Quick Analysis
Bajaj Pulsar NS160
13.0 pts
Unweighted: 9 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
Yamaha R15 M
12.0 pts
Unweighted: 7 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Oil-cooled | Liquid Cooled |
| Displacement | 160.3 cc | 155 cc |
| Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4-Valve, Twin Spark, DTS-i FI | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve |
| Power | 12.5 kW (17 PS) @ 9000 rpm | 13.5kW(18.4PS)/10000 RPM |
| Torque | 14.6 Nm @ 7,250 rpm | 14.2 Nm (1.4 kgfm) @7,500 RPM |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L | 11 L |
| Mileage | 40.36 Kmpl | 45 Kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 152 | 141 |
| Seat Height | 804 | 815 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual-channel ABS | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Dual Channel ABS, 300 mm Disc | Disc 282 mm |
| Front Suspension | 37 mm Upside Down (USD) Fork (130 mm travel) | Telescopic Upside Down Fork (USD Fork) |
| Rear Brake | 230 mm Disc(ABS) | Disc 220 mm |
| Rear Suspension | Nitrox Mono-shock | Linked-Type Monocross Suspension |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 100/80-17 Tubeless | 100/80 - 17 |
| Rear Tyre | 130/70-17 Tubeless | 140/70 - 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) | Bi-functional LED (Class D) |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | DC, 12V, 4 Ah VRLA | 12 V, 4.0 Ah |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pearl-White-3.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/metallic-grey.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pewter-grey.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Moto-GP.webp |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Wine-Red-3.avif | — |
| Cluster | Semi-digital LCD | Digital |
| Color Options | Ebony Black | #1B1B1B Pearl Metallic White | #F1F1ED Cocktail Wine Red | #7A1023 Pewter Grey | #6A6D70 | Metallic Grey | #5C6166 Icon Performance | #F2F3F5, #1B4FAF MotoGP Edition | #1B4FAF, #121214 |
| 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. | Aggressive Riding Position – The low clip-on handlebars and rear-set footpegs can become tiring during long city commutes and heavy traffic. Pillion Comfort Is Limited – The raised rear seat and sporty ergonomics prioritize styling and rider control over passenger comfort. Engine Performance Requires Revs – Much of the performance is accessed at higher RPMs, which means frequent gear changes may be necessary during spirited riding. Ride Quality Can Feel Firm on Broken Roads – The sporty suspension setup transmits sharp bumps more noticeably than commuter-oriented motorcycles. Small Engine Compared to Larger Rivals – Although technologically advanced, the R15M competes with some motorcycles that offer significantly larger engines. Wind Protection Is Good but Not Touring-Oriented – The fairing helps at highway speeds, but the motorcycle is not designed primarily for long-distance touring. |
| 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 Yamaha R15M is a fully-faired sport motorcycle that sits at the top of Yamaha’s R15 lineup in India. While it shares its basic platform with the standard R15 V4, the R15M adds premium styling elements and additional features that further emphasize its connection to Yamaha’s larger R-series motorcycles. The motorcycle is designed to bring sportbike-focused technology and design into the 150cc segment while maintaining dimensions and performance levels that remain manageable for everyday riding. At the heart of the R15M is a 155cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. The engine uses Yamaha’s Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) technology, which alters valve operation at different engine speeds to help maintain performance across a broader rev range. This allows the motorcycle to deliver usable power at lower engine speeds while continuing to produce strong performance at higher RPMs. The engine develops approximately 18.4 PS of power and 14.2 Nm of torque and is paired with a six-speed gearbox. A key component of the transmission system is the assist-and-slipper clutch. The assist function helps reduce clutch lever effort, making the motorcycle easier to operate in traffic, while the slipper mechanism helps minimize rear-wheel instability during aggressive downshifts. The R15M also includes a quickshifter, allowing clutchless upshifts while riding. This feature is more commonly associated with larger sport motorcycles and contributes to the motorcycle’s sport-oriented character. The chassis is based on Yamaha’s Deltabox frame, a design that has been used across multiple generations of Yamaha performance motorcycles. The frame is intended to provide a balance between rigidity and handling precision. Combined with the motorcycle’s compact dimensions, the chassis contributes significantly to its agility and responsiveness. Suspension duties are handled by upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock. The upside-down fork design places the larger fork tubes at the upper section, increasing structural rigidity while contributing to steering precision. The rear suspension works alongside the frame to maintain stability and support rider and passenger loads during everyday use. The suspension setup is tuned to support both city riding and more spirited cornering. Braking is managed by disc brakes at both ends, supported by dual-channel ABS. The anti-lock braking system monitors wheel speeds and helps reduce the possibility of wheel lock-up during hard braking. The braking package is designed to complement the motorcycle’s sporty handling characteristics while maintaining everyday usability. One of the distinguishing aspects of the R15M is its technology package. The motorcycle includes traction control, which monitors wheel-speed differences and helps manage rear-wheel slip under certain riding conditions. Bluetooth connectivity is available through Yamaha’s Y-Connect system, allowing riders to access smartphone-related information through the instrument display. The digital instrument cluster presents information such as speed, gear position, fuel level, trip data, fuel economy readings, and connected-bike notifications. The riding position reflects the motorcycle’s supersport inspiration. Clip-on handlebars are positioned below the upper triple clamp, while rear-set footpegs encourage a forward-leaning posture. This arrangement places the rider in a position that supports cornering control and aerodynamic efficiency, though it is more aggressive than a typical commuter motorcycle. The seat height is approximately 815 mm, and the motorcycle has a kerb weight of around 141 kg. Visually, the R15M closely resembles Yamaha’s larger R-series motorcycles. The aerodynamic fairing, central LED projector headlamp, LED position lights, sculpted fuel tank, and sharp tail section all contribute to its supersport appearance. Premium touches such as special graphics, unique badging, and distinctive color schemes help differentiate it from the standard R15 variants. Overall, the Yamaha R15M combines a 155cc VVA-equipped engine, six-speed gearbox, quickshifter, traction control, dual-channel ABS, Bluetooth connectivity, and a sport-focused chassis into a motorcycle designed to deliver a supersport-inspired experience within the lightweight motorcycle segment. |
| 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 Yamaha R15M is a motorcycle that brings many characteristics of larger supersport machines into the 150cc segment. Its strongest attribute is the way the chassis, suspension, and riding position work together to create a focused riding experience. The motorcycle feels precise when changing direction, remains stable through corners, and encourages riders to make use of its high-revving 155cc engine. Features such as the quickshifter, traction control system, Bluetooth connectivity, and USD front forks add a level of sophistication that is uncommon in this class. However, the R15M's priorities are clearly different from those of a conventional commuter motorcycle. The aggressive ergonomics, firm ride quality, and compact pillion seat are all consequences of its sportbike-oriented design. In everyday riding, the motorcycle rewards riders who enjoy an involved and engaging experience rather than those seeking maximum comfort or practicality. Its overall character is defined by handling precision, chassis balance, and a strong emphasis on supersport-inspired riding dynamics., 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: Is Yamaha R15M a good bike for daily use? A: The Yamaha R15M can be used daily, but its aggressive riding position is more sport-oriented than that of a typical commuter motorcycle. Q: What is the real mileage of Yamaha R15M? A: The real-world mileage of the Yamaha R15M generally ranges between 40 km/l and 50 km/l, depending on riding style, traffic conditions, and maintenance. Q: What is the top speed of Yamaha R15M? A: The Yamaha R15M can achieve a top speed of approximately 140 km/h under suitable conditions. Q: What is the engine capacity of Yamaha R15M? A: The motorcycle is powered by a 155cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA). Q: How much power does the Yamaha R15M produce? A: The engine produces approximately 18.4 PS of power and 14.2 Nm of torque. Q: Does Yamaha R15M have a quickshifter? A: Yes, the Yamaha R15M comes equipped with a quickshifter for clutchless upshifts. Q: Does Yamaha R15M have traction control? A: Yes, traction control is offered as standard on the Yamaha R15M. Q: Does Yamaha R15M have Bluetooth connectivity? A: Yes, Bluetooth connectivity is available through Yamaha's Y-Connect system. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of Yamaha R15M? A: The Yamaha R15M comes with an 11-litre fuel tank. Q: What is the kerb weight of Yamaha R15M? A: The motorcycle weighs approximately 141 kg in running condition. Q: What is the seat height of Yamaha R15M? A: The Yamaha R15M has a seat height of approximately 815 mm. Q: Is Yamaha R15M comfortable for long rides? A: The motorcycle can handle long-distance rides, but the sporty ergonomics may become tiring for some riders over extended periods. Q: Which is better: Yamaha R15M or KTM RC 200? A: The Yamaha R15M focuses on handling precision, fuel efficiency, and advanced features, while the KTM RC 200 offers a larger engine and stronger outright performance. Q: Which is better: Yamaha R15M or Bajaj Pulsar RS200? A: The Yamaha R15M offers a more modern electronics package and sharper handling, while the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 provides more engine capacity and highway performance. Q: Does Yamaha R15M have dual-channel ABS? A: Yes, the Yamaha R15M comes equipped with dual-channel ABS as standard. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | Single Channel | 122897 Dual Channel USD | 131305 | Metallic Grey | 196100 Icon Performance | 196100 Moto GP Edition | 196100 |
| 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 Handling and Cornering Ability – The Deltabox frame, USD front forks, and well-balanced chassis give the R15M a precise and confidence-inspiring feel through corners. High-Reving VVA Engine – The 155cc liquid-cooled engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) delivers a broad powerband and remains responsive across different engine speeds. Premium Build Quality – Body panel fit, switchgear quality, paint finish, and overall attention to detail are among the strongest aspects of the motorcycle. Feature-Rich Package – The R15M includes features such as traction control, quickshifter, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-channel ABS, riding modes, and a TFT-style digital display. Sportbike Styling – The design closely resembles Yamaha's larger R-series motorcycles, giving the bike a genuine supersport appearance. Quickshifter Enhances Riding Experience – The clutchless upshift function adds convenience during spirited riding and highway acceleration. Good Highway Stability – The aerodynamic fairing and chassis setup help the motorcycle feel composed at higher speeds. Fuel Efficiency Remains Competitive – Despite its performance-oriented nature, the engine can deliver strong fuel economy when ridden sensibly. |
| Starter | Electric | Electric starter |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | Constant mesh, 6-speed |
