Bajaj Pulsar N160 4V

The Pulsar N160 was introduced in 2023 as the second model based on Bajaj’s new-generation Pulsar platform, following the 250s. On its own, the N160 was a likeable motorcycle to ride. However, when compared with its closest rival, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, which has long been the benchmark in this segment, there were a few areas where the Pulsar fell short.

Fast forward to 2026, and Bajaj has introduced the new four-valve version of the Pulsar N160 with several upgrades aimed at making it one of the most compelling motorcycles in the segment. We spent a few hours with the new bike to find out exactly what has changed and whether these updates are enough to make the N160 the top choice in its class.

Bajaj has left the design of the new Pulsar N160 largely unchanged, barring the new graphics, fresh colours, and added extensions to the fuel tank area. We believe that’s acceptable considering the new-age Pulsar design already looks modern, proportionate, and handsome, in our books. The headlamp design is aggressive; there is a lot of muscle around the fuel tank, and the upswept tail section nicely completes the design to make it look cohesive.

The quality levels, meanwhile, are decent. Although its contender from TVS feels like a better-built motorcycle, the Pulsar doesn’t have any red flags either. The switchgear feels tactile, the paint boasts a rich finish, and nothing seems susceptible to breakage or coming loose

The biggest change in the 2026 Pulsar N160 has come in the form of a new engine. The new motor boasts an oversquare layout and gets four valves, unlike the older generation model, which gets a two-valve setup. This helps the new engine breathe better than the two-valve engine, thereby offering a much higher 11,000rpm rev ceiling. It is also more powerful and produces 18bhp, up from 15.5bhp from the old engine. The torque output, however, is marginally lower at 14.4Nm. Furthermore, Bajaj has gone for an oil-cooler and an electronic throttle for the new motor.

The transition from two to four valves should’ve ideally caused the kerb weight of the new version to increase, courtesy of the added material and components in the engine. However, Bajaj says they’ve better optimised the chassis and swingarm by altering the metallurgy. As a result, at 151kg (kerb), the new Pulsar N160 4V weighs the same as the 2V. Plus, there are chunkier 37mm USD forks (as against the 2V’s 33mm units), adjustable levers and dual-channel ABS come as standard on the top-end SS variant.

The new Pulsar N160 SS variant is also the first-ever Bajaj offering to get a TFT screen. This five-inch unit shows a lot of information in a legible format. The noteworthy features include Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi, Google Maps phone mirroring, and document storage. And courtesy of the inclusion of an electronic throttle, the motorcycle now gets traction control and five riding modes - Road, Rain, Sport, Tour, and Off-road.

Each mode offers varying levels of throttle response and traction control intervention. It also gets a Crawl feature to prevent the engine from stalling in traffic in the lower gears. The lower-spec S trim, meanwhile, gets a colour LCD dash with Bluetooth, turn-by-turn navigation, single-channel ABS, and misses out on traction control and adjustable levers.

While the rear disc size has remained the same at 230mm, the front is a 20mm bigger rotor, measuring 300milimeters. The 14-litre fuel tank capacity has remained unaltered.

The Pulsar N160 continues to offer an accessible 795mm of seat height, which makes it easy to hop on the bike and flat-foot, especially with my 5’11’’ frame. Bajaj has also tweaked the handlebar angle on the new-gen model, and you sit slightly more upright while still being in a sporty position. Overall, the motorcycle continues to be a comfortable motorcycle with a dash of sportiness.

Now, crank up the engine, keep it at idle, and you’re greeted with the familiar bassy soundtrack. Rev it up a little and the louder and raspier acoustics remind you of the Pulsar N160 2V. Where the familiarity ends is when you get going and feel the absence of a strong mid-range. The new N260 4V feels a bit dull until around 5,500-6,000rpm. The acceleration a bit inadequate for an engine of this size. It is more in the 125cc territory.

However, if you continue and go past 6,000rpm, the motorcycle starts pulling spiritedly. The revs climb faster and the pull becomes stronger, making it feel like a properly fast 160cc motorcycle. Even the engine sound turns sportier and more entertaining. Of course, there is a bit of vibrations to be felt around the pegs and the handlebar towards the top end, but it doesn’t get obnoxious. In fact, if pushed hard enough, the motorcycle touches 100 kmph in fourth with still one cog left to utilise. The engine's performance maxes out somewhere close to 115kmph. What’s unquestionably impressive is the super crisp gearbox and feather-light clutch, both of which make traffic work easy.

Coming to the handling, the new Pulsar N160 has an improved front-end feel while retaining the same agility and lightness of the older model. It feels flickable, and such manoeuvres in traffic feel effortless. That said, we couldn’t thoroughly test the handling of the bike and the grip from the new radial rear tyre, thanks to the incessant rains during the media test ride. The braking setup, meanwhile, performs commendably. The front disc offers an adequate level of bite for this class with optimum feel from the lever. Even the rear brake brings in a good balance of bite and progression. The dual-channel ABS (exclusive to the SS trim) did a great job of being minimally intrusive in Sport mode, especially at the front. In Rain mode, the level of intrusion increased noticeably, which is something new riders will appreciate.

As for the ride quality, Bajaj has tuned the suspension of the Pulsar N160 brilliantly. It goes over minor undulations with sheer plushness while the bigger bumps or potholes are also handled without unnecessary movement or squishiness. And the fact that the setup feels fairly absorbent and stable at any given speed is commendable.

Bajaj has really upped the game with the new Pulsar N160. While the previous motorcycle was already likeable in almost every regard, the added features and other changes only make the new package more enticing. Be it looks, features, handling, comfort, or performance, the motorcycle feels like a step up in almost every area. The pricing is also attractive and the top-spec variant demands only a marginal premium over its arch rival and segment king, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V. The SS and S variants of the new N160 cost Rs. 1.42 lakh and Rs. 1.33 lakh, respectively (both prices are ex-showroom).

The only thing we are left wanting for is better mid-range performance. More punch under 6,000rpm would not only make the bike less work to ride but also more fun in the city. The somewhat high-strung nature of the new N160 suits those who like to be immersed in revving their engines hard almost all the time. That said, for those who want the feel of a new-age Pulsar without revving the guts out of their bike often to extract maximum performance, the old Pulsar N160 2V will continue to be sold alongside the new iteration.

Photography by Kaustubh Gandhi