GenZ Pulsar

Bajaj has just added another third-generation Pulsar to their line up and this time around it’s based around a brand new 160cc engine

- Dipayan Dutta

In its third generation, Bajaj has pretty much taken a U-turn on the Pulsar, in fact, they claim that while the second generation will always have the iconic appeal they were never really Pulsars. For those not in the know, the second generation of Pulsars included the likes of the NS and the RS, which used KTM-inspired chassis and motors. While they were still exceptional motors in their own right and great Bajaj motorcycles, they did violate the fundamental charter of what a Pulsar is supposed to be. A Pulsar must be an entry-level sports motorcycle that’s accessible to the masses. Last year, we got our first taste of third-generation pulsars in the form of the N250 and F250. At the time, Bajaj did hint that the new platform that underpinned the new generation of Pulsars would soon be used in more Pulsars, bringing us to the motorcycle you see on this page, the brand new Pulsar N160.

Here’s the thing though, this is not the replacement for the Bajaj Pulsar NS 160. At least for the foreseeable future, the NS 160 will continue to be on sale alongside the N160. And while they are both 160cc single-cylinder oil-cooled street fighter style motorcycles, they couldn’t be further apart. In fact, they are likely to appeal to very contrasting groups of people. The Pulsar NS 160 will still appeal to those who resonate with the KTM way of life, high revving engines, perimeter frame and all but on a budget. While the N160 will appeal to people who love Pulsars, and maybe grew up around Pulsar 150s, 180s, 200s and 220s.