Kawasaki launches Rouser NS 160

Bold new street fighter for less

The annual Kawasaki Dealer’s convention made headlines for its affordable and highly anticipated highway legal bikes. Yet for fans of smaller bikes, Kawasaki had something too.

Also launched that day was another stylish motorcycle for the streets in the 150-200cc segment – the all-new Rouser NS 160.

Like the Kawasaki Rouser models before it, it was a rebadged Bajaj Pulsar 160 that’s already been sold in the Indian Market since last year. And just like in that market, it is aimed to compete directly with Suzuki’s GSX-S 150, Honda CB 150R, Yamaha SZ 16 and the TVS Apache 200 – a segment that primarily attracts a rather large motorcycle enthusiast population wishing to upgrade from their current lower-displacement underbones or scooters.

The styling cues are derived directly from its bigger 200cc brother, the Rouser NS 200, and both bikes share the same frame. The NS 160 also has a single rear shock absorber but lacks the rear disc brake found on the NS 200. The 110-section rear tire is also thinner vs that of the NS 200.

The engine is both air and oil cooled, twin spark with 4 valves, designed and built from Bajaj’s experiences with its Discover and AS 150 engines.

As of press time, we haven’t tested the new Rouser NS 160 yet, but according to some reviews abroad this bike has good low to mid-range power coupled with softer suspension ride, making it an ideal city commuter. The Kawasaki NS 160 is already available at all Kawasaki motorcycle dealerships nationwide with an SRP of PhP 85,000 only. For more info, visit www.kawasaki.com.ph.