Summary of "Bajaj Pulsar N160 Review after 10,000Kms (Pros & Cons)"

Bajaj Pulsar N160 Review (After 10,000+ km Usage)

Main Features

Mileage:
- Highway: Up to 52 km/l
- City: Around 42-43 km/l
- Best mileage achieved using premium petrol as recommended by the manufacturer.
Engine: Stock engine with no modifications; provides a smooth cruising experience.
Headlamp: Bright projector headlamp, larger and superior compared to competitors like Yamaha MT and R15.
Brakes: Effective front disc brakes with responsive ABS that activates only when necessary.
Sound: Pleasant underbelly exhaust sound; no need for aftermarket exhaust upgrades.
Charging Point: Fast charging output available, though specific power output was not measured.
Indicators: Initially bulb type; upgraded to LED indicators in newer models and by the user.
Build Quality: Generally good, but some components like the accelerator cable and handlebar showed wear under rough use.
Suspension: Rear suspension is stiff, causing discomfort for pillion riders.

Pros

Excellent mileage for a 160cc bike, especially with premium petrol.
Smooth and comfortable for daily city cruising.
Powerful and bright projector headlamp.
Strong and responsive disc brakes with reliable ABS.
Pleasant stock exhaust sound.
Good build quality overall with no major engine issues.
Company responsive to customer feedback (e.g., introduction of LED indicators).
Charging point effective for quick phone charging.

Cons

Fuel Pump Issue: Early batches had fuel pump failures, partly due to user negligence (running on reserve and using non-premium petrol initially).
Self Start Motor: Initial batch had faulty self-start motors, later fixed by the company free of cost.
Turning Radius: Narrow turning radius similar to sports bikes like Yamaha R15, making city maneuvering difficult.
Rear Suspension: Very stiff rear suspension uncomfortable for pillion riders.
Chain Noise: Persistent chain noise reported, a common issue with Bajaj bikes.
Mud Splashing: Bike tends to get dirty quickly due to mud splashes; mudguard installation recommended.
Top Speed & Highway Cruising: Top speed around 133 km/h, but sustained cruising above 85-90 km/h causes excessive vibrations and engine strain.
Handlebars: Handlebar bent slightly after off-road ride; not ideal for long rides.
Accelerator Wire: Broke once due to driving style and build quality.
Horn: Very low volume, scooter-like sound, ineffective on highways; dual horn recommended.
No Tank Pad: Required user to install separately.

User Experience

The reviewer uses the bike daily for city commuting and occasional long trips. The bike remains mostly stock except for the removal of saree guards. Key points from the user experience include:

Emphasis on using premium petrol to avoid damage.
Early mechanical issues were resolved under warranty.
Appreciates the bike’s balance of mileage and performance.
Finds the bike less comfortable for long rides due to suspension stiffness and handlebar issues.
Highlights the standout features of the bike’s sound and headlamp.
Suggests minor aftermarket modifications such as mudguard, dual horn, and tank pad for a better overall experience.

Comparisons

The headlamp size and brightness compare favorably against Yamaha MT and R15.
Turning radius is similar to Yamaha R15, implying sporty but less city-friendly handling.
Performance and mileage compared to 250cc bikes; the reviewer prefers the N160 for better mileage and adequate performance without the higher cost.

Additional Notes from Multiple Speakers

The review is presented as genuine and unbiased, with no brand promotion.
The company’s after-sales service is praised for resolving early issues.
Some problems were attributed to user negligence (e.g., fuel pump failure).
The bike’s design and features are well-suited for city use but less ideal for long highway cruising.
Some user-installed upgrades are necessary due to missing features in the stock version.

Overall Verdict

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 offers excellent mileage, a powerful projector headlamp, and reliable braking performance, making it a strong contender in the 160cc segment for daily commuting and moderate cruising. However, it has notable drawbacks such as stiff rear suspension, narrow turning radius, chain noise, and lower top-speed comfort, which may affect long-distance touring comfort. Early mechanical issues were mostly resolved by the company.

The bike is recommended for city riders and those valuing mileage and style over outright speed or touring comfort. Minor aftermarket modifications can enhance the ownership experience.

Rating: No explicit numerical rating given, but overall positive with some caveats.