It won’t be wrong to say that the Pulsar range of motorcycles is Bajaj Auto’s lifeline in the Indian two-wheeler market with over 50% of the annual sales coming from Pulsar-branded models. The company currently offers almost a dozen models under the Pulsar sub-brand with more new models in the works.
Out of the plethora of Pulsar models– the 150-160cc segment is the highest sales aggregator for Bajaj Auto with models like the old-gen Pulsar 150, Pulsar N150 and Pulsar N160. It is also the most competitive space in the Indian motorcycle space with rivals like TVS Apache RTR 160, Hero Xtreme 160R and Yamaha FZ Fi range.
Therefore, it is imperative for OEMs to keep updating their lineup on a regular basis. For 2024, the Chakan-based bikemaker will soon update its new-gen 150cc and 160cc Pulsars. Bajaj has shared a teaser of the same on its social media handles. However, it is unclear what exact updates the twin street naked bikes will undergo, as of now.
2024 Bajaj Pulsar N150, N150: Expected updates
By the looks of it, the design of both the bikes is likely to remain unchanged from the current iteration. It is speculated that one of the updates could be the Pulsar N150 receiving a rear disc brake. Currently, it gets a 260mm front disc brake and 130mm rear drum brake with single-channel ABS. The updated Pulsar 150 could disc brakes at both front and rear aided by a dual-channel ABS.
For the uninitiated, the Pulsar N160 was the first bike to offer dual-channel ABS in the 150-160cc category. In November 2023, Bajaj discontinued the single-channel ABS variant of Pulsar N160, making dual-channel ABS as a standard offering. It will also help Bajaj distinguish the old Pulsar 150 with the new-gen lineup. The former gets both front and rear disc setup but with a single-channel ABS only.
Powering the new Pulsar N150 is a 149.6cc single-cylinder engine. It develops 14.5bhp at 8,500rpm and 13.5Nm at 6,000rpm. The motor is mated to a five-speed gearbox. On the other hand, Pulsar N160 is powered by an oil-cooled 164.82cc single-cylinder engine developing 15.7 bhp and 14.65 Nm of peak torque. This motor is mated to a five-speed gearbox.