Quick Analysis
Bajaj Pulsar NS160
24.0 pts
Unweighted: 15 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TVS XL100
10.5 pts
Unweighted: 12 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Oil-cooled | Air-cooled |
| Displacement | 160.3 cc | 99.7 cc |
| Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4-Valve, Twin Spark, DTS-i FI | 4-stroke, single-cylinder, SI |
| Power | 12.5 kW (17 PS) @ 9000 rpm | 3.20 kW (4.35 PS) @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 14.6 Nm @ 7,250 rpm | 6.5 Nm @ 3,500 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L | 4 L |
| Mileage | 40.36 Kmpl | 65 Kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 152 | 80–89 (variant-dependent) |
| Seat Height | 804 | 787 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual-channel ABS | No |
| Front Brake | Dual Channel ABS, 300 mm Disc | Drum (110 mm) |
| Front Suspension | 37 mm Upside Down (USD) Fork (130 mm travel) | Telescopic hydraulic spring-type |
| Rear Brake | 230 mm Disc(ABS) | Drum (110 mm), Synchronized Braking Tech |
| Rear Suspension | Nitrox Mono-shock | Swing-arm with hydraulic shock absorbers |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 100/80-17 Tubeless | 2.50 × 16 |
| Rear Tyre | 130/70-17 Tubeless | 2.50 × 16 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tube less |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Spoke wheels |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | H4 Blue Tinge (12V 55/60W), With AHO (Auto Headlamps On) | 12V, LED / AHO |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | DC, 12V, 4 Ah VRLA | 12V, 3Ah MF battery |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pearl-White-3.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Black.jpeg |
| Bike Image 10 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Sparkling-silver.jpeg |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pewter-grey.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Blue.jpeg |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Wine-Red-3.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Coral-silk.jpeg |
| Bike Image 4 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Green.jpeg |
| Bike Image 5 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Grey-Black.jpeg |
| Bike Image 6 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Luster-gold.jpeg |
| Bike Image 7 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Mineral-purple.jpeg |
| Bike Image 8 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Mint-blue-1.jpeg |
| Bike Image 9 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Red-black.jpeg |
| Cluster | Semi-digital LCD | Analog speedometer with odometer & fuel gauge |
| Color Options | Ebony Black | #1B1B1B Pearl Metallic White | #F1F1ED Cocktail Wine Red | #7A1023 Pewter Grey | #6A6D70 | Beaver Brown | #6B4A3A Mineral Purple | #6C4A7D Luster Gold | #B08D57 Green | #3F5F45 Mint Blue | #6FA7B3 Coral Silk | #C97B63 Blue | #2456A6 Red | #A50000 Grey Black | #6D6D6D, #111111 Red Black | #A00000, #111111 Sparkling Silver | #BFC3C7 Black | #111111 |
| 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. | Performance is basic, and the engine feels underpowered at higher speeds or while riding on highways. The overall design and feature list feel very utilitarian, with minimal modern equipment or styling elements. Braking performance is average, especially when carrying heavier loads. Ride comfort is acceptable for short commutes and work use, but longer rides can feel tiring due to the simple seat and basic ergonomics. Some owners have reported inconsistent service experience and occasional reliability issues related to tyres, clutch parts, or switches. The small fuel tank limits long-distance riding range compared to regular motorcycles. |
| 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. | Utility-focused two-wheelers usually follow a very simple formula, and the TVS XL100 is one of the clearest examples of that approach. Rather than trying to behave like a motorcycle or a modern scooter, the XL100 is designed mainly for everyday work, low-cost commuting, and carrying loads across city streets, village roads, and market areas. Its lightweight construction, automatic transmission, and simple mechanical setup make it practical for riders who prioritize ease of use and reliability over performance or styling. The moped is powered by a 99.7cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produces around 4.3 bhp of power and 6.5 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a single-speed automatic transmission, which removes the need for clutch operation or manual gear changes. This setup helps make riding easier in stop-and-go traffic and during heavy-duty work usage. The engine tuning focuses more on low-speed pulling power and fuel efficiency than speed, allowing the XL100 to carry loads comfortably at regular commuting speeds. Acceleration remains calm and predictable, which suits its utility-oriented nature. Fuel efficiency is one of the strongest aspects of the XL100. Real-world mileage figures generally stay around 55–65 km/l depending on riding conditions, load, and maintenance. The fuel tank capacity is approximately 4 litres, helping keep running costs low for riders who use the vehicle daily for work or transport purposes. Newer variants also use EcoThrust Fuel Injection (ETFi) technology, which improves throttle response and overall fuel management while helping the engine run more smoothly. The overall chassis setup is developed mainly for durability and practicality. The suspension system includes telescopic front forks and dual rear shock absorbers designed to manage rough roads, potholes, and uneven village terrain. The suspension tuning feels soft enough for everyday use while also supporting heavier loads reasonably well. Since the XL100 remains lightweight at around 88–89 kg kerb weight, handling stays manageable even in narrow streets or crowded market areas. One of the most important features of the XL100 is its utility-focused design. The long flat seat, sturdy rear carrier, and open frame structure make it suitable for carrying goods, groceries, agricultural items, and small business supplies. This practical layout is one of the reasons why the vehicle is commonly seen in both rural and commercial environments. Higher variants such as the Heavy Duty Alloy version now also include alloy wheels with tubeless tyres, improving puncture resistance and reducing maintenance compared to older tube-type setups. Braking duties are handled by drum brakes at both ends. The braking performance is tuned mainly for regular commuting and utility riding rather than aggressive stopping power. The wheel setup uses 16-inch wheels that help maintain stability over broken roads and rough surfaces. The upright handlebar and low seat height also contribute to a comfortable and easy riding posture suitable for riders of different age groups. Feature-wise, the XL100 keeps things simple. Depending on the variant, it may include features such as electric start, USB charging, and basic analogue instrumentation. However, the overall design avoids unnecessary complexity and remains focused on durability and straightforward operation. Overall, the TVS XL100 combines low running costs, simple mechanics, lightweight usability, and load-carrying practicality into a utility-focused two-wheeler developed mainly for everyday work and affordable transportation. |
| 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 TVS XL100 is built around practicality more than anything else, and that purpose becomes obvious in the way it rides and functions. Its lightweight body, automatic transmission, and simple controls make it extremely easy to use in daily work conditions, especially for riders carrying goods or travelling through crowded and uneven roads. The 99.7cc engine focuses more on low-speed pulling power and fuel efficiency than outright performance, which suits its utility-oriented nature. The suspension setup and durable frame also help it handle rough roads better than many regular scooters. At the same time, the XL100 keeps things extremely basic, with limited features, modest braking performance, and very simple styling. Highway riding and high-speed performance are not its strengths, but within city, rural, and work-oriented environments, the moped delivers a practical and straightforward riding experience focused mainly on utility and ease of ownership., 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 engine capacity of the TVS XL100? A: The TVS XL100 comes with a 99.7cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. Q: Does the TVS XL100 have gears? A: No, the XL100 uses an automatic CVT-style transmission and does not require manual gear shifting. Q: What mileage does the TVS XL100 give? A: The moped generally delivers around 55–65 km/l depending on load, riding conditions, and maintenance. Q: What is the top speed of the TVS XL100? A: The top speed of the TVS XL100 is approximately 60 km/h. Q: Is the TVS XL100 suitable for carrying loads? A: Yes, the XL100 is widely used for load carrying, small business transport, and utility purposes because of its strong rear carrier and sturdy frame. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the TVS XL100? A: The TVS XL100 comes with a fuel tank capacity of around 4 litres. Q: Does the TVS XL100 have electric start? A: Yes, selected variants like the i-Touch Start come with electric start functionality. Q: What type of brakes are used in the TVS XL100? A: The XL100 uses drum brakes at both the front and rear. Q: What is the kerb weight of the TVS XL100? A: The kerb weight of the moped is approximately 88–90 kg depending on the variant. Q: Is the TVS XL100 good for rural roads? A: Yes, its lightweight design, suspension setup, and utility-focused construction make it suitable for rough and rural roads. Q: Does the TVS XL100 have alloy wheels? A: Yes, some variants such as the HD Alloy come with alloy wheels. Q: What type of tyres does the TVS XL100 use? A: The XL100 uses tubeless tyres, while certain higher variants may offer tubeless setups. Q: Is the TVS XL100 suitable for beginners? A: Yes, the lightweight body, automatic transmission, and simple controls make it easy for beginners to ride. Q: What suspension setup does the TVS XL100 use? A: It gets telescopic front suspension and dual rear shock absorbers. Q: What is the main purpose of the TVS XL100? A: The XL100 is mainly designed for utility-focused commuting, load carrying, and low-cost everyday transportation. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | Single Channel | 122897 Dual Channel USD | 131305 | Heavy Duty | 45150 Heavy Duty i Touch Start | 57160 Comfort i-Touch Start | 60080 Heavy Duty i Touch Start Win Edition | 60280 Heavy Duty Alloy | 62560 |
| 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. | The biggest strength of the XL100 is its simplicity. The automatic no-gear setup makes it extremely easy to ride, especially for older riders, delivery work, rural usage, and daily utility purposes. It is lightweight and highly practical for carrying loads, groceries, agricultural items, or small business goods. Many owners use it as a work vehicle because of its utility-focused design and loading capability. Fuel efficiency remains one of its strongest points, with real-world mileage often staying around 55–65 km/l depending on riding conditions. The suspension setup is tuned more for rough roads and heavy-duty usage, which helps the XL100 handle village roads, muddy surfaces, and uneven terrain reasonably well. Maintenance costs are generally low, spare parts are widely available in most regions, and the mechanical setup remains simple to repair. Its compact size and lightweight body make it very manageable in traffic, narrow roads, and parking areas. |
| Starter | Electric | Kick, plus i-Touch self-start (in select variants) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | Automatic, single-speed gearbox |
