As we already know that motorcycle CC limitation has been moved up in our country and now it is 165cc instead of 155cc. That means new CC limitation, new bikes as well. And at present days among the entire 160cc segment bike which are about to come in Bangladeshi local market peoples are talking about Bajaj Pulsar 160NS the most. Reason behind that are their brand reputation and their successful models at 150cc segment. We all know the impression of Bajaj motorcycles in our country and hopefully this 160 Model will also maintain that reputation. To know this bike better we must see what kind of new features this bike is offering as new segment bike and according to our road terms and riding conditions will those features be suitable and effective or not.
Design and Style
The upcoming Pulsar NS160 from Bajaj can also be consider as the younger brother of the Pulsar NS200. Based on the 200NS this model has lots of similarities at the design. After few changes like smaller size, few changes at the looks, smaller disc and smaller tyres, compared to the NS200 this bike is manufactured for the users. However this new arrival comes with an aggressive and sporty look and arrow dynamic deign. An aggressive front view with a muscular tank attitude and a cool “160” design on the side gives these bikes dynamic style. Without that the underneath exhaust, stylish split seats, stylish alloys gives Pulsar NS160 a smooth look that heighten the iconic Naked Sport design. And one of the main attraction is this bike is manufactured on a perimeter frame which can give high stiffness-low flex for the sharpest handling. Overall this bike has everything that can catch the eyes of those riders who want to have stylish and sporty bikes.
Dimensions
Better dimension creates great impact to the overall outfit of a bike and also ensures comfortable handling and riding at different situations. Checking the dimension of this bike we will see it has 2012mm length, 803.5 mm width, 1060mm height, 176 ground clearances and 1363 wheel base. Likely with this kind of dimension riding this bike will not be a problem at our country roads. This motorcycle also comes with a good body weight of 142 kg and carries a 12 liter fuel tank and that will give great support for smoother riding experience. Design and dimension matches significantly with each other but one thing can create difficulty and that is the seat height. This bike has 805mm seat height and that is a great problem for short height riders. Without that because of this kind of seat height handling this bike at the heavy traffic will be a problem as well. So choosing this bike for the short height people will be painful at critical moments a rider frequently faces.
Engine
As a 160cc bike the new NS160 have updated version engine, and that is 160.3cc 4 - stroke, SOHC 4-Valve, Oil Cooled, DTS-i engine, which generates maximum power of 15.5PS @ 8500rpm and maximum torque of 14.6Nm @ 6500rpm. The engine is assist with a 5-speed gearbox. With the DTS-i engine attached with a state of the art multi-map CDI enhanced the throttle response for this machine at every street. Along with the speed expected mileage will also be delightful according to the previous records of Pulsar bikes and it is also claimed by the manufacturing company as well. Lack of the sixth gear is located at the engine side and hopefully it will not put a bad impact at the performance as 160cc segment bike.
Braking and Suspensions
These two things are must be good for rider’s safety and comfortable handling of the bike and talking about the first element brakes, Pulsar NS160 is equipped with a 240 mm front disc brake no ABS or CBS is located at this bike and according to the demand of modernity it is not a charming thing. Based on the Bangladeshi market and customers demand at least double Disc brakes are expected from this bike but the rear wheel comes with a 130 mm drum brake. Disc and Drum brake combination offers good braking but for more effective braking lot more is required.
On the other side for reducing the rush of riding without losing out on comfort NS160 contains the Nitrox mono shock absorber with Canister rear suspension and it is carefully designed to maintain a stable riding position at every twist and turn for the riders. Other side front wheel offers Telescopic with Anti-friction Bush suspension. So over all the suspension combination can offer comfortable ride.
Tires
Smooth riding also depends on perfect tires and it also ensures safety. For Pulsar 160 NS Bajaj Has placed 80/100 -17" 46 P Tubeless front tires and 110/80 -17" 57 P Tubeless rear tires. These kinds of tires might offer better road grip and put a great impact on better mileage but as the manufacturing company claims great acceleration and speed these tires are leaner to tolerate that force comparing same segment bikes.
Meter console and Electrical
Bajaj Pulsar NS160 comes with the mixture of digital and analogue LCD meter console. At the meter panel it has Digital speedometer, trip meter, Fuel Guage, analogue tachometer, low fuel indicator etc. overall looks of the meter panel is very stylish and attractive as well.
At the electrical it has 12 V DC Maintenance free Battery which powers the electric starting option, Halogen and Bulb Type H4 (12V 55/60W) headlamp, shift lights, Clean Lens and stylish indicators. Engine kill switch and pass light is also located at the handle bar.
Verdict
On the whole observing all the features of this new approaching bike of Bajaj it can be said this bike obviously comes with, great style, naked sport looks, comfortable sporty riding position, and engine power but few lacking are also come out like the lean tires, short of rear Disc, etc. Comparing some rivals of this bike at this segment which are also about to arrive in Bangladesh have bigger tire and an option for a rear disc brakes, which the Pulsar NS160 misses out. But this bike is the smallest bike which is offered with oil cooling by Bajaj, which the others miss out. So finally now it is up to the performance, if the performance level can satisfy the bike lovers than all the lacking will turn onto positive comment.