Updated on May 24, 2021 - TVS Motor Company and Bajaj Auto have updated their motorcycles for the year 2021. So, to read a detailed specification-based comparison of the new 2021 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V vs the Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 BS6, you can click HERE.
Original Article - June 23, 2020; The Premium Sporty Commuter Motorcycle segment is developing rapidly and successfully in India. The sub-200cc bike segment is mostly dominated by the Indian two-wheeler manufacturers. Bajaj and TVS always lock horns with each other in the 150-160cc category with the Pulsars and the Apaches. This motorcycle segment is ever-growing in India. That's because most of the youngsters choose their first bike as a 160cc motorcycle. Moreover, people of different age groups upgrade themselves from basic commuters to sporty 160cc commuters. So, today we have for you the 2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6 vs Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 BS6. This will be a detailed spec-comparison of two power-packed sporty 160cc commuter motorcycles.
2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6 vs Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 BS6: Looks and Colour Options
The Apache RTR 160 4V was first introduced in 2018 and it was an instant hit. It is a very handsome-looking motorcycle and with the recent BS6 update, it just got even better. The 2020 Apache 160 4V gets a more striking look with new all-LED headlamps. It also gets new twin LED DRLs and new attractive body decals that give it an aggressive appeal. It features a sharp aerodynamic side profile and also gets an engine cowl. At the rear, it gets a LED taillamp and it also gets a new dual-tone textured single-piece seat. The Apache 160 4V BS6 is available in three colour options: Racing Red, Metallic Blue and Knight Black.
The recently updated Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 doesn't get any cosmetic upgrades at all. It looks the same as before and has an inherent masculine appeal. The Pulsar NS 160 borrows its design cues from its elder sibling, the NS 200 and it does look very sporty. Upfront, it gets a sharp headlamp with twin pilot lamps at the bottom end. The motorcycle gets an aggressive side profile with muscular tank shrouds. This naked wolf even gets an engine cowl and an under-belly exhaust. However, the NS 160 doesn't get any LED at all except the hallmark Pulsar LED tail-lamps. The Pulsar NS 160 BS6 is available in three colour options: Fossil Grey, Wild Red and Saffire Blue.
2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V vs Bajaj Pulsar NS 160: Engine, Transmission and Mileage
| Specification | Apache 160 4V | Pulsar NS 160 |
| Engine | 159.7cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected | 160.3cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected, DTS-i |
| Maximum Power | 16.02 PS at 8250 RPM | 17.2 PS at 9000 RPM |
| Maximum Torque | 14.12 Nm at 7250 RPM | 14.6 Nm at 7250 RPM |
| Cooling System | oil-cooled | oil-cooled |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Mileage | 45-50 kmpl (real-world) | 45-50 kmpl (real-world) |
| Emission Norm | BS6 | BS6 |
The 2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 is powered by a BS6-compliant 159.7cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine. This motor churns out 16.02 PS of power at 8250 RPM and 14.12 Nm of peak torque at 7250 RPM. The engine comes coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox. It gets TVS' Race-tuned (RT-FI) fuel-injection technology for enhanced power delivery and fuel economy. Moreover, it also gets GTT or Glide Through Technology feature for low-speed urban riding that offers an extremely smooth and controlled riding experience.
Until a few months ago, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V was the most powerful 160cc in India. However, with the BS6 update, the NS 160 has dethroned the Apache and is now the most powerful bike in its class. The Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 is powered by a BS6-compliant 160.3cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine. This motor pumps out 17.2 PS of power at 9000 RPM and 14.6 Nm of peak torque at 7250 RPM. The engine comes coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox. It also gets Bajaj's patented DTS-i technology and a fuel-injection system.
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2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6 vs Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 BS6: Chassis and Suspension
| Specification | Apache 160 4V | Pulsar NS 160 |
| Chassis | Double Cradle Split Synchro STIFF | Perimeter Frame |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks with Hydraulic Dampers | Telescopic with Anti-friction Bush |
| Rear Suspension | Mono-shock absorber | Nitrox mono-shock absorber |
The Apache 160 4V is based on a Double Cradle Split Synchro STIFF chassis while the Pulsar NS 160 sits on a Perimeter Frame. Both the motorcycles get telescopic forks at the front and a mono-shock absorber at the rear.
2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6 vs Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 BS6: Tyres and Brakes
| Specification | Apache 160 4V | Pulsar NS 160 |
| Tyre Size | Front 90/90-17 Rear 110/80-17 (drum version) Rear 130/70-17 (disc version) | Front 90/90 -17 Rear 120/80 -17 |
| Tyre Type | tubeless | tubeless |
| Wheel Type | alloy | alloy |
| Front Brake | disc | disc |
| Rear Brake | disc/drum | disc |
| Front Brake Diameter | 270 mm | 260 mm |
| Rear Brake Diameter | 130 mm (drum) 200 mm (disc) | 230 mm |
| ABS | single-channel | single-channel |
Both the motorcycles run on 17-inch tubeless tyres. The Apache gets 90/90 section 17-inch tyre at the front while at the rear, the drum version gets 110/80-17 and the disc version gets 130/70 section 17-inch unit. The front tyre of the Pulsar NS 160 measures 90/90-17 and the rear one measures 120/80-17. The NS 160 gets disc brake at both the ends while the Apache gets a disc at the front and at the rear, one can choose between a drum or a disc. Both the motorcycles get a single-channel ABS as standard as an additional safety aid.
2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V vs Bajaj Pulsar NS 160: Dimensions and Capacity
| Specification | Apache 160 4V | Pulsar NS 160 |
| Length | 2035 mm | 2017 mm |
| Width | 790 mm | 804 mm |
| Height | 1050 mm | 1060 mm |
| Seat Height | 800 mm | 805 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1357 mm | 1370 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 180 mm | 177 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12L | 12L |
| Weight | 147 kg (drum) 149 kg (disc) | 148 kg |
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2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V vs Bajaj Pulsar NS 160: Features
The new 2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6 gets an all-digital instrument cluster loaded with a ton of information. It displays speedometer, odometer, twin trip meters, fuel gauge, clock and a gear-position indicator too. The Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 BS6, on the other hand, gets a semi-analogue semi-digital instrument cluster. The tachometer is analogue while all the other pieces of information are displayed digitally.
2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V vs Bajaj Pulsar NS 160: Price and Verdict
As mentioned before, the 2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6 is available in two variants: Drum (rear) and Disc. The rear drum brake model is priced at Rs. 1,02,950 while the dual disc variant is priced at Rs. 1,06,000. The Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 BS6 is available in only one variant and is priced at Rs. 1,05,901. All prices stick to Ex-showroom Delhi.
So, if you are a tall rider and want a naked streetfighter with thrilling performance and want to experience the swag of owning a Pulsar, then you should choose the Pulsar NS 160 BS6. But, if you want a more feature-loaded machine with punchy performance, great looks and good rideability, then you should definitely consider buying the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6.
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This was our detailed spec-comparison of the new 2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6 vs Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 BS6. Which motorcycle will you choose for yourself? Tell us in the comments below. You can also join our 91Wheels Automobile Enthusiast group (click via mobile to join) curated exclusively for the fans, enthusiasts and the owners.
