TVS Apache RTR 180 BS6 vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6: Which One To Buy?

With a difference of just Rs 500 between the two, you may be confused as to which one to buy! We clear things out: 

TVS recently launched the Apache RTR 180 BS6 at Rs 1,01,450 (ex-showroom Delhi). Interestingly, it is only Rs 500 more than the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6 rear drum brake-equipped variant (Rs 1,00,950, ex-showroom Delhi). So if you’re wondering which one to buy, you’ve come to the right place.

Buy TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6 for its modern looks and features:

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6 is loaded with features like an LED headlamp, fully digital instrument cluster with an alpha-numeric welcome message, 0-60kmph acceleration timer, lap timer and even top speed recorder apart from the regular trove of information like speed, fuel level, time, tachometer readings, odometer and trip meter readings. It also comes with Glide Through Traffic technology which ensures the bike can crawl at low speeds with just clutch modulation alone. This feature works up to 7kmph in first gear, 12kmph in second and 17kmph in third.

Also Read: BS6 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Apache RTR 200 4V: First Ride Review

With 16.02PS and 14.12Nm, it may be less powerful than the BS4-compliant version by 0.78PS and 0.68Nm. However, while on the move, the lack of power and torque isn’t really all that apparent. Moreover, thanks to the oil cooler, the engine will run optimised for longer compared to an air-cooled motor without oil cooler. Apart from the new headlamp, the bike remains more or less similar to the BS4-compliant counterpart but it still looks fresher than the long-in-the-tooth Apache RTR 180 BS6. So if you’re looking for a modern all-rounder that is packed with features, then the Apache RTR 160 BS6 is the one to go for.

Buy TVS Apache RTR 180 BS6 if you want no-nonsense performance:

The TVS Apache RTR 180 BS6 gets a bigger 177.4cc single-cylinder oversquare air-cooled fuel-injected motor with oil cooler, which churns out 16.79PS at 8500rpm and 15.5Nm at 7000rpm. That’s 0.77PS and 1.38Nm more than the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6. The motorcycle is also 6kg lighter than the Apache RTR 160 4V BS6, at 141kg kerb. This coupled with the extra power and torque should result in slightly sprightlier performance in the real world. 

As far as features are concerned, the only new addition is the Glide Through Technology, which is similar to the one in the 160cc streetfighter. It also comes with a single-channel ABS like the Apache RTR 160 4V BS6. All in all, the TVS Apache RTR 180 BS6 is perfect for those who don’t mind the dated styling but simply want the added grunt of a bigger motor.

Rear disc brake variant of the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6 shown for representation.