Quick Analysis
Bajaj Pulsar NS160
24.0 pts
Unweighted: 16 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TVS Zest 110
7.5 pts
Unweighted: 8 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Oil-cooled | Air-cooled |
| Displacement | 160.3 cc | 109.7 cc |
| Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4-Valve, Twin Spark, DTS-i FI | Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled, SI |
| Power | 12.5 kW (17 PS) @ 9000 rpm | 7.81 PS @ 7500 rpm |
| Torque | 14.6 Nm @ 7,250 rpm | 8.8 Nm @ 5,500 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L | 4.9 L |
| Mileage | 40.36 Kmpl | 48 Kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 152 | 103 |
| Seat Height | 804 | 760 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual-channel ABS | — |
| Front Brake | Dual Channel ABS, 300 mm Disc | Drum (110 mm) |
| Front Suspension | 37 mm Upside Down (USD) Fork (130 mm travel) | Telescopic hydraulic fork |
| Rear Brake | 230 mm Disc(ABS) | Drum (130 mm) |
| Rear Suspension | Nitrox Mono-shock | Double Rated Hydraulic Mono Shock |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 100/80-17 Tubeless | 90/100–10 tubeless |
| Rear Tyre | 130/70-17 Tubeless | 90/90–10 tubeless |
| 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) | 35/35 W halogen with LED DRL |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | DC, 12V, 4 Ah VRLA | 12 V, 5 Ah lead‑acid |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pearl-White-3.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Purple.avif |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pewter-grey.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pearl-White.avif |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Wine-Red-3.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Matte-Red.avif |
| Bike Image 4 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Matte-Blue.avif |
| Bike Image 5 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/matte-black.avif |
| Bike Image 6 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Graphite-Grey.avif |
| Bike Image 7 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Bold-Black.avif |
| Cluster | Semi-digital LCD | Analogue speedometer + digital odometer & fuel gauge |
| Color Options | Ebony Black | #1B1B1B Pearl Metallic White | #F1F1ED Cocktail Wine Red | #7A1023 Pewter Grey | #6A6D70 | Pearl White | #F2F2EE Turquoise Blue | #1CA3A3 Matte Red | #A11B1B Purple | #6B3F8D Matte Black | #1A1A1A Matte Blue | #315C9B Bold Black | #111111 Graphite Grey | #666A6D |
| 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. | Braking performance feels average, especially during sudden stops. Instrument cluster design looks dated compared to newer scooters in the segment. Highway performance remains limited due to the small engine and lightweight setup. Some owners have reported issues related to brake shoes, clutch assembly, and belt durability over time. Ride quality can feel slightly basic on rough roads at higher speeds. Feature list is simpler compared to more modern scooters with digital connectivity features. Mileage consistency varies depending on riding conditions and maintenance. |
| 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. | Compact dimensions and lightweight handling are among the main characteristics that define the TVS Zest 110. The scooter is designed primarily for urban commuting, where easy maneuverability and simple usability matter more than aggressive performance or advanced technology. Its overall structure remains small and manageable, making it suitable for crowded roads, narrow lanes, and frequent stop-and-go traffic conditions commonly seen in cities. The low kerb weight also helps riders move the scooter around parking areas with less effort. The TVS Zest 110 is powered by a 109.7cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine paired with a CVT automatic transmission. The engine produces around 7.7 bhp of power and approximately 8.8 Nm of torque. Power delivery is tuned mainly for smooth low-speed riding rather than quick acceleration, which makes the scooter feel calm and predictable during everyday commuting. Throttle response remains easy to control, especially in traffic conditions where repeated acceleration and braking are common. The automatic gearbox further simplifies riding by removing the need for manual gear shifts. Fuel efficiency is another important aspect of the scooter’s setup. Under regular riding conditions, mileage figures generally stay around the mid-40s km/l range, depending on traffic, maintenance, and riding habits. The scooter comes with a fuel tank capacity of around 5 litres, which supports decent range for routine commuting and daily travel needs. Its lightweight body also contributes to maintaining fuel efficiency during city usage. The riding posture is upright and relaxed, with a wide seat that provides enough room for both rider and pillion during short and medium-distance rides. The seat height is relatively accessible, helping riders place their feet on the ground comfortably at traffic stops. The floorboard area offers enough space for carrying small bags or daily-use items, while the under-seat storage compartment adds practicality for storing essentials such as documents, groceries, or personal belongings. Suspension duties are handled by telescopic front forks and a rear hydraulic shock absorber setup. This configuration is tuned mainly for city comfort, helping the scooter absorb speed breakers and uneven roads at normal commuting speeds. Since the scooter is lightweight, handling feels agile and easy during quick turns and traffic filtering. However, the suspension setup focuses more on comfort and ease of use rather than sporty handling characteristics. For braking, the scooter uses drum brakes at both the front and rear along with synchronized braking technology. The braking feel is designed to remain predictable for everyday riding conditions. The scooter rides on alloy wheels fitted with tubeless tyres, which improve convenience during punctures and regular maintenance. The smaller wheelbase and compact chassis also help the scooter maintain easy low-speed control. Feature-wise, the TVS Zest 110 keeps things fairly simple and commuter-focused. It uses an analogue-style instrument cluster with basic information such as speed, fuel level, and odometer readings. The overall design avoids overly complex technology and instead focuses on straightforward functionality. Styling elements include curved body panels, dual-tone color options, and compact proportions aimed at giving the scooter a youthful and approachable appearance without becoming overly aggressive. Overall, the TVS Zest 110 combines lightweight construction, smooth city-friendly performance, comfortable ergonomics, and practical everyday usability into a scooter developed mainly for regular urban commuting and easy day-to-day riding. |
| 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 Zest 110 is designed mainly for simple and easy urban commuting, with a strong focus on lightweight handling and rider convenience. Its compact dimensions and low kerb weight make it easy to maneuver through traffic and parking spaces, especially for new riders. The 109.7cc engine delivers smooth low-speed performance suitable for daily rides, while the relaxed seating posture and soft suspension setup help maintain comfort on regular city roads. Practical elements like under-seat storage and utility hooks add to everyday usability. However, the scooter keeps things basic in terms of features and design, and its performance feels limited at higher speeds. Overall, the Zest 110 follows a comfort-oriented and user-friendly approach aimed mainly at routine urban travel rather than sporty riding or advanced technology., 4.1, 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 Zest 110? A: The TVS Zest 110 comes with a 109.7cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. Q: What mileage does the TVS Zest 110 give? A: The scooter delivers around 45–48 km/l depending on riding conditions and maintenance. Q: What is the top speed of the TVS Zest 110? A: The TVS Zest 110 has an approximate top speed of 80 km/h. Q: Is the TVS Zest 110 suitable for beginners? A: Yes, its lightweight body, compact dimensions, and automatic transmission make it beginner-friendly. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the TVS Zest 110? A: The scooter comes with a fuel tank capacity of around 5 litres. Q: Does the TVS Zest 110 have tubeless tyres? A: Yes, the scooter is equipped with tubeless tyres at both front and rear. Q: What type of brakes are used in the TVS Zest 110? A: The scooter uses drum brakes at both ends along with synchronized braking technology. Q: What is the kerb weight of the TVS Zest 110? A: The kerb weight of the scooter is approximately 102–103 kg. Q: Does the TVS Zest 110 have a digital instrument cluster? A: No, the scooter uses a mainly analogue instrument console with basic ride information. Q: Is the TVS Zest 110 good for city commuting? A: Yes, the scooter is mainly designed for lightweight urban commuting and regular daily use. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | — |
| Price Variants | Single Channel | 122897 Dual Channel USD | 131305 | Gloss Series | 67050 Matte Series | 70850 SXC | 74150 |
| 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. | Lightweight body makes the scooter very easy to handle in city traffic and tight parking spaces. Comfortable seat and relaxed riding posture suit daily commuting and short rides well. Smooth throttle response and peppy 110cc engine feel suitable for urban riding conditions. Compact dimensions help new riders and learners feel more confident while riding. Under-seat storage and utility hooks improve day-to-day practicality. Maintenance cost is generally considered affordable by many owners. Good maneuverability and agile handling make it convenient for crowded city roads. |
| Starter | Electric | Electric & kick-start |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | CVT automatic |
