Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS Review: More Power, Ride Modes, New TFT

Bajaj Auto has significantly upgraded the Pulsar N160 with the new N160 SS, giving the motorcycle more power, sharper responses and a substantial technology boost. Positioned above the existing 2V and N160 S variants, the SS is aimed directly at rivals such as the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V. The motorcycle retains the compact and muscular design of the N160 but receives a four-valve, 164.5cc oil-cooled engine producing 18.5bhp at 9,500rpm and 14.4Nm at 8,000rpm. Bajaj has also revised the gearing, thermal management and chassis to give the motorcycle a more performance-focused character while retaining its everyday usability.

One of the biggest changes is the introduction of an electronic throttle body, which enables four riding modes — Road, Rain, Off-Road and Sport — along with traction control. A fifth Tour display mode is also available on the instrument cluster. The motorcycle gets dual-channel ABS, while the traction control can be switched off according to rider preference. The N160 SS also features a five-inch TFT display with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, phone mirroring, music controls, document storage and Google Maps mirroring. These additions give the motorcycle a considerably more advanced equipment package than the standard N160.

The N160 SS also receives several hardware changes, including a 37mm USD fork, revised ergonomics, a larger 300mm front disc and 230mm rear disc. The handlebar has been moved 39mm higher and 19mm further back, while the seat profile has also been redesigned. The motorcycle weighs 151kg but feels light and nimble on the move, with easy steering and predictable handling. Its chassis remains composed at highway speeds, although the engine feels more strained around 100kmph. The revised four-valve engine is designed to operate higher in the rev range, and vibrations become noticeable from around 8,000rpm.

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Performance is where the N160 SS most clearly separates itself from the older 2V version. Bajaj claims a 0-60kmph time of 4.5 seconds, compared with 5 seconds for the N160 2V, while claimed top speed rises from 112.7kmph to 114kmph. The engine continues pulling towards its 10,900rpm peak, rewarding riders who use the upper reaches of the rev range. At the same time, the motorcycle remains practical in urban conditions. Its smooth clutch and gearbox make frequent gear changes easy, while the crawl function helps maintain low-speed momentum in traffic and reduces the need for excessive clutch inputs.

The N160 SS continues to offer the practicality expected from the Pulsar range, although fuel efficiency is slightly lower than the older 2V model. Bajaj claims 44kmpl for the SS, compared with 47kmpl for the N160 2V, while the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is listed at 43kmpl. The N160 SS is priced at Rs 1.43 lakh ex-showroom, compared with Rs 1.34 lakh for the N160 S. The SS adds features including dual-channel ABS, traction control, adjustable levers, the TFT display, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity and Google Maps functionality, making the higher price easier to justify for buyers seeking a technology-rich package.

Overall, the Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS represents a significant step forward for the N160 range and gives Bajaj a stronger challenger to the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V. Its strengths include the more powerful engine, nimble handling, extensive electronics and strong urban usability. However, high-rpm vibrations, a strained feel during sustained highway cruising and limited long-distance seat comfort prevent it from being an outright perfect package. Even so, the N160 SS combines performance and practicality effectively, making the rivalry between the Pulsar and Apache more competitive as both motorcycles continue to target riders seeking an affordable performance-oriented 160cc machine.

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