The 160cc motorcycle segment in India had become quite docile until a few weeks back when the 2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS160 debuted. The Chakan-based bikemaker updated its 160cc offering on a lot of fronts to offer a better value for money overall. But how does the 2024 NS160 compare against its old rival, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V? Here is the answer.
Design
Bajaj has retained a majority of the NS160’s design. Although old, the design still looks appealing, slim, and muscular. What’s new on it is the fascia as the Pulsar NS160’s older headlight unit has been replaced with twin thunder-shaped LED DRLs and a high/low beam in between. Meanwhile, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V gets a much sharper silhouette from the front and it, too, looks enticing and practical.
Features
One of the major refreshes for the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 comes in the form of features. The bike gets a new fully digital instrument console that supports smartphone connectivity for turn-by-turn navigation, displays battery levels, and other tell-tale readouts. On the other hand, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is also loaded with features. It gets the TVS SmartXonnect, which includes a digital LCD along with smartphone connectivity, SMS and call alerts, and more. Both bikes offer full LED illumination.
Engine
Powering the new Pulsar NS160 is the same 160cc single-cylinder motor. It makes 17.03bhp and 14.6Nm and comes linked to a five-speed gearbox. Then, the Apache RTR 160 4V comes with a 159cc, single-cylinder engine and it produces 17.31bhp and 14.73Nm. This one, too, is mated to a five-speed gearbox. As seen here, the Apache has marginally more power and torque.
Hardware
Bajaj also updated the NS160 last year and the bike rides on USD front forks with a rear monoshock. Meanwhile, its brakes include a 300mm front and 230mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS. These are mounted on 100/80-17 front and 130/70-17 rear tyres. TVS offers the Apache RTR 160 4V with conventional font forks and a monoshock. Its brakes comprise a 270mm front and 200mm rear disc linked to a 90/90-17 front and 110/80-17 rear tyre.
The NS not only gets sophisticated suspension but also bigger brakes and wider tyres. The latter should offer better and more contact patches, adding to the stability of the bike at higher speeds.
Price
The asking price for the 2024 Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is Rs. 1,45,792 and the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V costs Rs. 1,30,670 for the Bluetooth model and Rs. 1,32,170 (all ex-showroom, Delhi) for the Special edition. As you can see, there is a notable price difference between the two bikes, and the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V seems to be a more sensible choice on paper.