Challenging THE THRONE

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 seems to be purpose-built to take on the current segment leader – the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V. But does it have what it takes to challenge the throne?

- ANIRUDH SUNIL KUMAR

Since its debut over two decades ago, the Pulsar badge has evolved into something that buyers trust and adore. The NS series, the 220F, and the first 180s and 150s, to name a few of its variants, have been synonymous with affordable performance in India. And then came the Pulsar quarter-litre twins last year, after a long (and I mean a very long), dry spell of no new products. The idea was the same – to offer performance without being heavy on the pocket. That aside, the quarter-litre twins were significant for the company for another reason – they were the first products to be based on the newgen platform. This brings me to the new N160 we’re riding, which is based on that same platform.

Yes, the N160 is new and does not replace anything from the current Bajaj portfolio. This means the brand is still selling all three generations of the motorcycle starting from the standard Pulsar 150 to the NS160 and now this.

Bajaj says the decision to retain the monikers was due to many reasons. The first is the healthy demand for the 150, which still remains one of the most sought-after commuter motorcycles in smaller towns. The NS, to date, is favoured by the dealerships considering the amount of margin it brings them. And the new kid, the N160, with which, Bajaj aims to be a part of the growing entry-level sports market.