Bajaj Pulsar N160 S And N160 SS: Key Features You Need To Know

Bajaj has expanded its Pulsar lineup with the launch of the new N160 S and N160 SS, priced from Rs 1.33 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Both bikes will be sold alongside the existing 2-valve N160, not in place of it. The biggest change is under the tank: a new 4-valve engine, backed by a bunch of features the standard Pulsar doesn't get. Let's have a closer look at the features that are offered with the newly launched Pulsar N160.

5-inch TFT Display

Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS comes equipped with a 5-inch TFT coloured display, the size is not the new previously it was similar, but it was LCD. The 2026 update brings us a TFT display bright enough for daytime and comes loaded with a host of functionality with it. The TFT touchscreen supports Google Maps mirroring built in, so you can navigate directly off the dash without pulling your phone out at every signal.

Variant: The TFT display comes with the top end trim which is N160 SS priced at Rs 1.42 lakh (ex-showroom)

Rivals with similar features: The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V offers a 5-inch TFT with Bluetooth and turn-by-turn navigation, but only on its range-topping USD with TFT variant priced at Rs 1.37 lakh, so Bajaj undercuts it slightly while adding full Google Maps mirroring, which the Apache doesn't get. The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V also gates its TFT/connected console to select higher trims, so none of the three rivals' hand this out on a base variant.

Ride-By-Wire And Riding Modes

The newly launched variants of the Pulsar swap the mechanical throttle for an electronic throttle body, essentially Bajaj's take on ride-by-wire. This unlocks a feature what Bajaj calls Crawl Tech, it basically helps you in stop and go traffic conditions allowing riders to creep along in traffic without constantly working the clutch. It's a genuinely useful feature for someone who has a lot of daily traffic commute. Apart from that the N160 also comes with four different riding modes that include - Road, Sport, Rain and a dedicated Off-Road mode.

Variant: Ride-by-wire and the four ride modes come on both the N160 S and N160 SS, so this isn't held back for the top trim alone.

Rivals with similar features: The Apache RTR 160 4V sticks to a mechanical throttle and offers three ride modes (Sport, Urban, Rain) instead of ride-by-wire, so Bajaj is ahead on outright tech here. Crawl Tech specifically doesn't have a direct equivalent on the Apache or the Xtreme 160R 4V yet, making it a genuine point of difference for the N160 S/SS rather than just a marketing term.

Traction Control

Another important safety feature that Bajaj has given in the latest Pulsar is traction control, which also makes it only the second Pulsar to offer this after the NS400Z. It's a meaningful addition especially at this price point and segment and a very helpful thing for riders who ride through the monsoon or on inconsistent road surfaces.

Variant: Traction control is exclusive to the N160 SS at Rs 1.42 lakh. The N160 S, despite sharing the same 4-valve engine, doesn't get it.

Rivals with similar features: The Apache RTR 160 4V also reserves traction control for its top-spec USD with TFT variant, so both brands are treating it as a flagship-only feature rather than something you get across the range. The Xtreme 160R 4V doesn't offer traction control at all currently, which puts the N160 SS ahead of it on this front.

Dual-Channel ABS

It looks Bajaj hasn't eased off on safety, giving you segment-leading braking hardware backed by dual-channel ABS on the range-topping N160 SS. It has got a larger 300mm front disc and 230mm rear disc to replace the 280mm front unit on the standard 2-valve N160. The differentiating factor here is the ABS itself. The N160 S gets single-channel ABS with fixed control levers, while the N160 SS steps up to dual-channel ABS along with adjustable levers, giving the top variant a genuine edge in wet or emergency braking situations over the S.

Variant: Single-channel ABS with fixed levers on the N160 S; dual-channel ABS with adjustable levers on the N160 SS.

Rivals with similar features: The Apache RTR 160 4V follows an identical split, single-channel ABS on its base variant, dual-channel from the mid-spec USD variant upwards. The Xtreme 160R 4V, on the other hand, offers dual-channel ABS on its higher trims as standard, so it doesn't hold back braking hardware the way Bajaj and TVS both do at their respective entry points.

Slip and Assist Clutch

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 (both variants) comes equipped with a slip-and-assist clutch, which is borrowed from the same setup seen on the higher-spec 2-valve N160 variants. The assist side lightens clutch lever effort at the handlebar, making stop-start city riding less tiring on the wrist, while the slipper function kicks in on aggressive downshifts. It's a small mechanical addition next to headline features like the 4-valve engine or traction control, but it's the kind of thing that shows up in everyday riding far more often than a party trick spec.

Variant: Slip-and-assist clutch is standard on both the N160 S and N160 SS, so this one isn't held back for the top trim.

Rivals with similar features: The Apache RTR 160 4V gets an assist and slipper clutch as standard across its entire updated range too, so there's no advantage either way here. The Xtreme 160R 4V also offers it on its 4V variants, meaning slip-and-assist has effectively become table stakes in this segment rather than a differentiator.