The 160cc sporty commuter segment is currently one of the most sought-after segment as it has become the first preference of the youths. Until March 2020, the Apache RTR 160 4V was the most powerful motorcycle in its class. It was then defeated by the Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 BS6. But now, TVS has recently updated the Apache RTR 160 4V to turn things upside down. So, today in this article, we have for you a detailed specification-based comparo of the new 2021 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V vs the Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 BS6.
Apache RTR 160 4V vs Pulsar NS 160 BS6: Looks and Colour Options
For the year 2021, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V has not got any changes and it still looks the same as the MY 2020 model. This means that it gets an all-LED headlamp with twin LED DRLs and attractive body decals that give it an aggressive appeal. The Apache RTR 160 4V features a sharp aerodynamic profile and gets an engine cowl too. At the rear, it gets a LED taillamp along with a new dual-tone textured single-piece seat. The TVS Apache 160 4V can be had in three colour options - Racing Red, Metallic Blue and Knight Black.
The Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 still looks the same as before and has an inherent masculine appeal. However, it has now got new colour shades. The Pulsar NS 160 borrows its design cues from its elder sibling, NS 200 and it looks very sporty. At the front, it gets a sharp halogen headlamp with twin pilot lamps. The motorcycle gets an aggressive side profile with muscular tank shrouds. There is an engine cowl and an under-belly exhaust too. At the rear, it gets hallmark Pulsar LED tail lamps. The Pulsar NS 160 BS6 can be had in three colours - Metallic Pearl White, Burnt Red and Pewter Grey.
Apache RTR 160 4V vs Pulsar NS 160 BS6: 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 | 12-litres | 12-litres |
| Weight | 145 kgs (drum) 147 kgs (disc) | 151 kgs |
Apache RTR 160 4V vs Pulsar NS 160 BS6: Engine and Transmission
The new 2021 TVS Apache RTR 160 is powered by a BS6 compliant 159.7cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine. This motor churns out 17.63 PS of power at 9250 RPM and 14.73 Nm of peak torque at 7250 RPM. The engine comes coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox and it gets TVS' Race-tuned (RT-FI) fuel-injection technology for enhanced power delivery and fuel economy. Moreover, it gets GTT or Glide Through Technology too for low-speed urban riding that offers an extremely smooth and controlled riding experience.
The Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 is now 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 mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. It also gets Bajaj's patented DTS-i technology and a fuel-injection system. So, now as you have already read the figures, you all know that the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V has once again dethroned the Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 to become the most powerful motorcycle in its class.
Also Read: BREAKING: Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 India Launch This Month - What To Expect?
Apache RTR 160 4V vs Pulsar NS 160 BS6: Tyres, Brakes and Features
The Bajaj Pulsar NS 160, as well as the new TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, gets telescopic forks at the front and a mono-shock absorber at the rear. For braking duties, they get disc brakes at either end but the Apache RTR 160 4V can be had with a rear drum too. They even get a single-channel ABS as an additional safety aid. Both the motorcycles run on 17-inch tubeless tyres. The Apache gets a 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- 17 unit. The front tyre of the Pulsar NS 160 measures 90/90-17 and the rear one measures 120/80-17. The Pulsar NS 160 gets a semi-analogue semi-digital cluster but the Apache RTR 160 4V gets an all-digital instrument cluster and it comes loaded with a ton of information.
Apache RTR 160 4V vs Pulsar NS 160 BS6: Price Comparison
Finally, talking about price, so the Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 is available only in a single variant and is currently priced at Rs. 1.11 lakhs, Ex-showroom Delhi. The new TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is available in two variants. The rear drum brake variant of the Apache RTR 160 4V is priced at Rs. 1.07 lakhs while the dual disc variant is priced at Rs. 1.10 lakhs. All prices stick to Ex-showroom Delhi.
So, this was all about the new 2021 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V vs Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 BS6. Now, between these two motorcycles, which one will be your personal pick? Do feel free to share your thoughts and opinions with all of us in the comments section below. You can also join our 91Wheels Auto Enthusiast Telegram group (click via mobile to join) curated exclusively for the fans, enthusiasts and owners. Further, subscribe to our YouTube channel for more amazing motoring updates.
