Quick Analysis
Bajaj Pulsar NS160
16.5 pts
Unweighted: 11 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TRIUMPH NEW SPEED TWIN 900
12.0 pts
Unweighted: 9 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Oil-cooled | Liquid-cooled parallel twin |
| Displacement | 160.3 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4-Valve, Twin Spark, DTS-i FI | Liquid-cooled parallel twin, 8 valve, SOHC, 270° firing order |
| Power | 12.5 kW (17 PS) @ 9000 rpm | 65 PS / 64 bhp (47.8 kW) @ 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 14.6 Nm @ 7,250 rpm | 80 Nm @ 3,800 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L | 12 L |
| Mileage | 40.36 Kmpl | 24 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 152 | 216 |
| Seat Height | 804 | 780 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual-channel ABS | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Dual Channel ABS, 300 mm Disc | Single Ø 320mm floating disc, Triumph branded four-piston radial caliper, OCABS |
| Front Suspension | 37 mm Upside Down (USD) Fork (130 mm travel) | NEW Ø 43mm upside-down Marzocchi forks, 120 mm wheel travel |
| Rear Brake | 230 mm Disc(ABS) | Single Ø 255mm fixed disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, OCABS |
| Rear Suspension | Nitrox Mono-shock | NEW Twin Marzocchi RSUs with external reservoirs and adjustable preload, 116 mm wheel travel |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 100/80-17 Tubeless | 100/90-18 |
| Rear Tyre | 130/70-17 Tubeless | 150/70 R17 |
| 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) | 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/speedtwin900phantomblackaurumgold.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pewter-grey.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/speedtwin900aluminiumsilvercarnivalredjetblack.webp |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Wine-Red-3.avif | — |
| Cluster | Semi-digital LCD | LCD multi-function instrument Colour TFT screen |
| Color Options | Ebony Black | #1B1B1B Pearl Metallic White | #F1F1ED Cocktail Wine Red | #7A1023 Pewter Grey | #6A6D70 | Phantom Black & Aurum Gold | #131413, #666666, #7d674b Pure White, Maui Blue & Tangerine Orange | #f2f1f0, #cf5a00, #0081de Aluminium Silver, Carnival Red & Jet Black | #9a9c9c, #99222a, #212121 |
| 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. | Firm Ride Quality – Suspension can feel slightly stiff on rough roads, especially in city conditions. Heavy Weight – At around 216 kg, it can feel heavy during slow-speed riding or tight maneuvers. Old-School Gearbox – The 5-speed gearbox feels dated compared to rivals offering 6-speed units. Higher Maintenance Cost – Premium brand means servicing and spare parts can be expensive. Limited Features for Price – Some modern features like connectivity are optional or missing compared to similarly priced bikes. |
| 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 Speed Twin 900 is positioned as a modern classic roadster that blends traditional styling with a user-friendly performance setup. At its core is a 900cc parallel-twin engine that produces around 64 bhp and 80 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The engine is tuned to deliver most of its power low in the rev range, which makes the bike feel relaxed and responsive without needing to be pushed hard. In city riding, this translates to smooth acceleration and easy throttle control, while on highways, it maintains a steady and composed cruising ability. The overall character of the engine is more about torque and usability than high-revving performance. The riding posture plays a significant role in defining the bike’s everyday appeal. It features an upright seating position with a wide handlebar and mid-set footpegs, allowing for a natural and comfortable riding stance. The seat height is relatively low, making it accessible to a wide range of riders, including those who may not be comfortable with taller motorcycles. This setup contributes to ease of handling in urban environments, especially during slow-speed maneuvers and stop-and-go traffic. Despite its approachable nature, the bike’s weight, which is over 200 kg, can still be felt when moving it around at low speeds or parking. In terms of chassis and suspension, the Speed Twin 900 uses a steel frame supported by modern suspension components, including front forks and twin rear shock absorbers. The setup is tuned to provide a balance between comfort and stability, allowing the bike to handle uneven roads while maintaining composure at higher speeds. The ride quality leans slightly towards the firmer side compared to older classic motorcycles, which helps improve control during cornering and braking, but can make sharper bumps more noticeable on rough roads. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes at both ends, supported by dual-channel ABS, ensuring consistent and predictable stopping performance. The bike also comes equipped with traction control, which can be switched off if needed, adding a layer of safety without being intrusive. The tyres are road-focused and provide adequate grip for both city and highway riding conditions. On the feature side, the Speed Twin 900 keeps things relatively simple and in line with its retro-modern identity. It features a semi-digital instrument cluster that combines an analogue-style speedometer with a small digital display for essential information. LED lighting is used throughout, and ride-by-wire throttle enables smoother power delivery. However, the bike does not focus heavily on advanced connectivity or feature-rich technology, keeping the emphasis on the riding experience rather than electronics. From a practical perspective, the fuel tank capacity of around 12 litres supports a reasonable riding range, with real-world mileage typically falling in the range of 20–25 km/l depending on riding conditions. Maintenance and ownership costs are generally higher than mass-market motorcycles, reflecting its premium positioning. Overall, the Triumph Speed Twin 900 presents itself as a balanced roadster that prioritizes ease of riding, strong low-end performance, and classic styling, offering a riding experience that is approachable while still retaining the character expected from a mid-capacity twin-cylinder motorcycle. |
| 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 Triumph Speed Twin 900 feels like a motorcycle built around ease, character, and everyday usability rather than outright aggression. Its 900cc parallel-twin engine produces around 64 bhp and 80 Nm, with most of its strength coming low in the rev range, which makes it feel relaxed and effortless in city riding as well as on open roads. The power delivery is smooth and predictable, and the bike doesn’t need to be pushed hard to feel responsive, which adds to its approachable nature. Handling is stable and confidence-inspiring, with a comfortable upright riding position and a low seat height that makes it accessible to a wide range of riders. Updates to suspension and ergonomics have improved overall comfort and control, giving it a balanced ride across different conditions. At the same time, the experience leans more towards relaxed cruising than high-performance riding, with the engine focusing on torque rather than top-end excitement, and the 5-speed gearbox feeling slightly dated compared to newer rivals. Overall, it presents itself as a modern classic roadster that prioritizes smoothness, ease of riding, and everyday comfort over outright sportiness., 4.5, 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 capacity of the Speed Twin 900? A: It has a 900 cc liquid-cooled parallel twin engine with 8-valves and a 270° firing order. Q: How much power and torque does the Speed Twin 900 produce? A: It delivers about 65 PS (64 bhp) at 7,500 rpm and 80 Nm of torque at approximately 3,800 rpm. Q: What is the seat height of the Speed Twin 900? A: The seat height is 780 mm in the latest version. Q: What is the kerb weight of the Speed Twin 900? A: It has a kerb (or wet) weight of about 216 kg. Q: What riding modes and electronic aids does the Speed Twin 900 come with? A: It offers two riding modes – Road and Rain – plus optimized cornering ABS and traction control. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and approximate fuel consumption of the Speed Twin 900? A: The fuel tank capacity is 12 litres, and real-world mileage is around ~24–25 km/l under mixed riding conditions. Q: Is the Speed Twin 900 suitable for both commuting and weekend rides? A: Yes — its upright ergonomics, manageable seat height, and smooth engine make it well-suited for everyday use, while its performance and premium build make it fun for weekend escapes. Q: What is the starting price of the Speed Twin 900 in India? A: In India, the ex-showroom price starts at around ₹ 9.7 lakh for the standard variant. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Multipoint fuel injection |
| Price Variants | Single Channel | 122897 Dual Channel USD | 131305 | Aluminium Silver Carnival Red/Jet Black | 971300 Phantom Black Aurum Gold | 971300 Pure White Maui Blue Tangerine Orange | 1021300 |
| 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. | Strong Torque Delivery – The 900cc parallel-twin engine offers excellent low-end and mid-range torque, making it easy and enjoyable to ride in both city and highway conditions. Easy & Friendly Ride – Despite its size, the bike feels forgiving and manageable, which makes it accessible even for less experienced riders. Classic Yet Modern Design – Blends retro styling with modern components, giving it a timeless look with contemporary performance. Comfortable Ergonomics – Upright seating position and low seat height make it comfortable for daily riding and longer journeys. Good Handling Balance – Stable and predictable handling with improved suspension setup makes it confidence-inspiring on different road conditions. |
| Starter | Electric | Self Start |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 5 speed |
