The Pulsar brand of motorcycles is the primary breadwinner for Bajaj Auto in the two-wheeler segment for over two decades now. With at least a dozen models in this range, Bajaj constantly keeps updating the Pulsar lineup to keep up with customer expectations. The two-wheeler manufacturer is set to bring another change in the Pulsar range soon.
Bajaj will soon launch a more affordable entry-level variant of the Pulsar N160– one of the popular Pulsars today. The new base variant of Pulsar N160 has started reaching dealerships across the country. A video of the same uploaded on YouTube channel AutoTechInfo highlights the differences between the upcoming variant and the existing N160.
Bajaj Pulsar N160 base variant: Changes expected
In the video, the vlogger mentions that the new base variant will cost around Rs 21,000 lesser on road as compared to the top-spec trim in Kanpur. This suggests a difference of around Rs 10,000 between the ex-showroom price of these two variants. For reference, the existing Pulsar N160 is offered in two variants: without USD and with USD, priced at Rs 1.33 lakh and Rs 1.39 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively.
With this significant drop in price, the new base Pulsar N160 variant will miss out on quite a few features. Visually too, there are some key differences that we can make out. For instance, the upcoming trim will ditch the split seats for a more conventional single-piece seat. The seat also looks narrower up front which means easier to place the rider’s feet down.
Further, this new trim gets a simpler single-piece pillion grab rail instead of the split unit seen in the current model. In terms of features, the LED headlamps and taillamps have been retained but the new variant will have to make do with bulb indicators. The next big change is the instrument console which is the same unit as the current Pulsar N160 but misses out on turn-by-turn navigation. Moreover, Bajaj has also removed the three ride modes from this variant: Rain, Road, and Off-road.
Mechanically, the upcoming base variant of the Pulsar 160 is similar to the higher-spec variants. The only major difference will be the lack of upside down front forks. This variant will get 37 mm telescopic forks at the front and a Nitrox monoshock suspension at the rear. This variant will also not receive dual-channel ABS and will make do with a single-channel ABS.
The powertrain specs will remain unchanged. It will continue to derive its power from a 164.82cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine developing 15.7bhp of power and 14.65Nm of torque. The motor is mated to a five-speed gearbox. According to the video, this new variant will only be around Rs 1,000 more expensive than the Pulsar N150.