Bajaj Pulsar P150 vs TVS Apache RTR 160 2V - Comparison Review

Two old foes in new avatars in a new battle. Which one wins?

The battle between the TVS Apache and the Bajaj Pulsar is a very long-fought one. For Indian bikers this rivalry is among the fiercest and it just keeps on getting aggressive as the year passes. We recently compared the Apache RTR 160 4V with the new Pulsar N160 and that was a very close battle. What we have today with us are the ‘OG’ rivals, the Bajaj Pulsar 150 has received its third major update in the form of the Pulsar P150, and TVS has given a new lease of life to the Apache RTR 160 2V with some minor updates. This should be one interesting comparison! 

Performance

Let’s start with performance as this was the major bone of contention between the Apache and the Pulsar owners. While the Bajaj Pulsar P150 gets an all-new engine derived from the Pulsar N160, it’s the TVS Apache RTR 160 2V that’s quicker. As they say there’s no replacement for displacement! While the Apache is quicker, what it lacks is refinement.

Vibrations can be felt on the handlebar, footpegs and seat, once you cross 80kmph, thereby showcasing the inherent age of the engine. While the Pulsar engine is butter-smooth and has good low-end torque for city riding; what is disappointing is the hollow top-end.

 You will have to squeeze the engine to reach higher speeds and the fifth gear feels more like an overdrive for cruising. While both the bikes offer slick gear shifts, the Pulsar has the lighter clutch, making commutes stress-free, while the Apache’s clutch seems tuned to pop a wheelie! 

Fuel efficiency

The key reason for the popularity of the 150cc segment was that it offers a great mix of performance and fuel efficiency. While the difference between the duo isn’t much, given the high fuel prices, every drop of petrol matters. The Pulsar comes on top owing to the relaxed nature of the engine which doesn’t stress the motor much at highway speeds. As for city fuel efficiency, the tractability helps it in extracting more from its motor and one doesn’t have to shift gears much.  

Ergonomics

While both the bikes employ clip-on handlebars and a rear-set footpeg, the riding triangle is very much different. The Apache RTR 160 2V has a more committed and sporty riding stance owing to the higher rear-set pegs and lower handlebar. This position works on the race track, but not much in the real world. Also, taller riders will be cramped for space. The Bajaj Pulsar offers a good mix of slightly sporty but relaxed riding position. Also, one feels that you’re sitting inside the bike and it’s accommodating for taller riders as well. Bajaj also offers a flat handlebar in the base version of the Pulsar P150 in which the riding position is very upright and the footpegs are also centre positioned. 

Ride, Handling & Braking

The Bajaj Pulsar 150 was more of a straight arrow and wasn’t known for its handling prowess. However, with the Pulsar P150, Bajaj has managed to drop an impressive 10kg and also given it a new frame. This has improved the handling of the bike by leaps and bounds. One can corner with authority at high speeds and the forgiving nature of the bikes makes it friendly for amateur riders. 

However, if you want to attack corners with intensity, the TVS Apache RTR 160 2V is a clear winner and shows its racing DNA. You can lean the bike more, carry more corner speed and the Apache rewards the rider's skills better. However, it can feel twitchy at high speeds,  something that can make newbie riders a bit nervous. 

But when you factor in city riding, the Bajaj Pulsar wins with its agility. The Apache’s longer turning radius makes it a bit lazy to steer in the city, while the Pulsar feels lighter and easier to ride through traffic. The Pulsar P150 also gets monoshock for the first time and Bajaj has done a tremendous job when it comes to suspension tuning. It just glides through broken roads, speed breakers and undulations. Only on deep potholes or sharp edges does one have to slow down; the Apache’s suspension isn’t bad, but it just can’t match the sophistication that the Bajaj Pulsar P150 offers. 

Braking hardware is identical and both the bikes feature a single-channel ABS system. As you can clearly see the Pulsar P150 holds the edge in this department as it offers stronger bite and more feel through the lever. The ABS calibration on the Pulsar also felt a tad bit better. 

Styling & Features 

One look at the Apache and it’s clear that nothing much has changed. TVS has given it a minor facelift by offering a redesigned headlight and DRLs that make it distinct in comparison to its predecessor. As for the Pulsar P150, it receives an all-new styling inspired from the Pulsar N250 and the only difference is that it gets a different headlight and a cowl over the instrument console. The Pulsar’s styling looks more modern and sporty, but it misses out on the oomph offered by its predecessor when it made its debut. An interesting design detail is the underbelly exhaust muffler replacing the side slung unit. With respect to quality, Bajaj has made tremendous improvements with the new bike but the TVS still looks better put together, especially the quality of welds. 

Talking about features, the TVS Apache RTR 160 2V has the clear edge if you opt for the Bluetooth variant, as it comes with an information-loaded instrument console. The Pulsar P150 features a USB positioned cleverly next to the handlebar so you can charge your phone on the move and use it for navigation. 

Verdict

While I expected this comparison to be a close one, that wasn’t the case. The Bajaj Pulsar P150 is a clear winner for the fact that it sports a refined engine, offers better mileage and is a more comfortable and better commuter. If that doesn’t seal the deal, the Pulsar also undercuts the Apache with respect to pricing. 

The TVS Apache RTR 160 2V offers thrilling performance, comes loaded with features and is a great handler, but it has started to show its age. Especially when one compares it with the Apache RTR 160 4V, which is a properly modern bike. Maybe it’s time for TVS to bring the RTR 160 2V based on its elder sibling? Now, that will make life difficult for the Bajaj Pulsar P150, but until then, the P150 holds the advantage.