Quick Analysis
Bajaj Pulsar NS160
15.5 pts
Unweighted: 10 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TRIUMPH SPEED TWIN 1200 RS
17.0 pts
Unweighted: 12 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Oil-cooled | Liquid-cooled parallel twin |
| Displacement | 160.3 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4-Valve, Twin Spark, DTS-i FI | 8 valve, SOHC, 2700 firing order |
| Power | 12.5 kW (17 PS) @ 9000 rpm | 105 PS / 103.5 bhp (77.2 kW) @ 7,750 rpm |
| Torque | 14.6 Nm @ 7,250 rpm | 112 Nm @ 4,250 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L | 14.5 L |
| Mileage | 40.36 Kmpl | 19.60 Kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 152 | 216 |
| Seat Height | 804 | 810 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual-channel ABS | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Dual Channel ABS, 300 mm Disc | Twin Ø 320mm floating discs, Brembo Stylema M4.30 radial calipers, OCABS |
| Front Suspension | 37 mm Upside Down (USD) Fork (130 mm travel) | Ø 43mm USD Marzocchi forks, 120mm travel |
| Rear Brake | 230 mm Disc(ABS) | Single Ø 220mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, OCABS |
| Rear Suspension | Nitrox Mono-shock | Twin Öhlins RSUs with external reservoirs, adjustable for pre-load, compression and rebound damping. 123 mm wheel travel |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 100/80-17 Tubeless | 120/70 R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 130/70-17 Tubeless | 160/60 R17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Aluminium 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 | — |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pewter-grey.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/speedtwin1200sapphireblack.webp |
| 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 | Sapphire Black Baja Orange and Sapphire Black |
| 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. | Price premium & diminishing returns for everyday use: Reviewers note that while the RS gets the “best bits”, you pay significantly more and might not utilise all of them unless you ride aggressively. Some ergonomics & weight issues: At over 200 kg and with a sportier riding position (for the RS), it may feel less comfortable in heavy traffic or for shorter riders. Also the seat could become firm on long rides. Feature trade-offs & tyre choices: Some reviews mention that the sport tyres and certain component choices (for the RS) might not suit everyday urban or wet weather riding perfectly. Service/maintenance cost & availability: As a premium bike with high-spec parts and brand positioning, ownership costs (parts, servicing) and dealer network may be less favourable compared to mass market bikes. (General observation from premium-bike feedback) |
| 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 1200 RS is a modern-retro motorcycle that combines classic design with a strong focus on performance and high-quality components. It is powered by a 1200cc parallel-twin engine that produces around 103.5 bhp and 112 Nm of torque, which means it delivers strong pulling power from low speeds and continues to feel responsive through the mid-range. The engine uses fuel injection and an electronic throttle, paired with a 6-speed gearbox and a slip-and-assist clutch, making gear shifts smoother and more controlled. The bike is built on a tubular steel frame with an aluminium swingarm, which helps maintain a balance between strength and handling. It comes with 17-inch alloy wheels at both ends and is fitted with performance-oriented tyres that provide good grip on the road. The suspension setup is one of its key highlights, featuring fully adjustable upside-down front forks from Marzocchi and twin Öhlins rear shock absorbers. This allows the rider to adjust the suspension based on riding style or road conditions, which is useful for both regular riding and more spirited use. Braking is handled by high-spec components, including dual front disc brakes with Brembo Stylema calipers and a rear disc brake with ABS. This setup is designed to offer strong and controlled stopping power. The bike also includes modern electronics such as riding modes (Road, Rain, and Sport), traction control, cornering ABS, and a quickshifter, which allows clutchless gear shifts for smoother acceleration and deceleration. In terms of dimensions, the seat height is around 810 mm, making it accessible for many riders, while the fuel tank capacity of about 14.5 litres supports both city rides and longer journeys. The wet weight is approximately 216 kg, which gives it a planted feel on the road but can make it feel heavier at low speeds. The riding posture is slightly forward-leaning compared to traditional retro bikes, with lower handlebars and rear-set footpegs, which adds to its sporty character. The overall design keeps a classic look with elements like a sculpted fuel tank, twin exhausts, and minimal bodywork, while also integrating modern touches such as LED lighting and a TFT-integrated display. The combination of traditional styling and modern hardware defines its overall character, making it a bike that blends old-school appearance with current technology and performance-focused components. |
| 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 1200 RS is a modern-retro roadster that combines classic styling with a more performance-focused setup. It is powered by a 1200cc parallel-twin engine that delivers strong and smooth power, especially in the low and mid-range, making it feel responsive without being difficult to control. The bike features upgraded components like fully adjustable suspension and high-spec brakes, which improve stability and give it a sharper feel while cornering or riding at higher speeds. The riding posture is slightly more aggressive than typical retro bikes, with a forward-leaning stance that adds to its sporty character but may feel less relaxed in slow traffic. Handling is precise and confidence-inspiring, though the firmer suspension can make rough roads feel more noticeable. The build quality and finish are in line with its premium positioning, with attention to detail in both design and materials. It also includes modern electronics like riding modes, traction control, and cornering ABS, adding to overall control. In everyday use, the weight and firmer setup can make it feel less comfortable in city conditions, but on open roads, it offers a more engaging and controlled riding experience., 4.0, 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 fuel tank capacity and claimed mileage? A: The tank capacity is 14.5 litres. Real-world mileage figures cited are around ~16 km/l depending on riding style. Q: What is the engine capacity of the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS? A: The Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS comes with a 1200cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine. Q: How much power does the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS produce? A: The Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS produces around 103.5 bhp and 112 Nm of torque, with strong performance in the low and mid-range. Q: Is the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS suitable for daily commuting? A: The Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS can be used for city riding, but its weight, heat, and slightly aggressive ergonomics make it less comfortable in heavy traffic compared to smaller bikes. Q: What makes the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS different from the standard Speed Twin 1200? A: The Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS gets upgraded components like fully adjustable Öhlins rear suspension, Marzocchi front forks, Brembo brakes, and a more aggressive riding position. Q: Does the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS have riding modes and electronics? A: Yes, the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS comes with multiple riding modes, traction control, cornering ABS, and electronic throttle control. Q: What is the weight of the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS? A: The Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS has a wet weight of around 216 kg (476 lbs). Q: Is the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS beginner-friendly? A: The Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS is not ideal for beginners due to its high power output and performance-focused setup. Q: What type of riding is the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS best suited for? A: The Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS is best suited for spirited road riding and highway use rather than slow city commuting. Q: Does the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS have a quickshifter? A: Yes, the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS comes with an up-and-down quickshifter as standard. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS? A: The Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS has a fuel tank capacity of around 14.5 litres. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | Single Channel | 122897 Dual Channel USD | 131305 | Standard | 1383800 RS | 1677600 MY24 | 1109000 |
| 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. | Premium components & sharp handling: The RS gets high-end kit such as adjustable suspension and Brembo front calipers, which reviewers say significantly improve the bike’s composure and road manners. Strong engine character: The 1200cc twin delivers a good mix of usable mid-range torque and fun revs, making the bike enjoyable in a variety of riding situations. Neo-classic styling with premium finish: Many reviewers comment on the quality of materials, aesthetic detail and the overall “looks” factor of the RS variant. Versatile usability: Despite its premium nature, the bike is described as one you could ride daily, not just on weekends, the ergonomics and build allow for commuting and spirited rides alike. |
| Starter | Electric | Self Start |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed |
