Pulsar N160 in Sri Lanka: Unveiling the New Flagship and Its Impact on Local Enthusiasts

In a country where narrow lanes, sharp bends, and unpredictable road conditions are just part of the ride, you need a bike that understands more than just speed. You need one that reads the road.

Fortunately, the Pulsar N160 seems to have cracked that code.

This isn’t your average commuter. It’s a different kind of machine. A bit sharper, a bit tighter, and for riders in Sri Lanka, it feels like the upgrade that was long overdue. Whether you're stuck in Colombo’s evening traffic, coasting down the Galle Road, or just looking to feel something new under your hands, this bike offers more than you'd expect from something in this segment.

Let’s take a proper look at what makes the Pulsar N160 feel like it belongs on our roads, in our hands, and under our budgets.

Feels Like a Bigger Bike, Rides Like a Street Tool

The first thing you notice when you get on the Pulsar N160 is the riding posture. It doesn’t feel rushed. The tank feels wide, like something from a bigger category. It gives you a bit of that big-bike attitude without making the ride too stiff.

It works well if you’re leaning into corners in Kandy or overtaking on the coastal stretch past Bentota.

The split seat is firm. Not too soft to feel loose. Not too hard that it tires you out. Just the right mix for those long stretches or bumpy backroads.

Engine That’s Got Some Grit

Under the tank, you’re getting a 164.82cc oil-cooled engine. It gives out 16 PS of power at 8750 rpm and 14.65 Nm of torque at 6750 rpm.

The throttle response is quick. Pull it, and the bike responds instantly, especially handy when you're filtering through tight roads near Pettah Market or making a sharp pass on a single-lane road.

What stands out is how refined the engine feels, even when you’re pushing it. There’s no rattle, no shake. Just smooth acceleration and clean pull right through the mid-range.

If you’re switching from an older 150cc or a commuter-style bike, the Pulsar N160 is going to feel like a serious step up.

The Gearbox is Right Where You Want It

It comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox, and the shifts are light. No clunky feedback or half-shifts. You don’t have to slam your foot down either.

Gear ratios are spaced smartly. The first and second are short, good for traffic. Third onwards, it stretches out just enough for longer pulls.

Even if you’re riding through hills around Ella or going across Katunayake with a pillion, the gears do what they’re supposed to quietly and cleanly.

A Welcome Surprise: Dual-Channel ABS

This is something that changes the game, especially for riders who’ve never experienced it. The Pulsar N160 comes with dual-channel ABS.

Why does that matter? Imagine a wet road in Nugegoda. A tuk-tuk cuts you off. You slam the brake. With dual-channel ABS, both wheels manage their own braking force. It helps keep the bike stable and upright even if your reaction wasn’t perfect.

It’s the kind of feature you might ignore at first, until the one time it saves you.

Suspension That Soaks Up the Worst

Up front, there’s a telescopic fork and at the rear, a mono-shock with nitrox gas. This setup handles our roads well. You can run over a pothole at 40km/h and feel a bump and not a jolt.

Whether it’s the patchy roads of Panadura or the broken tarmac heading out of Vavuniya, this suspension keeps the ride grounded.

Cornering is fun too. It leans without feeling twitchy. You’re not fighting the bike. You’re just letting it move with you.

Tyres, Grip and Real-World Control

Wider tyres make a difference. The rear comes with a 130-section tyre, and the front is 100-section. These aren’t racing slicks, but they grip well on all the usual suspects—dust, gravel, hot tarmac, and even wet roads.

And the tyres are tubeless. So, if you hit a nail in Maharagama or run low near Hatton, you don’t get stranded. You get enough time to stop at a repair shop and get it fixed.

Looks That Actually Fit the Ride

The bike looks the part. From the LED projector headlamp up front to the sharp tank panels, it’s got that streetfighter feel without being over the top.

The DRLs add a nice touch. The back is clean, with a tidy tail section and a stubby exhaust that gives just the right growl without sounding like a kid showing off.

Paint finishes are strong. You’ve got colours like Brooklyn Black, Racing Red, and Caribbean Blue. These shades don’t fade easily, and they hide dust well, which is important if you're parking outdoors or near coastal towns like Trincomalee.

Instrument Console That’s Actually Useful

You get a mix of digital and analogue on the dash. The tachometer is traditional—easy to read. The digital bit gives you speed, fuel, gear indicator, clock, and trip info.

No gimmicks. Just the stuff that matters when you’re riding.

And it's backlit enough to be visible in bright sunlight, which is a win when you're riding mid-afternoon in the dry zones around Anuradhapura.

Built Strong, Yet Light Enough to Handle

The Pulsar N160 weighs around 152 kg. That might sound a bit heavier if you're coming from a commuter bike. But once you're riding, it doesn’t feel like a chore.

Low-speed balance is great. U-turns, sharp exits from junctions, or weaving through busy spots like Borella, all feel controlled.

It gives you confidence, even if you’re riding in slippers to the shop or dressed up for an office run.

Pulsar Sri Lanka Riders Are Taking Notice

The word is already out. Riders across Pulsar Sri Lanka groups are talking about how this bike feels like the grown-up version of the older Pulsars.

It’s quicker off the line. It’s better in traffic. And it doesn’t wear you out during long hauls.

It’s also different from the NS line, more refined, less aggressive, and slightly more commuter-friendly. Still packs punch when you want it though.

Pulsar N160 Price in Sri Lanka

Let’s talk numbers. As of 2025, the Pulsar N160 price in Sri Lanka sits close to LKR 735,000, depending on the city and dealer. This might vary a little due to taxes or shipping delays, but that's your ballpark.

You get dual-channel ABS, oil-cooled engine, along with LED lighting, making the price point feel fair, especially if you compare it to imports that cost more and offer less support locally.

Here’s Who This Bike Is For

If you want something that’s more than a regular 150cc, but doesn’t demand race-track skills—this is your bike.

You could be a uni student in Kelaniya, a delivery rider in Nugegoda, or just someone ready to move on from your old 125. The Pulsar N160 fits right in.

It’s comfortable. It looks smart. And it keeps its promises both in traffic and on long stretches.

And when you ride through a packed road in Wellawatte and still feel fresh by the time you park, you’ll know why people are talking about it.

The adventure is out there with the Bajaj Pulsar N160. Get in touch with your nearest Bajaj dealer to book a test ride today.