Yamaha FZ-Rave vs Bajaj Pulsar N160: The Ultimate & Outstanding 150–160cc Street Bike Comparison

The Indian commuter street-bike market just got more exciting with Yamaha’s launch of the FZ-Rave, pitted directly against stalwarts like the Bajaj Pulsar N160. Both bikes fall into the 150–165cc range, but their design philosophy, riding dynamics, and value proposition cater to slightly different riders. Here’s a deep dive into how these two stack up — based on their latest specs, pricing, and real-world appeal.

2. Pricing & Variants

†Prices are ex-showroom and may vary by city due to local taxes, showroom margins, and recent GST changes.

Takeaway: The base Yamaha FZ-Rave is priced competitively and undercuts some of the higher-spec Pulsar N160 variants, making it an attractive entry in the 150cc commuter space. On the other hand, Pulsar N160 offers a wider variant range to suit different budget- or feature-driven buyers.

3. Engine & Performance

Yamaha FZ-Rave

• Engine: 149 cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled. Autocar India
• Power / Torque: ~12.4 PS / 13.3 Nm. Overdrive+1
• Gearbox: 5-speed manual. Autocar India
• Kerb Weight: 136 kg. BikeWale
• Fuel Tank: 13 liters. Autocar India

Bajaj Pulsar N160

• Engine: 164.82 cc, single-cylinder, SOHC, oil-cooled, FI. Bajaj Auto
• Power / Torque: 16 PS @ 8,750 rpm, 14.65 Nm @ 6,750 rpm. apcobajaj.dgc.co.in+1
• Gearbox: 5-speed. Bajaj Auto
• Fuel Tank: 14 liters. Bajaj Auto
• Seat Height: ~795 mm. BikeDunia

Performance Insight:

• The Pulsar N160 punches harder with its larger displacement and higher torque, making it more capable in overtakes and longer rides.
• The FZ-Rave offers smoother, more city-friendly power, ideal for daily commuting and lighter traffic conditions.

4. Features & Hardware

Yamaha FZ-Rave

• Instrument Cluster: Negative LCD. www.ndtv.com
• Lighting: Full LED headlamp and tail lamp. Overdrive
• Brakes: Disc brakes; single-channel ABS. BikeWale
• Suspension: Telescopic front fork + monoshock rear. Team-BHP.com
• Handling: Lightweight frame (136 kg) makes it nimble in city traffic.

Bajaj Pulsar N160

• Instrument Cluster & Connectivity: Fully digital console, Bluetooth connectivity, call/message alerts, and, in some variants, turn-by-turn navigation. Bajaj Auto
• ABS: Three ride modes — Road, Rain, Off-Road for the dual-channel ABS version. The Times of India
• Suspension: Upside-down (USD) 37 mm front forks for some variants, Nitrox monoshock at rear. Bajaj Auto
• Brakes: 300 mm disc at front, 230 mm at rear. BikeDunia
• Utility: USB mobile charging port near the fuel tank. Bajaj Auto

User Impression:
The Pulsar N160 delivers a more “feature-rich” package — especially in its USD + ABS mode variant — ideal for riders who value advanced tech and better braking control. The FZ-Rave, meanwhile, sticks to a simple but effective commuter setup, prioritizing reliability and ease of use.

5. Ergonomics, Ride & Comfort

• Seat Height / Comfort: The Pulsar N160 has a slightly higher seat (795 mm) compared to the FZ-Rave (790 mm), but both are manageable for most riders. Bajaj Auto+1
• Weight & Agility: FZ-Rave’s lower kerb weight (136 kg) gives it an edge in city maneuverability. For longer or more spirited rides, N160’s longer wheelbase and more powerful engine provide steadier control.
• Riding Purpose:
  • FZ-Rave: Ideal for commuters, city traffic, short trips.
  • Pulsar N160: Comfortable for both commuting and occasional highway or open-road rides.

6. Fuel Efficiency & Running Cost

• According to the spec sheet and user reports, Pulsar N160 claims good fuel efficiency (Bikes4Sale lists 59.11 kmpl in the spec sheet). Product Bank
• FZ-Rave hasn’t had claimed mileage widely published in recent launch data, but given its smaller engine and lighter weight, it is likely to offer competitive fuel economy in city use — possibly better than N160 in stop-start traffic.

7. Practical Differences & Buyer Guidance

When to Prefer Yamaha FZ-Rave

• You want a low-cost but stylish 150cc commuter.
• You prioritize simplicity over feature-heavy setups.
• You seek a lightweight bike that’s easy in tight traffic.
• You don’t need advanced ABS modes or USD suspension.

When to Go for Bajaj Pulsar N160

• You’re looking for more power and performance in the 160cc segment.
• You want tech-rich features: ABS modes, Bluetooth console, navigation.
• You don’t mind a higher price and potentially higher maintenance.
• You prefer a sportier ride feel with more capable brakes and suspension.

8. Drawbacks & Trade-offs

• FZ-Rave:
  • Single-channel ABS (not as safe as dual in aggressive braking)
  • Simpler instrument cluster, no turn-by-turn navigation
  • Modest power output for highway performance
• Pulsar N160:
  • Higher kerb weight (152–154 kg) in some variants of Bajaj Auto
  • Higher cost for variants with USD + dual ABS
  • Some riders have reported connectivity issues with Bluetooth / navigation in older batches on Reddit

9. Conclusion

Choosing between the Yamaha FZ-Rave and the Bajaj Pulsar N160 depends largely on your priorities:

• Go for the FZ-Rave if you want a reliable, stylish commuter that’s easy to ride and economical.
• Choose the Pulsar N160 if you crave more power, tech features, and a sportier ride — and are okay paying a premium for it.

Both are strong contenders in the 150–165cc naked-bike segment. Your final call should factor in your daily usage, budget, and how much you value extra features versus simplicity.

FAQs

1. Which bike is cheaper – FZ-Rave or Pulsar N160?
   • The base FZ-Rave (₹1.17 lakh ex-showroom) is slightly cheaper than the top-spec Pulsar N160 variants. Autocar India+1
2. Does the FZ-Rave have ABS?
   • Yes, but only single-channel ABS. BikeWale
3. Which bike is more powerful?
   • The Pulsar N160, with its 164.8cc engine, produces more power and torque. Bajaj Auto
4. Does the Pulsar N160 have different variants?
   • Yes — single-seat, dual-channel ABS, and a dual-ABS + USD fork variant are available. ZigWheels.com
5. Which bike is better for city commuting?
   • FZ-Rave is more commuter-friendly due to its lower weight and smoother power delivery.
6. Is the Pulsar N160 suitable for long rides?
   • Yes, especially in variants with USD forks and higher stability, but it’s still primarily a street bike.
7. What is the seat height of both bikes?
   • FZ-Rave: ~790 mm Autocar India
   • Pulsar N160: ~795 mm BikeDunia
8. Do both bikes have modern instrument clusters?
   • FZ-Rave has a negative LCD cluster. www.ndtv.com
   • Pulsar N160 offers a fully digital Bluetooth-enabled cluster in newer variants. Bajaj Auto
9. What about maintenance cost?
   • Yamaha’s simpler engine may cost less to maintain. Pulsar’s more advanced features (ABS, USD forks) may raise maintenance, but Bajaj’s service network is strong.
10. Which bike has better resale value?

• Both are popular. Resale may depend more on the variant (ABS, forks) and mileage. Riders often choose Pulsars for resale because of their proactive service and feature-rich models, though FZ bikes are also well-regarded for durability.

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