At a Glance
Key differences that define each motorcycle
Bajaj Pulsar N160
- 164.82 cc Air-Cooled, 2-valve
- 16 PS @ 8750 rpm
- 51.6 km/l (ARAI)
- 14-litre tank
- 4 variants available
- Dual-channel ABS (most variants)
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
- 159.7 cc Oil-Cooled, 4-valve
- 17.55 PS @ 9250 rpm
- 47.61 km/l (Claimed)
- 12-litre tank
- 8 variants available
- Ride modes: Sport, Urban, Rain
Full Specification Comparison
Every number that matters — side by side
| Specification | Bajaj Pulsar N160 | TVS Apache RTR 160 4V |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Displacement | 164.82 cc | 159.7 cc |
| Cooling System | Air-Cooled | Oil-Cooled |
| Max Power | 16 PS @ 8750 rpm | 17.55 PS @ 9250 rpm |
| Max Torque | 14.65 Nm @ 6750 rpm | 14.73 Nm @ 7500 rpm |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 | 4 |
| Compression Ratio | 10.3 ± 0.3 : 1 | – |
| Bore × Stroke | 58 × 62.38 mm | – |
| Emission Standard | BS6 Phase 2 | BS6 Phase 2 |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Manual |
| Top Speed | ~120 km/h | 114 km/h |
| Riding Modes | No (except top variant) | Sport, Urban, Rain |
| Traction Control | No | Yes (top variant only) |
| Fuel & Range | ||
| Mileage (Claimed) | 51.6 km/l (ARAI) | 47.61 km/l |
| Mileage (Real-world) | 45–50 km/l | ~41.4 km/l |
| Fuel Tank | 14 litres | 12 litres |
| Reserve Capacity | 2.8 litres | 2.5 litres |
| Riding Range | ~722 km | ~570 km |
| Brakes & Wheels | ||
| Braking System | Single / Dual Channel ABS | Single / Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc – 300 mm | Disc – 270 mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc – 230 mm | Drum / Disc (variant dependent) |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Tyre Size (F / R) | 100/80-17 / 130/70-17 | 90/90-17 / 110/80–130/70-17 |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
| Suspension & Chassis | ||
| Front Suspension | Telescopic / USD Fork (top variants) | Telescopic / USD Fork (top variants) |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock | Mono Shock |
| Chassis | Perimeter Frame | Double Cradle Split Synchro Stiff Frame |
| Rear Preload Adjuster | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions & Weight | ||
| Kerb Weight | 152–154 kg | 143–146 kg |
| Seat Height | 795 mm | 800 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 165 mm | 180 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1358 mm | 1357 mm |
| Overall L × W × H | 1989 × 743 × 1050 mm | – |
| Features & Electronics | ||
| Instrument Console | Digital | Digital / TFT (top variant) |
| Headlight | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| DRLs | Yes | Yes |
| Turn Signals | LED | LED |
| Hazard Warning Lights | Yes | – |
| Riding Modes | No (Road/Rain/Off-Road on top variant) | Sport / Urban / Rain |
| Traction Control | No | Yes (top variant only) |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes (all variants) | Yes (select variants) |
| Call & SMS Alerts | Yes | Yes (select variants) |
| USB Charging Port | Yes | Yes (select variants) |
| Distance to Empty | Yes | – |
| Gear Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Tachometer | Digital | Digital |
| Keyless Ignition | No | No |
| Price & Warranty | ||
| Starting Price (ex-showroom) | ₹1,14,840 | ₹1,16,491 |
| Top Variant Price | ₹1,27,333 | ₹1,37,521 |
| Number of Variants | 4 | 8 |
| Standard Warranty | 5 Years / 75,000 km | 5 Years / 60,000 km |
★ Green highlights indicate the stronger value in each row. Prices are ex-showroom India averages and may vary by city.
Variant-wise Price Comparison
All variants laid out — find the right one for your budget
Pulsar N160 Variants
Apache RTR 160 4V Variants
Pros & Cons
Honest strengths and weaknesses of each bike
Pros
- Superior ARAI-certified mileage of 51.6 km/l
- Dual-channel ABS available from second variant (₹1,17,619)
- Larger 300 mm front disc brake
- Bigger 14-litre fuel tank for longer range (~722 km)
- LED turn signals and hazard warning lights
- Bluetooth on all variants
- USB charging port standard
- Exceptional 5-year / 75,000 km warranty
- Lower starting price (₹1,14,840)
- Lower top variant price (₹1,27,333 vs ₹1,37,521)
Cons
- Lower peak power (16 PS vs 17.55 PS)
- Air-cooled 2-valve engine less sporty at high rpm
- No ride modes (except top split-seat variant)
- No traction control on any variant
- Heavier at 152–154 kg vs 143–146 kg
- Less ground clearance (165 mm vs 180 mm)
Pros
- Higher peak power – 17.55 PS @ 9250 rpm
- Oil-cooled 4-valve engine — sporty character
- Ride modes: Sport, Urban & Rain
- 8 variants — widest choice in segment
- Superior ground clearance (180 mm)
- Lighter at 143–146 kg
- USD forks and TFT cluster on top variants
- Traction control on top variant
- Strong 5-year / 60,000 km warranty
Cons
- Lower claimed mileage (47.61 km/l vs 51.6 km/l)
- Smaller 12-litre tank, less riding range (~570 km)
- Dual-channel ABS only from ₹1,26,472 (6th variant)
- Smaller 270 mm front disc
- Higher starting price (₹1,16,491)
- Top TFT variant significantly expensive at ₹1,37,521
- Ride quality firm on rough roads
Key Differences Explained
What really sets these two bikes apart
Engine Character
The N160 uses a 164.82 cc air-cooled, 2-valve engine tuned for smooth mid-range torque and fuel efficiency. The Apache RTR 160 4V uses a 159.7 cc oil-cooled, 4-valve unit producing 17.55 PS — over 9% more power — with a harder-revving, more energetic character inspired by TVS Racing. The Apache's oil cooling also keeps engine temps better managed in stop-and-go city traffic.
Fuel Efficiency & Range
The N160 leads clearly with an ARAI-certified 51.6 km/l against the Apache's 47.61 km/l claimed figure. With a larger 14-litre tank, the N160 has a theoretical range of ~722 km versus ~570 km for the Apache's 12-litre unit. Real-world figures are 45–50 km/l for the N160 vs ~41.4 km/l for the Apache — a meaningful gap for daily commuters.
Braking & Safety
The N160 holds an edge in braking hardware: its 300 mm front disc is 30 mm larger than the Apache's 270 mm unit, and dual-channel ABS is available from just ₹1,17,619 (second variant). The Apache offers dual-channel ABS only from ₹1,26,472 (sixth variant), and its base variants still use a rear drum brake. The Apache partially compensates with traction control on its top TFT variant.
Ride Modes & Technology
The Apache RTR 160 4V carries a significant edge here. Ride modes — Sport, Urban and Rain — are offered across most variants, adjusting power delivery and ABS behaviour for different road conditions. The Pulsar N160 only gains Road/Rain/Off-Road modes on its top split-seat variant at ₹1,27,333, while Bluetooth connectivity is standard on all N160 variants.
Warranty & Ownership
Both bikes offer a 5-year warranty, but the Pulsar N160 covers 75,000 km while the Apache RTR 160 4V covers 60,000 km. The N160's 25% higher kilometre coverage gives it a meaningful edge for daily commuters who clock high distances, reducing the risk of expensive out-of-warranty repairs.
Price & Value
The N160 starts ₹1,651 cheaper (₹1,14,840 vs ₹1,16,491) and tops out at ₹1,27,333 — ₹10,188 less than the Apache's ₹1,37,521 TFT variant. For most buyers, the N160's sweet spot is the ₹1,17,619 dual-channel ABS variant, which delivers strong safety, mileage and features at a very competitive price.
Expert Verdict
Which one should you actually buy?
Buy the Pulsar N160 if…
- You want the best fuel economy in the 160cc class
- Dual-channel ABS at a lower price matters to you
- You do daily commuting of 30+ km and want longer range
- Bluetooth and USB charging standard from base are important
- The superior 75,000 km warranty coverage is a priority
- Budget is a priority — starts ₹1,651 cheaper
- You want a larger 300 mm front disc for stronger braking
Buy the Apache RTR 160 4V if…
- You want stronger outright performance (17.55 PS)
- Ride modes for Sport, Urban and Rain riding appeal to you
- Oil-cooled engine character and high-rpm thrills excite you
- More variant choices help you find the right fit
- Ground clearance (180 mm) matters on your daily roads
- You plan to upgrade to USD forks or TFT over time
- You enjoy spirited weekend riding alongside daily commuting
Overall Winner for Most Riders: Bajaj Pulsar N160. Better fuel efficiency, a larger fuel tank and longer range, dual-channel ABS at a lower price point, a bigger 300 mm front disc, Bluetooth and USB charging standard on all variants, a lower starting price and a superior 5-year / 75,000 km warranty make the Pulsar N160 the more practical and better-value choice for the majority of Indian buyers. Choose the Apache RTR 160 4V only if outright performance, ride modes and the thrill of an oil-cooled 4-valve engine are your absolute top priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered by our experts
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is better for most buyers who prioritise fuel efficiency (51.6 km/l ARAI), dual-channel ABS at a lower price, a bigger 14-litre tank, longer riding range and a superior 5-year / 75,000 km warranty. The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is better if you want stronger performance (17.55 PS), ride modes across most variants, an oil-cooled 4-valve engine and greater ground clearance (180 mm).
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 starts at ₹1,14,840 while the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V starts at ₹1,16,491 ex-showroom — a base difference of ₹1,651. However, the gap widens considerably at higher trims: the N160 tops out at ₹1,27,333, while the Apache's TFT top variant reaches ₹1,37,521 — a difference of ₹10,188. Both prices are for India and may vary by city.
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 has significantly better mileage at 51.6 km/l (ARAI certified) compared to the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V's 47.61 km/l claimed figure. Real-world figures also favour the N160 at 45–50 km/l against approximately 41.4 km/l for the Apache. Combined with the N160's larger 14-litre tank, it delivers a considerably longer riding range of ~722 km versus ~570 km for the Apache.
The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V makes more power at 17.55 PS @ 9250 rpm compared to the Bajaj Pulsar N160's 16 PS @ 8750 rpm. The Apache also produces slightly higher torque at 14.73 Nm vs 14.65 Nm. The Apache's oil-cooled, 4-valve engine revs more freely and has a more performance-oriented character compared to the N160's air-cooled, 2-valve motor.
Yes, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V offers three rider-selectable modes — Sport, Urban and Rain — across most of its variants. Sport mode unleashes full power, Urban tunes for smoother city performance, and Rain softens power and adjusts ABS for wet roads. The Bajaj Pulsar N160 does not offer ride modes on any variant except its top split-seat variant (₹1,27,333) which gets Road, Rain and Off-Road modes.
Both bikes offer a 5-year warranty, but they differ in kilometre coverage: the Bajaj Pulsar N160 covers 75,000 km while the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V covers 60,000 km. For high-mileage commuters who rack up 15,000–20,000 km per year, the N160's additional 15,000 km of warranty coverage is a meaningful advantage that can save significantly on potential repair costs.