The Bajaj Pulsar NS160, a product from the homegrown bike manufacturer, Bajaj Motors, is one of the bestselling bikes in the country. Among the Bajaj two-wheeler lineup, the NS160 slots itself as a premium offering, making it above the Pulsar 150. However, if you are familiar with the Pulsar NS200, you’ll see some identical design elements the bikemaker has executed on the NS160. Speaking of commonness, the NS160 also boasts the same perimeter frame as the NS200. The Yamaha MT-15 V2, on the other hand, is the second version as its suffix suggests “V2.”
The second iteration of the MT-15 received major updates compared to its outgoing iteration. Speaking of updates, let’s see what they comprise once the comparison begins between the Yamaha MT-15 V2 and the Bajaj Pulsar NS160. So, let’s proceed!
Features
As for the Yamaha MT-15 V2’s features, they boast a respectable number of new-age offerings. It has Bluetooth connectivity, through which you can see the receiver’s caller ID, messages, navigation, etc. It has extra benefits as well. But those are applicable once you install the Yamaha Y Connect app on your smartphone. It will display the fuel level, last parked location, riding history, etc.
Interestingly, the Y Connect app also allows you to lock the bike from your smartphone, using the E-Lock feature, which can prevent theft. Besides that, the Yamaha MT-15 V2 has a digital instrument cluster that shows speed, RPM, gearshifts, clock, trip meter, etc. It also displays the fuel level indicator, shift-timing light, VVA indicator, and more. And, yes, the Yamaha MT-15 does get VVA technology. This system enables the cylinder head to be more compact, resulting in better efficiency and more throttle response at high revs. Considering the Yamaha MT-15 price, the bike should be one of the best packages in its class.
On the other hand, the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 isn’t as well-equipped as the Yamaha MT-15. Firstly, it misses out on the Bluetooth feature and connected bike technology. Secondly, it doesn’t get a whole digital instrument cluster as it gets a semi-digital rider’s display. However, only the tachometer is analogue, while the rest are digital.
Keeping that aside, the Yamaha MT-15 has a full-LED light setup that consists of headlights, turn indicators, and tail lights. And the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 has a halogen light at its front end, while the turn indicators and the tail lamp have a bulb and an LED, respectively.
On the safety front, the Yamaha MT-15 has a single-channel ABS, and so does the Bajaj Pulsar NS160. So, an added safety is there in both the bikes. Furthermore, both the two-wheelers have dual-disc brakes.
As for the suspension setup, the Japanese bike has a telescopic upside-down front fork measuring 37mm at the front, while the rear has linked-type monocross suspension. Besides that, if you want a similar bike to the Yamaha MT 15 and the differences between the two, check out the Yamaha R15M vs Yamaha MT-15 V2 comparison. In addition, you can also compare bikes in India as per your preferences by applying filters on autoX.
On the made-in-India bike, the Bajaj Pulsar NS160, you’ll get a
telescopic, with anti-friction brush suspension at the front end, whereas the rear end will sport a Nitrox mono-shock absorber with a ataşehir escort canister.
Both bikes shouldn’t let you down in terms of comfort. Moreover, the owners of these bikes in India have hardly complained about their rideability. But opinions can vary from owner to owner. That is why potential customers should always test their preferred vehicle, allowing them to form their own opinions.
Now let’s jump to their powertrains.
Specifications
The Indian-manufactured bike, the Bajaj Pulsar NS160, boasts a 160.33 cc single-cylinder oil-cooled engine that draws out a power of 15.3bhp with a torque of 14.6Nm. And that power is sent to the rear wheel via a five-speed manual transmission.
However, considering the Bajaj Pulsar N160’s price, this bike is respectable in its segment.
On the flip side, the Yamaha MT-15 V2 carries a 155cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that churns out 18.4bhp and 14.1Nm of torque. The paired transmission with this mind-boggling petrol engine is a six-speed manual gearbox.
As for the specifications of these two bikes, the horsepower of the Yamaha is better than the Bajaj’s. But the torque of the latter is better than the former. But keeping the engine output aside, the weight also matters. In other words, it is all about the power-to-weight ratio. Speaking of which, the kerb weight of the Yamaha MT-15 is lighter than the Bajaj Pulsar NS160. In the next paragraph, you’ll go through the dimensions and weight of these two bikes.
Dimensions and Capacity
Starting with the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 dimensions, its length is 2017mm, and its width is 803.5mm, with a height of 1060mm. Moreover, the bike has a wheelbase of 1372mm and a ground clearance of 177mm.
The kerb weight of this bike is 151kg.
On the contrary, the Yamaha MT-15 has a length of 2015mm, a width of 800mm, and a height of 1070mm. It sits on a wheelbase of 1325mm with a ground clearance of 170mm.
Its kerb weight is 139kg.
Going by the figures, and as earlier mentioned, the Yamaha bike is lighter by 12kg. That translates into a better power-to-weight ratio. Besides that, both bikes have good clearance. That means these bikes shouldn’t cause problems while going up the hills or on uneven surfaces. Besides these technical features, the owners also have peace of mind if anything happens, like changing parts or having any problem on the bike. Then the strong network and roadside assistance (RSA) of these two companies will be there to help.
Prices and Variants
Let’s begin with the Japanese bike manufacturer’s product. Currently, the MT-15 has two variants on sale: standard (STD) and MotoGP Edition. There is a price difference of only Rs 1000 between the two variants.
The graphics and colour options on the MotoGP Edition are the reasons behind its premium. The starting ex-showroom price of the Yamaha MT-15 is Rs 1,63,400.
On the flip side, the Bajaj Pulsar has only one variant, with an ex-showroom price of Rs 123,750.
Please note that these are ex-showroom prices in Delhi as of August 2022. These prices are subject to change without any prior notice to the customer. That is why autoX is there to help by showing the updated price list of your dream bike or car.
If you want a made-in-India-for-India bike like Bajaj bikes and are willing to wait for their anticipated product, check out a curated list of upcoming Bajaj bikes on our website.
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