2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS160 vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: Image Comparison

The latest update to the Pulsar NS160 makes it a closer rival to the Apache RTR 160 4V in terms of features

In the 160cc bike segment, two big names stand out: the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and the TVS Apache RTR160 4V. They're both popular for their impressive performance, sharp looks, and now – with the updates to the Pulsar NS160 – the features they pack. In this comparison, we'll see what each one does best to help you decide which is right for you:

Design

While both the bikes from Bajaj and TVS look aggressive, the Pulsar NS160 looks beefier thanks to the front-heavy design, inverted forks and updated LED headlight. The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, on the other hand, looks sharper with its sporty fuel tank extensions and sharp headlight with LED DRLs that look like fangs. The Pulsar NS160 comes with a split-seat setup while the Apache RTR 160 4V has a single-piece seat. At the rear, both the naked bikes feature a sleek and sporty tail section. The exhaust on the NS160 is an underbelly unit, making the visual mass look a little more centralised,  whereas the Apache RTR 160 4V has a twin-barrel exhaust for a sporty look.

The Pulsar NS160 comes in three colour schemes: Brooklyn Black, Pearl Metallic White, and Racing Red. The Apache RTR 160 4V is available in Racing Red, Metallic Blue, Lightning Blue, Matte Black, and Knight Black.

Engine

Both the bikes come with a blacked-out powertrain but unlike the Apache, the 160cc Pulsar also gets a kick-start lever which should come in handy if there are issues with the electric starter. The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 comes equipped with a 160.3cc air-/oil-cooled 4-valve single-cylinder engine that produces 17.2PS and 14.6Nm, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The Pulsar has a 12-litre fuel tank, in our real-world test it delivered a mileage of 47.88kmpl in the city and 38.23kmpl on the highway.

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is powered by a 159.7cc single-cylinder oil-cooled engine. It comes with three segment-first riding modes: Sport, Urban and Rain. In Sport mode, it delivers 17.55PS and 14.73Nm, making it the most powerful 160cc bike in the country. The latter two modes reduce the engine's power output to 15.64PS and 14.14Nm for better mileage. The Apache also gets a 12-litre fuel tank and provides a real-world tested mileage of 47.61kmpl in the city and 49.80kmpl on the highway.

Underpinnings

Built on a perimeter frame, the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 features an inverted fork and a nitrox monoshock. Braking is managed by a 300mm disc brake at the front and a 230mm disc at the rear, with dual-channel ABS. The Pulsar NS160 rolls on a 100-section front and 130-section rear tubeless tyre. It has a ground clearance of 170mm and a seat height of 807mm. It has a kerb weight of 152kg. 

The Apache RTR 160 4V features a split-cradle frame with a slimmer telescopic fork and a Showa-tuned monoshock. It gets a 270mm petal disc at the front and a 200mm petal disc or 130mm drum unit at the rear. The top-of-the-line variant comes with dual-channel ABS, while other variants have single-channel ABS. The Apache is equipped with 17-inch alloys and sports a 90-section tyre at the front. The drum variant comes with a narrow 110-section rear tyre, whereas the disc variant has a wider 130-section tyre. It has a 180mm ground clearance and 800mm seat height. The rear drum variant weighs 144kg, while the rear disc variant is 2kg heavier at 146kg.

Instrumentation & Features

The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 comes with an updated LED headlight, featuring lightning bolt-shaped LED DRLs. It features a full LCD instrument cluster that displays the speedometer, tachometer, and fuel level, along with other information like clock, odometer, and trip meter readings. It now offers Bluetooth connectivity for call and SMS alerts, phone battery and signal levels, and turn-by-turn navigation. The digital display also includes features like a gear position indicator, real-time mileage, and distance to empty readings.

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V comes equipped with an LED headlight and taillight, while indicators use halogen bulbs. It features a full LCD instrument cluster. The BT Disc, Special Edition and Dual-disc variant also get smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. TVS has included Glide Through Technology, that helps to filter through the traffic by only clutch modulation, and no throttle input. With its latest update, the bike even offers voice assistance.

Verdict

Both the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V perform quite well. But overall, the Apache offers much better value for money as it comes with extra features, some of which are even segment-first, like riding modes. Moreover, while the Pulsar NS160 costs Rs 1,45,792, the top-end feature-loaded variant of the Apache is over Rs 8,000 cheaper at Rs 1,37,670 (both prices ex-showroom Delhi).