Bajaj has revealed the updated Pulsar N160, celebrating 25 years of the Pulsar brand’s legacy, and a simplified variant nomenclature. The motorcycle now gets a brand-new four valve engine that has more power than before. The higher variant gets a host of new features including a TFT instrument cluster with Google Maps mirroring, traction control, and four ride modes. This is perhaps the biggest challenger yet to the current segment leader, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, upgraded last year. Let’s see how the popular street-nakeds compare, on paper.
Bajaj Pulsar N160 (4V) vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: Engine and output
Similar peak power and torque figures
Bajaj has given the N160 an all new 4V engine that’s more powerful than the existing 2V engine. You get more power and 0.25Nmslightly loweress torque although both are delivered later in the rev range than on the Pulsar N160 (2V). The 4V engine is also oil-cooled now, an upgrade from the 2V’s air-cooled engine. On the Apache both peak power and torque come in earlier in the rev range.
Bajaj Pulsar N160 (4V) vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: Dimensions and weight
Point to Bajaj, mostly
The new Bajaj Pulsar N160 (4V) weighs 151kg which at first glance looks heavier compared to the Apache’s 146kg. However, the TVS gets a smaller 12-litre fuel tank and for motorcycles of this segment that translates to roughly 100km lesser range which isn’t a small number. As for seat height, the Apache has the upper hand with a 5mm lower seat height. The Apache also touts 15mm more ground clearance over the Pulsar, and a 9mm longer wheelbase.
Bajaj Pulsar N160 (4V) vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: Tyres, brakes, and suspension
Level ground
Things start getting a bit more equal in this area, but please note that we are comparing the top variants of both bikes. On paper, the Bajaj gets a larger front tyre but it’s a minor difference. As for brakes, Bajaj has the superior numbers there with a larger front disc rotor. The suspension specifications on both are extremely similar, but real-world experiences may vary. It’s worth mentioning here that until a year or two ago, TVS was the only manufacturer in this segment offering adjustability on both front and rear suspensions, but unfortunately that’s not the case anymore as the brand doesn’t offer that adjustability anymore.
Bajaj Pulsar N160 (4V) vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: Features
The Pulsar N160 is the first Bajaj model to offer a TFT dash
Offering segment first features has been a TVS specialty for a while now, but Bajaj is now looking to beat them at their own game with the new Pulsar N160. Bajaj offers features like an electronic throttle body and Google Maps mirroring on the top variant of the N160. To get the Google Maps mirroring on a TVS Apache, one currently has to look at the RTX 300. They remain in lockstep with respect to other features like traction control, ride modes, TFT cluster, and a crawl mode to make navigating traffic easier.
Bajaj Pulsar N160 (4V) vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: Price
TVS undercuts the Bajaj by Rs 3,000
The new Pulsar N160 has two variants, S and SS, and they cost Rs 1.33 lakh and Rs 1.42 lakh respectively (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Apache RTR 160 4V, on the other hand, has four different variants at the time of writing and starts at Rs 1.19 lakh and goes all the way up to Rs 1.39 lakh for the fully loaded top variant. The differences between the two motorcycles are minor, but thankfully clear enough which should make picking one easier.
Ved Janve
Vishal Venugopal
Deepak Pachauri
