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Bajaj Auto has expanded its popular motorcycle Pulsar N160 lineup in India with the launch of the new Pulsar N160 S and Pulsar N160 SS. The company has priced these motorcycles at Rs 1,33,511 and Rs 1,42,585 (both ex-showroom, Delhi), respectively. Both of these new motorcycles get a number of mechanical and technological upgrades over the standard Pulsar N160.

The biggest highlight of the new Pulsar N160 S and N160 SS is the all-new 164.5cc, single-cylinder, four-valve SOHC engine. Unlike the existing motorcycle, which uses an air-cooled two-valve motor with a mechanical throttle, this new engine is oil-cooled and features an Electronic Throttle Body (ETB), which Bajaj refers to as Intelligent Throttle.

This new engine produces 18 bhp at 9,500 rpm and 14.4 Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm. In comparison, the existing 164.9cc two-valve engine produces 15.5 bhp at 8,750 rpm and 14.65 Nm at 6,750 rpm. Now, although the torque figure is slightly lower, as per the company, the new engine offers more power and revs higher, which results in stronger overall performance.

Transmission duties will be handled by a five-speed gearbox, which will send the power to the rear wheel. Bajaj has also claimed that the new motorcycle can accelerate from 0 to 60 kmph in just 4.5 seconds. This makes it the quickest motorcycle in its segment.

With the introduction of the electronic throttle, Bajaj has now equipped both motorcycles with a much stronger electronics package. The Pulsar N160 S and N160 SS now offer four throttle-linked riding modes. These include Road, Rain, Sport, and Off-road. Rather than simply changing the information displayed on the instrument console, these modes alter throttle response to suit different riding conditions.

Another interesting addition is Crawl Technology. This feature helps the motorcycle to move smoothly at very low speeds, even in higher gears. As a result, there is no requirement for the rider to constantly operate the clutch or downshift. It has been mainly designed to make riding in slow-moving city traffic easier and more comfortable.

Although both motorcycles get the new engine and ride modes, the N160 SS gets a few additional premium features. The flagship model comes equipped with traction control, which works through the electronic throttle to reduce wheel slip whenever road grip changes. The N160 SS also gets a new five-inch TFT instrument console with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Its biggest highlight is Google Maps mirroring. Bajaj claims it is a first for a sports motorcycle in India. Unlike conventional turn-by-turn navigation systems that only display directional arrows, this system mirrors Google Maps directly onto the TFT display. The Pulsar N160 S, on the other hand, gets an LCD instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation.

Apart from the electronics, Bajaj has also upgraded the hardware of both motorcycles. The existing Pulsar N160 uses 33 mm upside-down front forks, whereas the new four-valve models get larger 37 mm USD forks, which are expected to improve front-end stability and handling. Rear suspension duties will continue to be handled by a monoshock.

The braking package has also been upgraded. The standard N160 uses a 280 mm front disc brake. However, the new N160 S and N160 SS get a larger 300 mm front disc along with a 230 mm rear disc. The N160 S comes equipped with single-channel ABS, while the top-spec N160 SS gets dual-channel ABS. Traction control is also exclusive to the SS variant.

Another feature which has been reserved for the flagship model is adjustable clutch and brake levers, whereas the N160 S uses conventional fixed levers. The motorcycles continue to use a 100/80-17 front tyre. Meanwhile, the rear gets a wider 130/70-17 radial tyre. Fuel tank capacity has been kept unchanged at 14 litres.

Although the overall streetfighter design has remained unchanged, Bajaj has introduced a number of cosmetic updates to distinguish the new variants. Both motorcycles get revised graphics and coloured alloy wheels, which give them a fresher appearance.

The Pulsar N160 SS also gets revisions to the handlebar angle and seat height arrangement. With this, the company is aiming to improve rider comfort during everyday riding. Buyers will also be able to choose from three colour options, namely Atlantic Blue, Pearl Metallic White, and Brooklyn Black.