With motos like the N160 SS, India's Bajaj brings high-end trappings to the affordable small-displacement set.If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn moreBack in the day, saving money on a motorcycle often meant waving goodbye to any fancy tech features.But the overall explosion of technology has widened its reach to the point where, say, a full-color TFT dash is no longer the exclusive domain of superbikes, high-end ADVs and touring behemoths.At just under $1,500 USD (converted from its Indian retail price), the N160 SS is one of the most affordable feature-packed motos out there. - Credit: BajajPerhaps no one pushes that envelope harder than Pune, Maharashtra, India-based Bajaj.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe brand's new N160 SS packs the most rider-friendly tech you'll find in a bit of forbidden fruit this small and affordable.Let's talk about tech, babyWhile Bajaj might not be a household name in America, it's actually huge: the world's third-largest manufacturer of motorcycles has quietly been building bikes for Triumph for years now.Four selectable riding modes, including a dedicated off-road setting, come packed into this pint-sized street bike. - Credit: BajajThe N160's flood of features (and the brand's own hype for them) can be overwhelming, especially considering there are five different variants of the bike itself.But simply focus on the standout features of the top-spec (but still very affordable) SS and it's hard not to be impressed.The aforementioned TFT dash is a 5-incher that offers smartphone connectivity, allowing you to leverage screen mirroring and Google Maps for optimal navigation.Google Maps navigation is accessible through the 5-inch TFT display, putting premium tech on an entry-level bike. - Credit: BajajEasing the handling of the bike itself, meanwhile, are four riding modes (road, sport, rain and off-road), plus traction control, throttle-by-wire, dual-channel ABS and Crawl mode, which aids low-speed maneuvers.AdvertisementAdvertisementMeanwhile, an assist and slipper clutch, inverted fork and disc brakes help you shift through its five speeds smoothly, navigate bumps and slow down or stop without drama.An assist-and-slipper clutch makes for smoother shifts, while dual-channel ABS and an inverted fork manage rough braking and bumps. - Credit: BajajAs someone who owns an 865cc street bike that does not even tell you what gear you are in or how much gas you have left, this suite is rather stunning.Because make no mistake, that's all backing up a 165cc oil-cooled single making 18.2 horsepower and 10.6 pound-feet of torque, numbers just strong enough to dust a Honda Monkey.All five variants, including the SS, boast bi-functional sealed LED headlamps and LED tail lamps with a glitter pattern. - Credit: BajajBut who says a fun little city moto can't sample the finer things in life, especially when Bajaj produces at such a big scale that incorporating them hardly breaks the bank?Availability and pricingThe Bajaj N160 is available in India starting at ₹122,106, which converts to a bit under $1,300 USD. The SS variant starts at ₹142,585, or just under $1,500.AdvertisementAdvertisementWe probably won't see it stateside but if we ever do, it will likely cost a fair amount more while remaining super affordable.Bajaj Pulsar N160 Learn More About the Author:Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men's Health, Men's Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone's bike seat is at the proper height.Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.
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