Bajaj Pulsar NS160 now more powerful

The switch to a BS6-compliant engine has brought with it a 1.5hp bump in power.

Published On Mar 11, 2020 05:06:00 PM

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Last month, we brought you details on multiple Bajaj Pulsar models that were updated to comply with the BS6 norms. Now, a government document online has revealed the power figure of the BS6 Pulsar NS160, and interestingly, it’s more than what the outgoing bike produces.

While the new NS160 will continue to be powered by the same 160.3cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine, the document doesn’t reveal if a fuel-injection system replaces the carburettor on the outgoing model. However, it’s highly likely that this switch has happened and it has brought with it a slight bump in power – to 17hp from the 15.5hp that the outgoing bike produces. This peak output figure also comes in higher up in the rev band – at 9,000rpm – compared to the 8,500rpm it is produced at on the current bike. The torque figure isn’t mentioned, but we suspect this will be different as well.

A peak power value of 17hp makes the upcoming NS160 the most powerful bike in its segment. In comparison, the RTR 160 4V makes 16hp, while the Suzuki Gixxer and Yamaha FZ make much lesser with 13.6hp and 12.4hp, respectively.

Pictures of the updated bike at dealerships across the country have been doing their rounds online, and from the looks of it, it seems that the model has received no significant cosmetic updates. We’re still awaiting official confirmation on the pricing, but looking at the price hike Bajaj’s other models have witnessed, the Pulsar NS160 will likely cost a little more than Rs 1 lakh. Its closest rivals, the Apache RTR 160 4V and the Suzuki Gixxer, have already been updated to comply with BS6 norms and are priced at Rs 1 lakh and Rs 1.12 lakh, respectively.