Best Bike Options in the 150-160cc Segment: Pulsar 160NS, Hornet 160, Gixxer SP, and Yamaha FZS FI

When searching for the perfect bike under 1 lakh in the January 2018 market, you might find yourself contemplating between the Pulsar 160NS, Hornet 160, Gixxer SP 150, and the new Yamaha FZS FI. Let’s break down these options to help you make the best choice for your daily commute and occasional touring needs.

Pulsar 160NS

The Pulsar 160 NS is relatively new, and while it is a great bike, its engine is smaller than the Pulsar 200 NS by 40cc, making it less potent. If you prefer a bike with a larger engine, you might be better off with the Pulsar 200, which offers a more impressive performance.

Yamaha FZS FI Suzuki Gixxer, and Honda Hornet

Let’s compare the Yamaha FZ, Suzuki Gixxer, and Honda Hornet in key categories such as performance, quality and reliability, safety, maintenance, mileage, and usability.

Performance

The CBR160R (Hornet 160) offers more power and torque, making it faster. However, the FZS FI, with its fuel injection system, offers a smoother power delivery, making it a better choice for those who prefer a more refined ride. The Gixxer SP, on the other hand, has a very energetic engine that is great for fast speeds.

Quality and Reliability

Yamaha FZ is known for its reliability. According to personal experience, it is a solid choice. Suzuki and Honda are also top-class manufacturers, so the FZ and Gixxer are both excellent. The CBR160R (Hornet 160) is relatively new, and its reliability remains to be seen. All three bikes can be compared in person to make a decision based on quality and reliability.

Safety

The Gixxer and CBR160R are equipped with rear disc brakes. Recently, the FZ has also been updated to include a rear disc brake, giving it an edge over the Gixxer and FZ. However, the CBR160R has a CBS (Combined Braking System) which provides an upper hand in safety. When it comes to safety features, the CBR160R offers a safer choice over the Gixxer and FZ. Additionally, the faired sibling of the Gixxer, the Gixxer SF, comes with ABS, providing better safety features.

Maintenance

All three bikes are Japanese motorcycles, and their maintenance costs are very similar. Therefore, there is no significant difference to consider here.

Mileage

The Gixxer provides better mileage compared to the FZ and Hornet, though performance heavily depends on how the bike is ridden and maintained.

Usability

Being naked bikes, all three provide similar ease in maneuvering through traffic. However, considering dimensions and weight, the FZ is easier to maneuver, followed by the Gixxer, and then the Hornet. All three bikes perform almost similarly on highways, but those who prefer a wind shield to reduce wind blast might find the FZ and Gixxer more suitable due to their faired siblings—Fazer and Gixxer SF—offering better stability and handling.

Conclusion

Whenever you make a choice between these bikes, you are essentially compromising between power, mileage, quality, and design, and there is no perfect bike. Each is just a little better than the other. Taking a test ride of all the bikes in your shortlist can help you make the best decision. How good a bike is, depends on how good of a rider you are.

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Hope this helps! Good luck!