Bajaj Pulsar N160 S and N160 SS Launched from Rs. 1.34 Lakh

• New 164.5cc four-valve engine produces 18bhp
• N160 SS gets traction control and Google Maps mirroring
• Existing two-valve Pulsar N160 will continue alongside both models

Bajaj Pulsar N160 S and Pulsar N160 SS have been launched in India at Rs. 1,33,511 and Rs. 1,42,585 respectively ex-showroom Delhi. A new four-valve engine, electronic throttle, larger front forks and a stronger electronics package makes this a tasty update to the N160 series.

The biggest change is the engine as the N160 S and SS use a newly developed 164.5cc single-cylinder four-valve engine producing 18bhp at 9,500rpm and 14.4Nm at 8,000rpm. Claimed 0-60kmph time of 4.5 seconds. Older 164.9cc engine develops 15.5bhp at 8,750rpm and 14.65Nm at 6,750rpm.

The existing N160 uses air cooling and a mechanical throttle, whereas the new four-valve version is oil-cooled and gets an electronic throttle body. Five-speed gearbox continues. The electronic throttle, or Intelligent Throttle as Bajaj calls it, is what allows the company to introduce a much wider set of electronics. Both new motorcycles get four throttle-linked riding modes called Road, Rain, Sport and Off-Road. The intention is to alter throttle response according to riding conditions rather than simply changing the information shown on the instrument cluster.

There is also a new Crawl Technology feature which allows the bike to move smoothly at low speeds even in higher gears without the rider repeatedly working the clutch or changing gears.

he N160 SS traction control system works through the electronic throttle and is intended to reduce wheel slip when grip changes. SS also gets a five-inch TFT console with Google Maps mirroring. Bajaj claims this is a first for a sports motorcycle in India. Rather than offering only simplified arrows the system can mirror Google Maps onto the display.

N160 S uses an LCD display with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. The N160 SS gets the TFT, Bluetooth plus Wi-Fi connectivity and Google Maps navigation. The N160 S uses single-channel ABS, while the N160 SS gets dual-channel ABS. Traction control is reserved for the SS as well. Adjustable control levers are another top-spec feature, whereas the S uses fixed levers.

Both new bikes also receive stronger chassis hardware than the existing N160. The older version uses 33mm upside-down front forks, while the four-valve models step up to larger 37mm USD units. A monoshock continues at the rear.

The two-valve motorcycle uses a 280mm front disc, whereas the N160 S and SS get a larger 300mm disc. The four-valve motorcycles also use a 230mm rear disc. The rear tyre is a 130/70-17 radial on the newer models, while the 100/80-17 front tyre size remains the same. Fuel capacity is unchanged at 14 litres.

Visually, that familiar streetfighter stance remains, but with the introduction of sharper graphics and coloured alloy wheels. The N160 SS also receives revisions to the handlebar angle and seat height arrangement aimed at improving rider comfort. Three colours will be available across the new variants: Atlantic Blue, Pearl Metallic White and Brooklyn Black.

Bajaj says the two-valve will continue to sell alongside the N160 S and SS.