90 B16 |
| Rear Tyre | 130/70-17 Tubeless | 150/80 R16 |
| 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) | DRLs LED |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | DC, 12V, 4 Ah VRLA | — |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pearl-White-3.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/bonnevillespeedmasterpacificbluesilverice.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pewter-grey.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/bonnevillespeedmasterjetblack.webp |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Wine-Red-3.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/bonneville-speedmaster_my25_icon-edition_rhs_629px.webp |
| Cluster | Semi-digital LCD | — |
| Color Options | Ebony Black | #1B1B1B Pearl Metallic White | #F1F1ED Cocktail Wine Red | #7A1023 Pewter Grey | #6A6D70 | Snowdonia / Cranberry Red | #F4F4F4, #8B1E2D Aluminium Silver Sapphire Black | #C0C0C0, #0F1A2B Jet Black | #0A0A0A Pacific Blue / Silver Ice | #1F3A5F, #D9D9D9 |
| 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. | Low ground clearance & limited suspension travel: On bad or uneven surfaces, its cruiser geometry and low clearance can be a drawback, especially in markets with rough roads. Heavy weight / less agility in tight scenarios: While stable at speed, the mass and cruiser chassis make it less nimble than lighter motorcycles, especially in traffic or tighter corners. Suspension setup may feel firm/stiff: Some reviewers mention that the suspension, tuned for style and load, can feel a bit firm or less compliant than ideal for rough surfaces. Premium cost and ownership aspects: As a premium bike in its class, purchase price, maintenance and parts/spares may cost more than simpler alternatives. |
| 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 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster is the kind of motorcycle that looks like it belongs to an older era, but once you start looking at the specs, you realise it’s built with modern parts underneath. It runs on a 1200 cc parallel-twin engine that makes around 78 PS and 106 Nm. What this means in real life is that the bike feels strong at low speeds. You don’t have to keep changing gears again and again in traffic, and even on highways it moves in a smooth and relaxed way rather than feeling aggressive. The riding position is very different from regular bikes. You sit low, with your legs stretched forward, and your hands on wide handlebars. It feels comfortable when the road is open, but in city traffic it can take some time to get used to, especially when you have to stop and start often. The seat height is quite low, around 705 mm, so most riders can easily place their feet on the ground, which helps when handling such a heavy bike. Talking about the hardware, the Speedmaster uses a steel frame with front telescopic forks and a rear monoshock that is hidden to keep that classic look. The suspension is tuned more for comfort, so it works fine on normal roads, but sharp bumps and bad patches are still clearly felt. The bike rides on a 16-inch front and rear wheel setup, which adds to its low and stretched design. Braking is handled by a disc at the front and rear, along with dual-channel ABS, so braking feels controlled and predictable in normal riding conditions. This is not a light bike by any means. It weighs around 263 kg, so you will notice the weight when moving it around or riding at low speeds. Once the bike is moving, it feels more stable and planted. The fuel tank is about 12 litres, which means you may need to plan fuel stops on longer rides. In real-world conditions, mileage usually stays around 18 to 22 km/l, depending on how you ride. On the feature side, the Speedmaster keeps things simple but modern enough. It gets a semi-digital instrument cluster with an analogue speedometer and a small digital screen for details like gear position, fuel level, and trip info. It also comes with riding modes, traction control, and cruise control, which can be useful on highways. There is no focus on flashy tech or connectivity, and the bike sticks to a straightforward setup. |
| 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 | With the Bonneville Speedmaster, the focus is clearly on a calm and steady riding experience rather than speed. The 1200 cc engine feels strong at low speeds, so riding in traffic doesn’t require constant gear changes, and on highways it stays smooth at a relaxed pace. The riding position is stretched out with forward footpegs, which feels natural on open roads but less convenient in crowded areas. Because of its weight, slow-speed handling needs some effort, especially in tight turns or parking. The suspension is set for comfort, but bad roads and sharp bumps are still felt. It gets basic modern features like ride modes and traction control, without too much focus on advanced electronics. In everyday conditions, it feels more suited to easy rides than regular heavy usage., 4.3, 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 does the Bonneville Speedmaster have? A: It uses a 1,200 cc liquid-cooled, 8-valve, parallel-twin engine with a 270° crank, producing around 78 PS at 6,100 rpm and 106 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Q: What is the seat height and wet weight for the Speedmaster in India? A: The seat height is approximately 705 mm and the wet weight is listed at about 263 kg (according to specification data) for the model in India. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and what mileage can one expect? A: The fuel tank capacity is 12 litres. Real-world mileage is around ~18-20 km/l on mixed use in Indian conditions as per reviews. Q: What features and rider aids come with the Speedmaster? A: The Speedmaster comes with dual riding modes (Rain & Road), ABS, switchable traction control, cruise control, LED lighting, ride-by-wire throttle and torque-assist clutch. Q: What is the price of the Speedmaster in India? A: The ex-showroom price starts from around ₹ 13,37,500 for the latest variant in India. Q: What kind of chassis and wheels does the Speedmaster use? A: It uses a tubular steel cradle frame, 16″ wire-spoked wheels (16×2.5″ front and 16×3.5″ rear) with 47 mm Showa front forks and mono-shock at the rear, twin 310 mm front discs and single 255 mm rear disc with ABS. Q: Is the Speedmaster suitable for two-up riding and touring? A: Yes, its comfortable riding position with forward foot-pegs, low seat height and cruiser-style ergonomics make it well-suited for relaxed rides. However, its 12-litre tank and cruiser setup mean it's more for relaxed touring rather than ultra-long highway blasts. Q: What is the service interval for the Speedmaster? A: The service interval is about 16,000 km (10,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | Single Channel | 122897 Dual Channel USD | 131305 | Standard | 1287500 Icon Edition | 1367500 |
| 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. | Excellent low-end torque and ride feel: The 1200 cc twin delivers a rich, satisfying pull from low rpm, giving the Speedmaster good real-world usability. Iconic styling & credible build: It carries classic cruiser/modern-classic looks with swept-back bars, forward foot-controls and premium finishes, which many riders find appealing. Comfortable ergonomics (for many): With its low seat height (~705 mm in some markets) and cruiser-style riding position, it’s relatively accessible and suitable for relaxed rides. Modern features included: Despite its retro styling, it integrates modern tech, ride-by-wire throttle, two riding modes, ABS, traction control, cruise control and full LED lighting. |
| Starter | Electric | Self start |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed |
