At a Glance
Key differences that define each motorcycle
Bajaj Pulsar NS160
- 160.3 cc Oil-Cooled, 4-valve
- 17.2 PS @ 9000 rpm
- ~44 km/l (Owner Reported)
- 12-litre tank
- 2 variants available
- 300 mm front disc + Dual-Ch ABS (top)
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 NS160 | TVS Apache RTR 160 4V |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Displacement | 160.3 cc | 159.7 cc |
| Cooling System | Oil-Cooled | Oil-Cooled |
| Max Power | 17.2 PS @ 9000 rpm | 17.55 PS @ 9250 rpm |
| Max Torque | 14.6 Nm @ 7250 rpm | 14.73 Nm @ 7500 rpm |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 | 4 |
| Compression Ratio | 9.8 ± 0.5 : 1 | – |
| Bore × Stroke | 58 × 60.7 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 | Sport, Urban, Rain |
| Traction Control | No | Yes (top variant only) |
| Fuel & Range | ||
| Mileage (Claimed) | ~44 km/l (Owner Reported) | 47.61 km/l (Claimed) |
| Fuel Tank | 12 litres | 12 litres |
| Reserve Capacity | 2.4 litres | 2.5 litres |
| Riding Range | ~528 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 (all variants) | 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 variant) | Telescopic / USD Fork (top variants) |
| Rear Suspension | Nitrox Mono Shock | Mono Shock |
| Chassis | Perimeter Frame | Double Cradle Split Synchro Stiff Frame |
| Rear Preload Adjuster | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions & Weight | ||
| Kerb Weight | 152 kg | 143–146 kg |
| Seat Height | 805 mm | 800 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 170 mm | 180 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1372 mm | 1357 mm |
| Overall L × W × H | 2017 × 804 × 1060 mm | – |
| Features & Electronics | ||
| Instrument Console | Digital LCD | Digital / TFT (top variant) |
| Headlight | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| DRLs | Yes | Yes |
| Turn Signals | Halogen | LED |
| Hazard Warning Lights | No | No |
| Riding Modes | No | 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) | ₹1,21,109 | ₹1,16,491 |
| Top Variant Price | ₹1,29,487 | ₹1,37,521 |
| Number of Variants | 2 | 8 |
| Standard Warranty | 2 Years / 30,000 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 NS160 Variants
Apache RTR 160 4V Variants
Pros & Cons
Honest strengths and weaknesses of each bike
Pros
- Larger 300 mm front disc — superior braking hardware
- Rear disc brake standard on all variants
- Wider front tyre (100/80-17 vs 90/90-17)
- Perimeter frame for superior cornering stability
- Bluetooth and USB charging on all variants
- Distance-to-empty display standard
- Longer wheelbase (1372 mm) for highway stability
- Lower top variant price (₹1,29,487 vs ₹1,37,521)
Cons
- Marginally less power (17.2 PS vs 17.55 PS)
- No ride modes on any variant
- No traction control
- Heavier at 152 kg vs 143–146 kg
- Less ground clearance (170 mm vs 180 mm)
- Only 2 variants — limited configuration choice
- No ARAI mileage claim — owner-reported ~44 km/l only
- Poor warranty: only 2 years / 30,000 km
- Halogen turn signals instead of LED
- Higher starting price (₹1,21,109 vs ₹1,16,491)
Pros
- Higher peak power – 17.55 PS @ 9250 rpm
- Ride modes: Sport, Urban & Rain
- 8 variants — widest choice in segment
- Superior ground clearance (180 mm)
- Lighter at 143–146 kg
- LED turn signals standard
- TFT cluster and traction control on top variant
- Lower starting price (₹1,16,491)
- Strong 5-year / 60,000 km warranty
- Better claimed mileage (47.61 km/l)
Cons
- Smaller 270 mm front disc
- Rear drum on base variants — disc only from 3rd variant
- Narrower front tyre (90/90-17)
- Dual-channel ABS only from ₹1,26,472 (6th variant)
- Top TFT variant significantly expensive at ₹1,37,521
- Double cradle frame less torsionally rigid than perimeter
- Bluetooth only on select (not all) variants
- Ride quality can feel firm on rough roads
Key Differences Explained
What really sets these two bikes apart
Engine & Performance
Both bikes use oil-cooled, 4-valve, single-cylinder engines of nearly identical displacement — the NS160 at 160.3 cc and the Apache at 159.7 cc. The Apache edges ahead slightly with 17.55 PS and 14.73 Nm versus the NS160's 17.2 PS and 14.6 Nm. Both rev to around 9000–9250 rpm for peak power. In real-world riding the gap is negligible — both bikes feel punchy and energetic. The Apache's ride modes give it a meaningful character advantage, offering distinct Sport, Urban and Rain mappings.
Braking & Safety
The NS160 holds a significant braking hardware advantage. Its 300 mm front disc is 30 mm larger than the Apache's 270 mm unit — matching the Pulsar N160 in brake size — and rear disc brakes are standard on both variants. The Apache's base variants use a rear drum, with disc only from the third variant (₹1,19,695). Dual-channel ABS on the NS160 is available at ₹1,29,487; on the Apache, from ₹1,26,472. Wider front tyres (100/80-17 vs 90/90-17) also give the NS160 more rubber at the contact patch.
Chassis & Handling
The NS160's perimeter frame is shared with the larger NS200 and offers better torsional rigidity and cornering confidence than the Apache's double-cradle frame. However, the Apache compensates with a lighter kerb weight (143–146 kg vs 152 kg) and greater ground clearance (180 mm vs 170 mm), making it more nimble at low speeds and more capable on uneven roads. The Apache's longer suspension travel also absorbs bumps more comfortably on rough city surfaces.
Ride Modes & Technology
The Apache RTR 160 4V carries a decisive edge in electronics. Ride modes — Sport, Urban and Rain — are offered across most variants, adjusting power delivery and ABS sensitivity. Traction control and a TFT cluster are available on the top variant. The NS160 has no ride modes on any variant but offers Bluetooth connectivity, USB charging, call alerts and distance-to-empty standard across both variants, which the Apache restricts to select configurations.
Warranty & Ownership
This is one of the most stark differences in this comparison. The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V offers 5 years / 60,000 km warranty, while the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 offers only 2 years / 30,000 km. That is 2.5x the time and 2x the kilometre coverage in favour of the Apache. For daily commuters clocking 15,000–20,000 km per year, the NS160's warranty expires in under 2 years and 30,000 km, while the Apache remains covered for the full 5-year ownership period.
Price & Value
The Apache starts ₹4,618 cheaper (₹1,16,491 vs ₹1,21,109) and offers 8 variants up to ₹1,37,521 — far more granular choice versus the NS160's 2 variants. The NS160's top dual-channel ABS USD variant at ₹1,29,487 undercuts the Apache's equivalent USD dual-ABS variant (₹1,29,867) by just ₹380, making them effectively equal at that spec level. The Apache's vastly superior warranty at the same price tier is a major value differentiator in the Apache's favour.
Expert Verdict
Which one should you actually buy?
Buy the Pulsar NS160 if…
- You want the largest front disc brake in the segment (300 mm)
- Rear disc brakes standard from base matter to you
- The perimeter frame's cornering confidence appeals to you
- You want Bluetooth, USB charging and distance-to-empty on all variants
- The slightly wider front tyre (100/80-17) suits your riding
- You plan to buy the top dual-ABS USD variant (₹1,29,487)
- Highway stability over a longer wheelbase is a priority
Buy the Apache RTR 160 4V if…
- Ride modes (Sport, Urban, Rain) matter for your riding
- You want a lighter motorcycle (up to 9 kg lighter)
- Ground clearance (180 mm) matters on your daily roads
- The 5-year / 60,000 km warranty is a priority
- More variant choices help you find the right spec and budget
- You want a lower entry price (₹1,16,491)
- LED turn signals and TFT/traction control on top variant appeal
- You enjoy spirited city and weekend riding
Overall Winner for Most Riders: TVS Apache RTR 160 4V. Despite the NS160's genuine strengths in braking hardware (300 mm front disc, rear disc standard) and perimeter frame chassis, the Apache wins on the total ownership package: a lower starting price, ride modes across most variants, a lighter and more agile chassis, more variant choice, and — most critically — a 5-year / 60,000 km warranty versus the NS160's very short 2-year / 30,000 km coverage. Choose the Pulsar NS160 only if outright braking hardware, perimeter frame handling and the convenience of Bluetooth plus USB standard on all variants are your non-negotiable priorities — and you are comfortable with the significantly weaker warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered by our experts
The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is the better choice for most buyers due to its ride modes, lighter weight, lower starting price, wider variant selection, and especially its 5-year / 60,000 km warranty versus the NS160's very limited 2-year / 30,000 km coverage. The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is better if you prioritise braking hardware (300 mm front disc, rear disc standard on all variants), perimeter frame cornering, and Bluetooth plus USB charging across all variants.
The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V starts at ₹1,16,491 while the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 starts at ₹1,21,109 ex-showroom — a base difference of ₹4,618 in favour of the Apache. At the top end, the NS160 maxes out at ₹1,29,487 (dual-ABS USD), while the Apache's TFT top variant reaches ₹1,37,521. The Apache's mid-range dual-channel ABS USD variant at ₹1,29,867 is virtually identical in price to the NS160's top variant. Both prices may vary by city.
The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V has a higher claimed mileage of 47.61 km/l, while the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 does not have an official ARAI figure — owner-reported real-world mileage is approximately 44 km/l. Both bikes use a 12-litre fuel tank, giving the Apache a slightly longer theoretical range of ~570 km versus ~528 km for the NS160.
The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V produces marginally more power at 17.55 PS @ 9250 rpm and 14.73 Nm compared to the Bajaj Pulsar NS160's 17.2 PS @ 9000 rpm and 14.6 Nm. Both use oil-cooled 4-valve engines of near-identical displacement. The difference is very small and unlikely to be felt in everyday riding.
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 NS160 does not offer ride modes on either of its two variants.
The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V has a significantly better warranty at 5 years / 60,000 km compared to the Bajaj Pulsar NS160's very limited 2 years / 30,000 km. This is one of the most important differences in this comparison. Riders clocking 15,000–20,000 km per year will exhaust the NS160's warranty in less than 2 years, while the Apache remains covered for the entire standard ownership period.