India’s 160cc arena ignites as Bajaj Pulsar N160 battles TVS Apache RTR 160 4V—muscle-bound commuters clashing for young guns craving torque, tech, and track-ready thrills. Both street-nakeds pack LED aggression, dual-channel ABS options, and 45+ kmpl sips, but diverge on comfort vs precision. Priced ₹1.24-1.32 lakh ex-showroom, they dominate upgrades from 125cc drudgery, selling 50k+ units monthly amid premium shifts.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Both motorcycles promise a sharp mix of performance, everyday usability, modern tech, and aggressive styling, making them top choices for riders upgrading from 125cc bikes or first-time performance buyers.
But which one truly delivers the better value in 2025? We break it down in a detailed, no-nonsense comparison covering design, engine performance, features, ride quality, pricing, and variants.
Design Duel: Bulk vs Blade
Pulsar N160 flexes Bajaj’s beefy evolution—wide 786mm stance, sculpted tank shrouds, bi-LED projector, underbelly growl. Split seats, knuckle guards scream dominance; 24.2L tank swells presence.
Apache RTR 160 4V slices sharper: Aerodynamic tank, LED DRL fangs, race graphics, 800mm width feels lithe. Matte blacks and red accents track-tease; lightweight alloy wheels (12kg less) carve corners.
Also Read- New Bajaj Pulsar 150 Spotted Without Camouflage– Launch Around the Corner
Winner: Pulsar for road-bullying swagger; Apache for razor agility.
Engine Showdown: Torque Tug vs Rev Rocket
Pulsar N160: 164.82cc oil-cooled single (16PS@8,750rpm, 14.65Nm@6,750rpm), 5-speed. Mid-range grunt shines—city surges effortless, 100kmph cruises relaxed at 45kmpl. 0-60kmph: 5.2s.
Apache RTR 160 4V: 159.7cc oil-cooled 4-valve (17.55PS@9,250rpm, 14.73Nm@7,250rpm), 5-speed. Top-end fireworks—quicker revs, 0-60kmph 4.9s, Sport mode zips. GTT eases traffic.
Real-world: Pulsar smoother daily; Apache hooks enthusiasts.
| Metric | Pulsar N160 | Apache 160 4V | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 16PS | 17.55PS | Apache |
| Torque | 14.65Nm | 14.73Nm | Apache |
| 0-100kmph | 13.5s | 12.9s | Apache |
| Hwy Mileage | 48kmpl | 45kmpl | Pulsar |
Ride & Handling: Sofa vs Scalpel
Pulsar: 43mm USD forks, preload rear—plush over potholes, 140mm travel soaks bombs. 24.5° rake stable at 120kmph; 155mm ground clearance devours.
Also Read- Mahindra XUV 7XO Pre-Bookings Open Today at Rs 21,000– What You Need to Know
Apache: Stiffer 37mm forks, adjustable mono-shock—pinpoint lean-ins, 180mm petal brakes bite. Lighter 144kg chassis flicks; Rain/Urban modes adapt.
Daily: Pulsar wins commutes. Twists: Apache owns.
Features Face-Off: Basics vs Brains
Pulsar N160 (Single ABS Variant): Std dual-channel, digital console (gear pos, avg speed), USB, projector LED—all ₹1.31 lakh loaded.
- Dual-channel ABS (standard)
- LED projector headlamp
- Digital instrument cluster
- USB charging port
- Underbelly exhaust
Apache RTR 160 4V (3 Variants):
- Drum (₹1.24L): Single ABS basics.
- Disc (₹1.27L): Single ABS upgrades.
- Top (₹1.32L): Dual ABS, 3 modes, Bluetooth nav/calls, levers, GTT.
Apache tech trumps; Pulsar value punches.
| Feature | Pulsar N160 | Apache Top |
|---|---|---|
| Dual ABS | Std | Top variant |
| Ride Modes | No | 3 (Sport/Urban/Rain) |
| Bluetooth | No | SmartXonnect |
| Console | Digital | Full LCD |
Pricing & Ownership Breakdown
Pulsar N160: ₹1.31 lakh ex (Delhi on-road ₹1.50 lakh). Service ₹3k/year; resale 85% @3yrs.
Apache Variants: Drum ₹1.24L, Disc ₹1.27L, Top ₹1.32L (on-road ₹1.45-1.55L). TVS net edges Hero; 42kmpl real-world.
December deals: Pulsar ₹5-8k off; Apache ₹7k + accessories.
Costs (15k km): Fuel ₹25k, service ₹4k—total ₹35k/year both.
Verdict: Pick Your Poison
Pulsar N160: All-rounder ace—comfy, torquey, loaded single variant. Buy for daily grind, bad roads, value (₹1.31L unbeatable).
- You want a muscular street bike
- Comfort and daily usability matter most
- You prefer smoother performance
- Dual-channel ABS is a must at a single price
Apache RTR 160 4V: Performance predator—rev-happy, feature-fest, modes thrill. Top-spec for twists, techies (₹1.32L worth it).
- Performance is your top priority
- You enjoy aggressive riding
- You want advanced features and riding modes
- Track-inspired handling excites you
No losers—Pulsar soothes, Apache ignites. Test both; 160cc supremacy endures!
For more such updates and latest news on cars and bikes stay connected to motormitra.in
Thank you ..