Bajaj Pulsar N160 vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Dual Channel ABS: Image Comparison

We analyse how the Bajaj Pulsar N160 fares against the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V on paper, now that the latter has gotten dual-channel ABS?

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 has had an upper hand over the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V in the safety department since its launch because of dual-channel ABS. But with the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Dual Channel ABS’s launch at MotoSoul 2023, how do both bikes fare against each other now, on paper?  

Design

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 has a sporty design language and looks exactly like its 250cc sibling, the Pulsar N250. This isn’t a bad thing as the design itself is a very good one but a more differentiating factor would have made the N160 standout more in the Pulsar lineup. The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V gets sharper design lines and the Lightning Blue colour option highlights those lines very well. The Pulsar N160 gets a more upright riding stance which makes it an effortless commuter while the Apache RTR 160 4V’s high set footpegs could cause discomfort to taller riders. 

Engine

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is powered by a 164.82cc, single-cylinder, air-/oil-cooled engine producing 16PS at 8,750rpm and 14.65Nm at 6,750rpm and comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, on the other hand, is powered by a 159.7cc, single-cylinder, air-/oil-cooled engine producing 17.55PS at 9,250rpm and 14.3Nm at 7,250rpm and comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox. 

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Dual Channel ABS does produce more power than the Bajaj Pulsar N160 but the difference isn’t that big. The N160’s motor does have a sporty character but it also produces enough grunt in the low-end to make it a good option for office commutes. The RTR 160 4V’s motor, on the other hand, has more of a peaky nature to it and is really great for spirited riding. 

Underpinnings

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 gets a 37mm telescopic fork and monoshock suspension setup. Braking duties are taken care of by a 300mm front disc brake and a 230mm rear disc brake with dual-channel ABS. The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V comes equipped with a telescopic fork and monoshock suspension setup while it gets a smaller 270mm front disc brake and 200mm rear disc brake with dual-channel ABS.

Here’s how the two bikes differ in terms of dimensions and tyre setup: 

Instrumentation

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 comes equipped with a semi-digital instrument console that gives out readings such as the tachometer, odometer, gear indicator, clock, trip meter and more. The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Dual Channel ABS gets an LCD instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. It gets three riding modes: Urban, Rain and Sport while the Bajaj Pulsar N160 doesn’t get any. 

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 gets an LED projector headlight with LED DRLs and an LED taillamp while the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Dual Channel ABS gets an LED headlight with LED DRLs. The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Dual Channel ABS gets the nod in this department with the smartphone connectivity feature improving the practicality factor of the bike.

Verdict

Choosing between the Bajaj Pulsar N160 and the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Dual Channel ABS is a tough task because they are pretty neck and neck in every department. Looks are subjective but I personally like the Pulsar N160’s design better. The Pulsar N160 has more bottom-end performance which makes it good for sporty rides as well as regular commutes while the RTR 160 4V’s motor is great for enthusiastic riding. Underpinnings-wise, they are pretty similar while the Apache RTR 160 4V has better features than the Pulsar N160. 

So, all in all, if you are on the market for a bike that will let you enjoy sporty performance and your daily office commutes as well, then the Bajaj Pulsar N160 is the one for you. Otherwise, if you are someone who likes their bikes to be out-and-out sporty and feature-rich, then the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Dual Channel ABS is the one you should go for.