Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 vs Honda CB Hornet 160R Comparison

Two 160cc bikes, manufactured by major bike sellers, confusion amongst buyers. Both brands have good amount of fan following. So this is Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 vs Honda CB Hornet 160R comparison. Hornet has been in this segment for a while and it has been a major seller as Suzuki doesn’t have the reach and TVS Apache isn’t that famous in the 160cc segment. The new Bajaj bike has already created a buzz in the market and is attracting a lot of attention too. 

Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 vs Honda CB Hornet 160R Design

Lets first begin with the new player. Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 does look stylish and it is exactly like the NS 200. The bikini fairing is just the same. The other aspects on the fuel tank are the same. The cuts, lines and even the colour grading. The only difference is that the fuel tank has 160 badging instead of the 200. The rear tyre is thinner than the 200 and if you notice closely it even has a small drum brake too. If you have seen the NS 200 or lived with it, then spotting these differences is very difficult. The bike has a muscular design and this makes it stand out in the crowd.

The Honda CB Hornet 160R on the other hand is a more sleek design. It does look aerodynamic and has all the bits to make it look attractive. It doesn’t have the haunches like the Pulsar and has a different approach to styling. The bike doesn’t seem as tall as the Pulsar and it doesn’t even have the bulges. But there are certain elements that make it look drastic and appealing.

Also Read: Bajaj Pulsar 160 NS | Honda CB Hornet 160R | Suzuki Gixxer | Yamaha FZS

Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 vs Honda CB Hornet 160R Engine and Transmission

Both the bikes come with a 160cc engine. Both of them churn about similar power and there isn’t a major difference in the power and torque rating. Both the engines also come mated to a five-speed transmission. Well, this is the just the data on paper.

The Honda engine is a lot more refined and butter smooth. This is one of its biggest USP. In terms of power delivery, it is very linear. Honda has a much better engine and there is no doubt about it. At the same time, there is more than sufficient power to ride in the city. One can comfortably cruise at 80-90km/hr on the highway.

The new Bajaj engine has been derived from the existing 150cc engine. We had loved the refinement of the new 150cc mill, and the same is carried forward on the 160cc engine also. But it isn’t as refined as the Honda engine. The performance is a tad better the Hornet. There is better torque to overtake and even the power is better on the highway.

Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 vs Honda CB Hornet 160R Ride and Handling

The Honda CB Hornet 160R has good handling, however there are many moments when the rider isn’t confident. This is where the Pulsar NS 160 is a better package. The Honda does feel a lot more nimble when riding in the city.The ride of the CB Hornet is a tad stiff, while the Pulsar has a more pliant ride.

Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 vs Honda CB Hornet 160R Price

There isn’t a major difference in the pricing of the two bikes. Both have the same price for the non-Combi-braking. The Hornet is about INR 5,000 more for rear disc and combi-braking. Pulsar doesn’t offer that in India.