Bajaj Pulsar N160 4V Review: The One To Buy, Or Just A Feature Upgrade?

If you were planning to buy the Bajaj Pulsar N160, Bajaj has just made the decision a little more complicated. The company has introduced the new Pulsar N160 4V, adding a four-valve head to the familiar 160cc motor, while also bringing a host of feature upgrades. On paper, it sounds like the motorcycle that the 150cc segment buyer was waiting for. But does it really justify the premium over the standard two-valve model? Let's find out in this read.

What's New? More Than Just The Engine

The biggest update is, of course, the new four-valve engine. But Bajaj hasn't stopped there. The motorcycle now gets refreshed graphics. There are a total of 3 colour options. Largely, the design remains the same, with bulky tank shrouds adding to the mass-forward stance of the motorcycle. Also, there are both single-seat and split-seat variants, and a significantly upgraded electronics package.

Feature highlights include:

• Ride-by-wire electronic throttle
• Traction control
• Ride modes
• 5-inch TFT display
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Turn-by-turn navigation
• Dual-channel ABS

For a motorcycle in this segment, the equipment list is genuinely impressive and works seamlessly for the most part. Besides, the Pulsar N160 was devoid of features earlier, and with this update, it certainly matches shoulders with its rivals.

How Different Is The New Engine?

The new 4V setup delivers around 2 HP more than the two-valve version, taking the total output of 18.5 HP, while the peak torque has dropped just a little, now maxing out at 14.4 Nm. However, the way the engine delivers its performance is quite different.

Compared to most rivals, the N160 4V develops its peak power and torque at relatively higher engine speeds. That means you need to work the throttle harder and keep the engine spinning to access the extra performance.

Bajaj claims a 0-60 kmph time of 4.5 seconds, making it one of the quickest motorcycles in its class. Around the city, it feels energetic and eager, with smooth and predictable power delivery.

Comfortable, Refined, But Not Very Exciting Beyond 70 kmph

One thing the Pulsar gets right is everyday usability.

The motorcycle feels:

• Easy to flick around traffic
• Comfortable over long commutes, thanks to the seat and suspension
• Well-balanced through corners

Up to around 60-70 kmph, the performance feels more than adequate. Beyond that, however, the acceleration starts feeling a little less enthusiastic than expected. The engine becomes more vocal at higher speeds, although vibrations remain largely under control.

The Normal mode proved to be the better choice during the ride. Eco mode introduces noticeable throttle response delays, which become particularly evident during overtakes.

Bajaj has certainly added traction control, dual-channel ABS, and even crawl tech. But do you need all of it is the question. My answer to it is - the traction control system and dual-channel ABS are good to have, but the crawl tech feels a little uneven to use. Also, even in the off-road mode, you cannot switch-off the rear ABS completely. There's always some intervention on the rear wheel.

Should You Buy It?

The answer is yes, but with a caveat.

If you're considering the N160 4V, the S variant makes the strongest case for itself. Priced at around Rs 1.34 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), it delivers most of the benefits of the 4V motor without stretching the budget too much.

The fully loaded version tested here costs approximately Rs 1.42 lakh, nearly Rs 10,000 more than the top-end 2V variant. In return, you get the extra features and slightly higher performance, but the jump isn't transformative.

That becomes especially relevant when alternatives like the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V exist. The Apache feels more immediate, more responsive, and arguably sharper in the way it delivers performance.

Bajaj Pulsar N160 4V: Final Words

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 4V is undoubtedly the most technologically advanced N160 yet. It offers a refined engine, useful electronics, and excellent everyday manners. However, the extra performance isn't dramatic enough to completely overshadow the best rivals in the segment.

If your priorities include features, refinement, and daily usability, the N160 4V is easy to recommend. But if outright excitement is what you're after, there are motorcycles in this class that offer a more engaging experience.