New Bajaj Pulsar N160 4V Review
Bajaj Auto has just launched the first major update to their Pulsar N160 model and the prices start from Rs 1,33,511 (Ex-sh) for base S variant and Rs 1,42,585 for the top-spec SS variant. The 2V version continues with three variants alongside the two variants of 4V model, taking the total number of Pulsar N160 variants to five.
With the just launched Pulsar N160 4V version, there are three colours on offer – Black and White, while there is a Blue colour with Orange highlights listed on the website which is yet to receive a price. As part of the national media drive in Pune, only Black and White were available and we sampled the White colour. We experienced the new Pulsar N160 4V in multiple riding conditions to tell you about it.
Bajaj Pulsar N160 4V Review
For starters, I liked the White colour more as I generally like the colour White, but Black looks sportier as it gets Red painted alloy wheels and Red highlights in 3D Pulsar badge. Also, graphics on these colours are slightly different too. Other than the colours, there are no changes to the core identity of Pulsar N160.
The tag line for Pulsar N160 4V is ‘Gear Neeche, Duniya Peeche’, ‘The Fast And Intelligent 160’. Main additions with 4V model are electronic throttle with ride-by-wire technology which brings crawl tech and the traction control (switchable) has unlocked up to 5 riding modes. Dual disc brakes with dual channel ABS, 37mm USD front forks and radial rear tyre, adjustable levers and all LED lighting are notable too.
New Bajaj Pulsar N160 4V Review
New Bajaj Pulsar N160 4V Review
First Bajaj Motorcycle To Get a TFT Cluster
With the launch of Pulsar N160 4V, it became Bajaj’s first ever motorcycle to come with a TFT instrument cluster. This TFT cluster is only available with the top-spec SS variant and comes with a load of features that are welcome not only to 160cc class motorcycles, but vehicles costing 2-3 times as much as Pulsar N160 4V. Rivals like TVS Apache RTR 160 4V have offered a TFT cluster before, but the way Bajaj has executed it is truly commendable.
For starters, it gets new and fancy switchgear to operate this cluster. It has auto day/night themes with a light sensor for auto brightness adjustment. Traction Control can be turned on / off and then rider can cycle between all five Ride Modes – Sport, Road, Rain, Off-Road and Tour. This cluster has a personalizable home layout which can show a 0-60 km/h meter. There’s a lap timer and document storage as well.
New Bajaj Pulsar N160 4V Review
Gear position indicator and other features are present. This cluster works on basic Bluetooth for some notifications and then there’s WiFi streaming for complex features like music control, notifications from even third party apps like Whatsapp without interrupting the Maps. Yes. Google Maps mirroring is present and the mirroring can happen even when the Android phone screen is off. With IOS on iPhones, phone screen has to be on.
There is a new Bajaj Ride Connect App version with WiFi interface with this cluster which will enable these features. Only one or two Bajaj personnel at the media ride event had this app and they showed us the demo on a connected bike. The new app version will be made available to the public soon. Bajaj’s implementation of a TFT cluster puts it ahead of its 160cc rivals and ahead of other motorcycles in higher displacement classes up to 650cc or 750cc.
New Bajaj Pulsar N160 4V Review
Updated Engine, Ride-By-Wire, Dynamics
While the new TFT cluster with Google Maps mirroring with phone screen off (with Android) is the main buzzmaker, the new 164.9cc engine is the most significant mechanical update. It gets a 4V head for the first time and Bajaj has added oil cooler radiator into the equation too. This has enabled Bajaj to up-tune the engine to generate 18.5 PS, up from 16 PS in the 2V model. Torque has gone down by 0.25 Nm at 14.4 Nm, which is not a big drop. A 6-speed gearbox would have been nice, though.
The gain in performance is noticeable as the 4V head allows it to breathe more freely and the oil cooler keeps engine temps in check. What enhances the overall experience is ride-by-wire tech which allows for smoother on/off throttle transitions and smoother power delivery. Bajaj quotes this system to execute 3 million calculations per second to keep power delivery smooth. Even though there is ride-by-wire now, Bajaj has not added cruise control which Hero Xtreme 160R 4V offers.
New Bajaj Pulsar N160 4V Review
The 4V model took about 16-17 seconds to hit 100 km/h in standstill in the rain when the road was wet. In dry conditions, it should shave off a couple of seconds off this time. The clutch action is light and the engine is peppy in everyday conditions. Even on the highway, maintaining higher speeds for longer duration should now be possible with the oil cooling, something we couldn’t test with our short time with this bike.
With ride-by-wire tech, Bajaj Pulsar N160 4V now gets Crawl feature where the bike smoothly crawls forward to aid in chalk-a-block traffic situations. Even the throttle response in higher gears and lower speeds has gotten smoother. Vibrations are well contained and the exhaust note is crisp and bass-y. We didn’t feel the need for cruise control for intended use of Pulsar N160 4V.
New Bajaj Pulsar N160 4V Review
Rider’s ergonomics are almost identical even though there is a slightly redesigned seat. Wide handlebar offers an up-right riding stance and there shouldn’t be much discomfort even on longer journeys. The radial tyre offers greater grip than normal one, giving Pulsar N160 4V good grip and cornering ability. Traction control offers greater control over the performance and even in wet conditions, held on to its own. Dual Channel ABS does not feel intrusive, but stronger braking performance could have been nicer.
Should You Buy One?
The N160 4V doesn’t reinvent Pulsar N160, but addresses one of the biggest limitations of the earlier motorcycle – performance. The extra power is noticeable, while ride-by-wire improves low-speed behaviour and the SS variant’s TFT brings an unusually comprehensive technology package for this segment. As a package of engine refinement, equipment, features, convenience, technology and desirability, new Pulsar N160 4V is one-upping the rivals.
What remains unchanged is the relatively heavy feel of the platform, and braking performance could have been stronger. A sixth gear would also have made the additional performance more useful on highways. For existing N160 2V owners, the changes may not necessarily justify an immediate upgrade. But for someone shopping for a new sporty 160cc motorcycle, the 4V makes Pulsar N160 a considerably stronger proposition than before.