Next-gen Bajaj Pulsar NS160 spied testing for the first time

- Gets the same design and features as the Pulsar N250

- Incorporates a kick-starter 

- Gets a new underbelly exhaust 

The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 might soon get its most comprehensive update yet in India. A few spy shots of a Pulsar test mule have recently surfaced on the internet and are claimed to be of the next-generation Pulsar NS160. 

At first look, it’s difficult to differentiate from the existing Pulsar N250 from which the test mule borrows its entire design. However, a close inspection of the images clearly indicates that this is a different motorcycle. The most evident differences include the presence of an underbelly exhaust, unlike the N250’s side-slung unit. Also, the test bike was equipped with a kick-starter which is a rarity in this segment now. 

Other mechanical changes include thinner tyres as well as smaller disc brakes as compared to the 250cc Pulsar twins. The engine is also said to be an air-cooled unit, unlike the oil-cooled mill of the 250s. In all likelihood, Bajaj will also tweak the tuning of the 160cc engine to extract more performance out of it. Apart from these changes, the design and features of the new Pulsar NS160 look almost identical to its bigger sibling. 

The existing iteration of the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 costs Rs 1.22 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and its successor will definitely be more expensive. However, we’ll have to wait to know the margin of the price hike. The motorcycle will continue to compete against the Hero Xtreme 160R, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, and the Suzuki Gixxer.