Choosing the right motorcycle is never an easy decision, especially when two strong contenders like the Bajaj Avenger Street 160 and the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 stand in front of you. Both bikes wear the Bajaj badge proudly, yet they offer two completely different riding experiences. On one side, you have the laid-back cruiser appeal of the Avenger. On the other, the aggressive sporty spirit of the Pulsar.
But which one is actually better for you? The answer might surprise you once we dig deeper into their performance, design, and real-world usability.
First Impressions Matter
At first glance, the Bajaj Avenger Street 160 looks like it just rolled out of a Hollywood movie. It has that low-slung cruiser design, wide handlebars, and a relaxed riding posture that instantly invites you to sit back and take it easy. The matte colors, simple graphics, and comfortable seat create a motorcycle that feels built for long peaceful rides.
On the other side, the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 screams energy. Its aggressive headlamp, sharp tank extensions, sporty stance, and split grab rails tell a very different story. This is a bike designed for those who want to cut through city traffic with a sense of urgency and style.
Choosing between them feels like choosing between a sunset beach ride and a thrilling mountain sprint.
Engine and Performance: Where the Real Battle Begins
The heart of any motorcycle is its engine, and here is where things get interesting.
The Bajaj Avenger Street 160 is powered by a 160cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine that produces about 15 PS of power and 13.7 Nm of torque. These numbers might not sound explosive, but they are perfectly tuned for the relaxed, torquey performance you expect from a cruiser. The engine feels smooth, linear, and forgiving, making it an ideal companion for long journeys where comfort is more important than outright speed.
In contrast, the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 comes equipped with a slightly larger 160.3cc oil-cooled engine that produces around 17.2 PS of power and 14.6 Nm of torque. Those extra horses make a real difference when you twist the throttle. The NS160 feels eager, quick to respond, and loves being revved hard. It is built for riders who want a bit of adrenaline in their daily rides.
If you enjoy spirited acceleration, overtaking with confidence, and zipping through highways, the Pulsar NS160 has the edge. But if you value a relaxed, unstressed riding experience, the Avenger Street 160 remains unbeatable.
Ride Quality and Comfort: Two Different Worlds
When you settle into the saddle of the Bajaj Avenger Street 160, you immediately notice how comfortable everything feels. The seat is wide and cushy, the handlebars are perfectly placed for relaxed arms, and the footpegs are forward set. It is almost like sitting in an armchair that just happens to move at sixty kilometers per hour.
The Pulsar NS160 offers a sportier riding position. The handlebars are lower, the footpegs are slightly rear-set, and the seat, while comfortable, encourages a slightly aggressive lean-forward stance. It feels fantastic when you want to attack corners or filter through busy streets but can get a little tiring during long highway rides.
In short, the Avenger is made for cruising. The NS160 is made for attacking the road.
Handling and Braking
The Avenger Street 160 handles like you would expect a cruiser to. It feels stable, predictable, and composed at medium speeds. Low-speed maneuvering is easy thanks to its lightweight nature, but tight city traffic or quick direction changes are not its strongest suit.
Meanwhile, the Pulsar NS160 shines when it comes to handling. The bike feels nimble, planted, and very much alive under you. Whether you are darting between cars or leaning into a fast corner, the NS160 makes you feel confident and in control.
Both bikes come equipped with disc brakes at the front and rear, but the Pulsar NS160 gets slightly better braking feedback thanks to its sportier setup. Single-channel ABS is standard on both, adding an important layer of safety during panic braking situations.
Mileage That Matters
Fuel economy remains an important factor for most Indian riders.
The Bajaj Avenger Street 160 offers an impressive claimed mileage of around 47 kilometers per liter. Combined with its relaxed riding nature, you can easily stretch out long journeys without worrying too much about fuel stops.
The Pulsar NS160, being the sportier machine, offers a slightly lower claimed mileage of around 40 kilometers per liter. If you ride it hard, expect that number to drop a little. For riders who want a mix of performance and economy, this is still a reasonable figure.
Features and Equipment
While neither bike is packed with cutting-edge tech, they both offer important essentials.
The Avenger Street 160 keeps things simple with a minimalistic analog-digital instrument cluster, a large comfortable seat, and basic cruiser styling. There is a charm to its simplicity that appeals to riders who do not want too many distractions.
The Pulsar NS160, on the other hand, feels more modern. It offers a semi-digital instrument cluster with sporty readouts, a perimeter frame for better handling dynamics, and sharp styling that feels more contemporary.
If modern features matter more to you, the NS160 has the advantage. But if you are someone who believes less is more, the Avenger will speak your language.
Which One Should You Buy
Choosing between the Bajaj Avenger Street 160 and the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 ultimately comes down to what kind of rider you are.
If you dream of relaxed Sunday rides, value comfort above all else, and want a bike that draws admiring glances without shouting for attention, the Avenger Street 160 is your soulmate.
If you crave performance, want sharper handling, and prefer a more energetic daily commute, the Pulsar NS160 will leave you smiling every time you thumb the starter.
Final Verdict
Both these motorcycles are brilliant in their own right. Bajaj has cleverly positioned them to cater to two completely different audiences. In a market crowded with similar looking motorcycles, it is refreshing to see two machines offering such distinct personalities.
No matter which one you choose, one thing is certain. You are not just buying a bike. You are buying an experience.
And that, more than anything else, is what makes both the Bajaj Avenger Street 160 and the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 truly special.
