The 160cc segment just got spicier. Bajaj dropped the Pulsar N160 S like a grenade — loaded with features, dripping with tech, and priced to kill. Standing on the other side? The Yamaha MT-15 Version 2.0 — a lightweight streetfighter with proper racing genes. So which one should park in YOUR garage? Let’s find out. No jargon. No boring spec sheets. Just straight talk.
Price Comparison – Pulsar N160 S vs MT-15 V2
First things first — let’s talk money. Because your wallet has feelings too.
| Bike | Variant | Ex-Showroom Price (Delhi) |
|---|---|---|
| Bajaj Pulsar N160 S | N160 S | ₹1,33,511 |
| Bajaj Pulsar N160 S | N160 SS | ₹1,42,585 |
| Yamaha MT-15 V2 | Metallic Black | ₹1,64,410 |
| Yamaha MT-15 V2 | Metallic Silver Cyan | ₹1,65,310 |
| Yamaha MT-15 V2 | DLX | ₹1,73,730 |
| Yamaha MT-15 V2 | MotoGP Edition | ₹1,77,230 |
The damage? The top-spec Pulsar N160 SS is still ₹21,825 cheaper than the base MT-15. That’s helmet + gloves + jacket money you’re saving. Pulsar takes this round without breaking a sweat.
Engine & Performance – Who Hits Harder?
Bajaj Pulsar N160 S Engine Specs
- Displacement: 164.5cc, single-cylinder, 4-valve
- Cooling: Air-oil-cooled
- Power: 18.5 PS
- Torque: 14.4 Nm
- Gearbox: 5-speed
- Throttle: Ride-by-wire
- Ride Modes: 4 — Rain, Road, Sport, Off-road
Yamaha MT-15 V2 Engine Specs
- Displacement: 155cc, single-cylinder
- Cooling: Liquid-cooled
- Power: 18.4 PS
- Torque: 14.1 Nm
- Gearbox: 6-speed
- Tech: VVA (Variable Valve Actuation)
- Character: Free-revving, strong top-end
The Verdict on Performance
Numbers say the Pulsar is slightly more powerful — 18.5 PS vs 18.4 PS. But numbers don’t tell the whole story.
The MT-15’s liquid-cooled engine with VVA feels buttery smooth when you wring the throttle past 7,000 rpm. It loves to rev. The Pulsar hits harder in the mid-range and those 4 ride modes let you switch personalities — calm commuter in Rain mode, weekend warrior in Sport mode.
Think of it this way: Pulsar = Swiss Army knife. MT-15 = Samurai sword.
Features – Tech Loaded vs Track Focused
Pulsar N160 S Features
- 5-inch colour LCD display (S variant)
- 5-inch TFT display (SS variant)
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Turn-by-turn navigation
- Call & SMS alerts
- 4 ride modes with ride-by-wire
- Dual-channel ABS
- Hazard light switch (standard)
- SS exclusive: Traction control, full Google Maps, Wi-Fi connectivity
Yamaha MT-15 V2 Features
- Negative LCD display (standard variants)
- 3.5-inch TFT screen (DLX & MotoGP Edition)
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Y-Connect app (TFT variants) — ride stats, maintenance reminders
- Dual-channel ABS (standard)
- Traction control (standard on ALL variants)
Who Wins on Features?
The Pulsar N160 S is basically a rolling gadget store. Navigation, ride modes, Wi-Fi — it’s got everything short of a coffee maker. But here’s the catch — traction control is ONLY on the SS variant.
The MT-15 keeps it minimal but gives you traction control on every single variant. No upselling. No variant confusion. Clean.
Feature hunters → Pulsar. Simplicity lovers → MT-15.
Design & Build Quality – Muscle vs Predator
Pulsar N160 S Design
- Muscular fuel tank with sporty graphics
- LED projector headlight + LED DRLs
- Golden USD (inverted) forks
- Aggressive street presence
- Colours: Brooklyn Black, Pearl Metallic White, Atlantic Blue
Yamaha MT-15 V2 Design
- Sharp streetfighter styling — looks like it’s angry at you
- Sculpted tank with sporty shrouds
- Golden USD forks + aluminium swingarm
- Sleek tail section, chunky tyres
- 7 colour options including Ice Storm, Vivid Violet, MotoGP Edition
Chassis & Handling
Here’s where Yamaha plays its ace:
- Deltabox frame — borrowed from the R15 family
- Aluminium swingarm — stiffer, lighter
- ~9 kg lighter than the Pulsar overall
The MT-15 dances through corners like it’s on rails. The Pulsar is stable and planted — great for straight-line confidence and daily comfort, but the MT-15 owns the twisties.
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Mileage – Which One’s Easier on Fuel?
| Bike | Claimed Mileage |
|---|---|
| Bajaj Pulsar N160 S | ~44 kmpl |
| Yamaha MT-15 V2 | ~56-57 kmpl |
Not even close. The MT-15’s liquid-cooling and VVA tech make it significantly more fuel-efficient. If you’re doing long daily commutes, the Yamaha saves you serious petrol money over time.
Final Verdict – Which Bike Should You Buy?
Buy the Bajaj Pulsar N160 S if:
✅ You want loaded features without paying premium prices
✅ Ride modes and ride-by-wire excite you
✅ You need one bike for everything — city, highway, rain, off-road
✅ Budget is a priority and you hate overpaying
✅ You love tech — navigation, Wi-Fi, TFT screens
Buy the Yamaha MT-15 V2 if:
✅ You want that raw, connected, sporty riding feel
✅ Lightweight handling matters more than gadgets
✅ You love revving engines and chasing redlines
✅ Better mileage is a dealbreaker
✅ You’re okay paying extra for proper racing DNA
One-Liner Summary
The Pulsar N160 S gives you more bike for less money. The MT-15 V2 gives you more thrill per kilogram. Both are winners — it just depends on what makes YOUR heart race.
FAQs – Bajaj Pulsar N160 S vs Yamaha MT-15 V2
Q1: Is the Bajaj Pulsar N160 S faster than the Yamaha MT-15 V2?
On paper, the Pulsar edges ahead with 18.5 PS vs 18.4 PS. But in real-world riding, the MT-15’s lighter weight (by ~9 kg) and 6-speed gearbox can make it quicker in sprints and overtakes. It’s neck and neck — don’t expect a massive difference.
Q2: Which bike gives better mileage — Pulsar N160 S or MT-15 V2?
The Yamaha MT-15 V2 wins this easily with a claimed 56-57 kmpl compared to the Pulsar’s 44 kmpl. If fuel efficiency is high on your list, the MT-15 is the clear choice.
Q3: Does the Bajaj Pulsar N160 S come with traction control?
Only the top-spec N160 SS variant gets traction control. The base S variant doesn’t have it. On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-15 V2 offers traction control as standard across all variants — even the base model.
Q4: Which bike is better for tall riders?
The Pulsar N160 S has a more upright and relaxed riding posture with a roomier seat. The MT-15’s aggressive, forward-leaning stance can feel cramped for riders above 5’10” on longer rides.
Q5: Is the Yamaha MT-15 V2 worth the extra ₹30,000 over the Pulsar N160 S?
Depends on what you value. If a liquid-cooled engine, Deltabox frame, aluminium swingarm, lighter weight, and better mileage matter to you — yes, it’s worth every rupee. If features, ride modes, and saving cash are your thing — the Pulsar is the smarter pick.
Q6: Which bike is better for daily city commuting?
Both handle city traffic well. The MT-15 is lighter and more nimble — easier to filter through gaps. The Pulsar’s Rain mode and ride-by-wire give you extra control in wet or unpredictable conditions. Slight edge to MT-15 for pure city use.
Q7: Can I go on long rides with these bikes?
Yes, but manage expectations. The Pulsar’s comfortable ergonomics, ride modes, and navigation make it a better weekend tourer. The MT-15’s sporty posture can tire your wrists and back after 150+ km stretches.
Q8: Which bike has better resale value?
Yamaha generally holds slightly better resale value thanks to brand perception and reliability reputation. But Bajaj’s massive service network, lower spare parts cost, and affordable maintenance keep the Pulsar competitive in the used market.
Q9: Which bike looks better?
Totally subjective! The Pulsar N160 S looks muscular and aggressive — like a street brawler. The MT-15 V2 looks sharp and predatory — like a futuristic streetfighter. Both turn heads. Pick the vibe that matches your personality.
Q10: What are the colour options for both bikes?
- Pulsar N160 S: Brooklyn Black, Pearl Metallic White, Atlantic Blue
- Yamaha MT-15 V2: Metallic Black, Metallic Silver Cyan, Ice Storm, Vivid Violet Metallic, Ice Fluo Vermillion, MotoGP Edition, and more
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