TVS launched the new Apache RTR 160 4V earlier this week. The new Apache is the most powerful bike in its segment, but is it the best? Following is a battle of street naked bikes i.e. Apache RTR 160 vs Pulsar NS160.
Chennai based automaker, TVS Motors launched the new contender for the 160cc street naked segment. The all-new TVS Apache RTR 160 has been launched at a starting price of INR 81,490 ex-showroom Delhi. Otherwise expected to feature limited to visual changes, the new Apache 160 gets mechanical changes well including a more powerful engine and a fully digital instrument cluster. The new Apache gets aggressive and premium styling elements along with the efficient LED headlight and tail light. Is the new Apache RTR 160 ready to take a fight with the Bajaj Pulsar NS160? Let’s take a look.
Apache RTR 160 vs Pulsar NS160 – Design
Much like its competitor, the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 borrows its design elements from the NS200. The NS160 features handsome lines, an underslung exhaust and split grab rails. The new TVS Apache RTR 160 features design similar to the Apache RTR 200. To attract youngsters towards the new 160, TVS has given it ‘shotgun’ exhaust design. The design language on the latest Apache RTR 160 is very aggressive and in-line if not superior to its competitors in the segment.
Also Read – 2018 TVS Apache RTR 160 Launched – Price, Details
Apache RTR 160 vs Pulsar NS160- Performance
| TVS Apache RTR 160 4V | Bajaj Pulsar NS160 | |
| Type | Oil-cooled, single-cylinder | Oil-cooled, single cylinder |
| Displacement | 159.7cc | 160.3cc |
| Valvetrain | 4-valve, SOHC | 4-valve, SOHC |
| Fuelling | Carburetor/Fuel-injection | Carburetor |
| Power | 16.5hp (16.8hp*) at 8000rpm | 15.5hp at 8500rpm |
| Torque | 14.8Nm at 6500rpm | 14.6Nm at 6500rpm |
| Power to weight ratio | 115.38hp/tonne, 113.79hp/tonne#, 114.28hp/tonne* | 109.15hp/tonne |
We expected the new AApacheRTR 160 to feature only visual changes but TVS surprised us yet again. The new 2018 Apache features mechanical changes as well now making even more power. The 159.7 cc engine now makes 16.8 bhp of max power and 14.8 Nm of torque. This gives the new 160 a power to weight ratio of 115.3 bhp/tonne making it the most powerful bike in the segment. Bajaj Pulsar NS160’s 160.3 cc engine develops 15.5 bhp of max power and 14.6 Nm of torque. While the torque output is almost similar, the deficit in power gives the NS160 a power to weight ratio of 109.15 bhp/tonne.
Also Read – Upcoming Bikes in India In March & April!
Apache RTR 160 vs Pulsar NS160- Cycle Parts
| TVS Apache RTR 160 4V | Bajaj Pulsar NS160 | |
| Suspension (F/R) | Telescopic fork/monoshock | Telescopic fork/monoshock |
| Brakes (F/R) | Disc-drum/Disc-Disc | Disc-drum |
| Tyres (F/R) | 90/90-17 / 110/80-17 or 130/70-17*# | 80/100-17 / 110/80-17 |
| Fuel tank capacity | 12 litres | 12 litres |
| Kerb weight | 143kg/145kg#/147kg* | 142kg |
| Wheelbase | 1357mm | 1363mm |
Both the bikes in comparison here feature a conventional front fork and a monoshock at the rear. Both the bikes don’t feature ABS but starting April 1, 2018, these will be sold with ABS. The similarities carry on with both the bikes featuring fuel carrying capacity of 12 litres. In terms of weight as well, there’s not much difference with the NS160 being 1 kg lighter. Highest ground clearance of 180 mm gives the Apache RTR 160 another lead here. Apache’s are famous for their track friendly compactness and this carries on with the new Apache 160 featuring 6 mm shorter wheelbase than the Bajaj.
Apache RTR 160 – Pricing
So far, the new Apache RTR 160 gains a great lead with most features in its favour. The starting model of the new Apache 160 starts at INR 81,490 going all the way to INR 89,990 ex-showroom. The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 range starts at INR 81,626. Considering the new Apache RTR 160 even starts at a lower price while being more powerful, it clearly wins the comparison.
Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming Bikes in India.
