Best 160cc Bikes in India (2026)

This guide is based on manufacturer-claimed ARAI specifications, list prices, and segment positioning — not subjective road-test impressions. Mileage figures reflect official ARAI claims, not real-world city riding, which is typically 10–15% lower. The 160cc segment spans practical commuter-naked motorcycles through to dedicated performance and track-focused machines — this guide covers both ends.

The 160cc class is where most Indian riders settle once they've outgrown a 125cc or 150cc and want a meaningful, lasting step up in power without crossing into the heavier 200cc-plus category. It spans five major brands — Hero, Bajaj, TVS, Honda, and KTM — and covers everything from relaxed commuter-naked bikes to genuinely track-capable machines.

This guide covers eleven 160cc-class motorcycles split into two groups: practical commuter and naked bikes built for daily riding, and sportier performance-focused machines built around sharper handling and higher power output. Each entry includes honest pros, cons, and a clear recommendation on who the bike actually suits.

At a Glance — All 11 Bikes Compared

All eleven bikes in this guide compared across price, claimed mileage, and positioning — so you can see at a glance where each one sits before reading the full write-ups.

These six bikes prioritise daily usability — relaxed or naked-sport ergonomics, practical claimed mileage, and pricing that stays close to the lower end of the 160cc bracket.

1. Hero Xtreme 160R

₹1,05,667 (ex-showroom)  |  163.2cc  |  Claimed mileage: 49.65 km/l

The Hero Xtreme 160R is the most affordable bike in this entire guide, making it the natural entry point into the 160cc class for buyers upgrading from a 125cc or 150cc Hero. Its 163.2cc engine produces 14.79 bhp, the lowest peak output among the 160cc-class bikes covered here, but it claims a competitive 49.65 km/l — among the better mileage figures in this guide.

At 138.5 kg, the Xtreme 160R sits in the middle of the weight range for this class. Its naked-sport styling and Hero's nationwide service network make it a sensible first 160cc for riders who want to step up in displacement without a major jump in price or running costs.

Who should buy: Budget-conscious buyers stepping up from a 125cc or 150cc who want 160cc displacement and Hero's service reach without paying a performance premium.

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2. TVS Apache RTR 160 2V

₹1,09,036 (ex-showroom)  |  159.7cc  |  Claimed mileage: 47 km/l

The TVS Apache RTR 160 2V is the more affordable of the two Apache RTR 160 variants in this guide, using a 2-valve version of the 159.7cc engine that trades some peak power for a lower price. It still carries the well-regarded Apache RTR chassis and racing-derived design language that has defined this nameplate for years.

Claimed mileage of 47 km/l and 16.04 PS make the 2V variant a sensible middle ground — sportier than most other commuter-naked bikes in this section, but priced below the more powerful 4V version. At 139 kg, it is light enough to remain agile in city traffic.

Who should buy: Riders who want the Apache RTR identity and handling reputation without paying for the more powerful 4V engine.

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3. Bajaj Avenger Street 160

₹1,12,280 (ex-showroom)  |  160cc  |  Claimed mileage: 45 km/l

The Bajaj Avenger Street 160 stands apart from every other bike in this guide for its cruiser-styled ergonomics — a low seat height, forward-set footpegs, and a relaxed, feet-forward riding position more akin to a cruiser motorcycle than a typical naked or commuter-sport 160cc. It is the only bike in this guide built around comfort-first, laid-back ergonomics rather than an upright or sporty stance.

The 160cc engine produces 15 PS with a claimed mileage of 45 km/l. At 156 kg, it is one of the heavier bikes in this guide, a natural consequence of the cruiser bodywork and larger fuel tank shape.

Who should buy: Riders who specifically want cruiser-style ergonomics and a relaxed riding position rather than the naked or commuter-sport stance common across the rest of this guide.

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4. Honda Unicorn

₹1,12,898 (ex-showroom)  |  162.71cc  |  Claimed mileage: 50 kmpl

The Honda Unicorn has long been positioned as a comfort-focused commuter-sport motorcycle, and its 162.71cc engine continues that approach — claiming 50 kmpl, the best mileage figure among the three Honda and Bajaj commuter-naked bikes in this section. Power output of 13.18 PS is on the lower end of this guide, reflecting Honda's mileage-first tuning philosophy.

At 139 kg, the Unicorn carries Honda's typical build quality and engine refinement into the 160cc class. Buyers who valued the Honda Shine or SP 125's smoothness and mileage focus will find the Unicorn a familiar continuation of that approach at a higher displacement.

Who should buy: Riders who prioritise claimed mileage and Honda's reputation for refinement over outright power in their 160cc motorcycle.

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5. Bajaj Pulsar N160

₹1,14,840 (ex-showroom)  |  164.82cc  |  Claimed mileage: 51.6 kmpl

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 stands out in this guide for combining the highest claimed mileage of any bike here — 51.6 kmpl — with a respectable 16 PS, a combination that is difficult to match elsewhere in the 160cc class. It brings the N-series naked design language to 160cc displacement, with a muscular tank and a more modern look than the legacy Pulsar lineup.

At 152–154 kg, the N160 is moderately heavy, but the engine's balance of power and claimed efficiency makes it stand out on paper against both the commuter-naked and performance-focused bikes in this guide.

Who should buy: Riders who want the best mileage in the 160cc class without giving up a meaningful amount of power — a genuinely balanced daily 160cc.

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6. Honda SP 160

₹1,18,311 (ex-showroom)  |  162.7cc  |  Claimed mileage: 50 km/l

The Honda SP 160 is the newer, more updated sibling to the Unicorn, sharing a near-identical 162.7cc engine and the same 13.18 PS output and 50 km/l claimed mileage figure, but wrapped in more contemporary styling and positioned as a step above the Unicorn within Honda's 160cc range.

At 138 kg, the SP 160 is marginally lighter than the Unicorn despite sharing core mechanicals. The price difference between the two reflects updated styling and trim rather than any meaningful change in performance or claimed efficiency.

Who should buy: Buyers who want the Unicorn's mileage and reliability but prefer newer, more contemporary styling and are willing to pay a small premium for it.

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These five bikes prioritise power and handling over outright efficiency — sharper chassis tuning, higher peak power, and in the case of the KTM RC 160, dedicated track-oriented ergonomics.

7. TVS Apache RTR 160 4V

₹1,16,491 (ex-showroom)  |  159.7cc  |  Claimed mileage: 41–47 kmpl

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V uses a 4-valve version of the 159.7cc engine found in the 2V variant, producing a higher 17.3 bhp at the cost of claimed mileage, which ranges from 41–47 kmpl depending on riding conditions and variant. It is TVS's more performance-focused Apache RTR 160, aimed at riders who want sharper acceleration and a more race-bred engine character.

At 144 kg, the 4V is heavier than the 2V variant, but the additional weight comes with genuinely improved performance — TVS's race-derived chassis tuning is shared across both variants, but the 4V engine rewards a more spirited riding style.

Who should buy: Riders who want the most powerful Apache RTR 160 and are willing to trade some claimed mileage for a sharper, race-bred engine character.

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8. Bajaj Pulsar NS160

₹1,21,109 (ex-showroom)  |  160.3cc  |  Claimed mileage: 44 km/l

The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 brings the NS-series perimeter frame design to 160cc, a chassis approach that has earned the broader NS lineup a reputation for sharper, more confident handling than typical tubular-frame commuter bikes. Its 160.3cc engine produces 17.2 PS, among the higher outputs in this guide.

Claimed mileage of 44 km/l sits on the lower end, a trade-off for the performance-focused tuning and the perimeter frame's added structural weight. At 152 kg, the NS160 is one of the heavier bikes here, but the chassis design is intended to make that weight feel more composed at speed rather than cumbersome in traffic.

Who should buy: Riders who want the perimeter frame's handling reputation and a genuinely sporty street-fighter look in their daily 160cc.

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9. Hero Xtreme 160R 4V

₹1,31,755 (ex-showroom)  |  163.2cc  |  Claimed mileage: 48 kmpl

The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V is the performance-focused evolution of the base Xtreme 160R, using a 4-valve version of the 163.2cc engine to push power up to 16.9 bhp — a meaningful step over the base model's 14.79 bhp — while still claiming a strong 48 kmpl.

At 146 kg, the 4V is noticeably heavier than the base Xtreme 160R, reflecting both the updated engine internals and revised bodywork that distinguish it visually from the standard model. It positions Hero as a credible competitor to the Apache RTR 160 4V and Pulsar NS160 in the performance-naked space.

Who should buy: Riders who want Hero's most performance-capable 160cc, with a genuine step up in power over the base Xtreme 160R while retaining strong claimed mileage.

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10. KTM 160 Duke

₹1,70,875 (ex-showroom)  |  164.2cc  |  Claimed mileage: 36.5 km/l

The KTM 160 Duke produces the highest power output of any bike in this guide at 19 PS, a meaningful step above every other 160cc bike covered here, including the performance-focused Apache RTR 160 4V and Pulsar NS160. That power comes at a clear mileage cost — a claimed 36.5 km/l, the lowest in the commuter/naked-adjacent bikes in this guide alongside its RC 160 sibling.

At 147 kg, the 160 Duke carries KTM's compact, aggressive naked styling and is priced significantly above every other bike in this guide except the RC 160 — a premium that reflects KTM's positioning as a performance-first brand rather than a value-focused one.

Who should buy: Riders who want the most power available in the 160cc class and are willing to pay a significant premium and accept lower claimed mileage for it.

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11. KTM RC 160

₹1,84,998 (ex-showroom)  |  164.2cc  |  Claimed mileage: 36 km/l

The KTM RC 160 is the most expensive bike in this entire guide and the only fully-faired motorcycle covered here. It shares its 164.2cc engine and 19 PS output with the 160 Duke, but wraps it in a track-oriented fairing and committed riding position — clip-on-style ergonomics, a lower seat-to-peg relationship, and bodywork designed around aerodynamics rather than daily comfort.

At 155 kg, the RC 160 is the heaviest bike in this guide, a consequence of the fairing and track-focused hardware. Claimed mileage of 36 km/l mirrors the 160 Duke, since the underlying engine and tuning are unchanged between the two.

Who should buy: Riders who want the most track-capable, fully-faired 160cc available and are comfortable with committed ergonomics and the highest price in this guide.

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Here is how all eleven bikes compare across the factors that matter most to 160cc buyers.

Why Step Up to 160cc? The Real Differences

The 160cc class sits just above the 150cc bracket, and the difference is smaller than the jump from 125cc to 150cc — but it still shows up in a few specific ways:

• Peak power headroom: Power output across this guide ranges from roughly 13 PS to 19 PS, noticeably higher than most 150cc-class bikes, giving more headroom for overtaking and highway cruising.
• Chassis variety: This class includes the widest variety of chassis approaches in this guide — perimeter frames (Pulsar NS160), race-derived Apache RTR chassis, KTM's performance-tuned frames, and even a cruiser-style layout (Avenger Street 160).
• Mileage trade-off: As with the 150cc class, the sportier and more powerful bikes here — particularly the two KTMs — claim noticeably lower mileage than the commuter-naked bikes in Section A.
• Price spread: This guide has the widest price range of any displacement bracket covered so far, from roughly ₹1.05 lakh to nearly ₹1.85 lakh, reflecting how differently brands position their 160cc offerings.

About the Mileage Figures in This Guide

Every mileage figure in this guide is the manufacturer's official ARAI-claimed figure, not an independently verified real-world number. ARAI figures are measured under controlled, standardised test conditions and are useful for comparing bikes against each other, but real-world city mileage is typically 10–15% lower due to traffic, idling, and load.

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is listed with a range (41–47 kmpl) rather than a single figure, reflecting variation across its variants. If mileage is a deciding factor for you, we'd recommend confirming current figures directly with a dealer or checking recent owner reports before purchase, since manufacturer claims can also be revised between model years.

Key Buying Factors for 160cc

• Daily commute vs. weekend riding: Mostly daily commuting — lean toward Section A (Xtreme 160R, Apache 2V, Unicorn, SP 160, N160). Weekend performance riding — Section B (Apache 4V, NS160, Xtreme 160R 4V, KTM Duke/RC) suits better.
• Mileage priority: If claimed efficiency matters most, the Bajaj Pulsar N160 (51.6 kmpl) leads this guide, followed by the Honda Unicorn and SP 160 (both 50 km/l).
• Riding position: Want upright comfort? Unicorn, SP 160, Xtreme 160R. Want a relaxed cruiser stance? Avenger Street 160 — the only option here. Want sharper naked handling? NS160, Pulsar N160, Apache RTR. Want full track ergonomics? KTM RC 160.
• Budget range: Under ₹1.15 lakh — Xtreme 160R, Apache 2V, Avenger Street 160, Unicorn. ₹1.15–1.35 lakh — N160, SP 160, Apache 4V, NS160, Xtreme 160R 4V. Above ₹1.6 lakh — KTM 160 Duke and RC 160 only.
• Power priority: Want the most power available? KTM 160 Duke and RC 160 (19 PS) lead this guide, followed by the Apache RTR 160 4V and NS160 (around 17 PS).

When You Should Look Beyond 160cc

Final Verdict

For most buyers in the 160cc segment, the Bajaj Pulsar N160 is the wisest all-round choice. It claims the best mileage in this entire guide while still offering 16 PS — a genuinely balanced motorcycle that doesn't force a trade-off between efficiency and performance.

If budget is the main constraint, the Hero Xtreme 160R gets you into the 160cc class at the lowest price in this guide, while the Honda Unicorn and Honda SP 160 remain the strongest choices for buyers who prioritise Honda's reliability and mileage-first tuning over outright power.

Among the performance-focused bikes, the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 offers the sharpest handling reputation via its perimeter frame, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Hero Xtreme 160R 4V deliver strong power with established service networks, and riders chasing outright performance should look at the KTM 160 Duke for the most power in a naked package, or the KTM RC 160 for the most committed, track-focused riding experience in this guide.

Given the wide spread in price, power, and ergonomics across this class — from the relaxed Avenger Street 160 to the track-focused RC 160 — a test ride matters more here than in most other displacement brackets. The right 160cc for you depends heavily on whether you want a comfortable daily commuter or a genuine performance machine.

Frequently Asked Questions