Bajaj has caught up with the latest trends and is now offering the NS160 with some crucial updates for 2023. It continues to rival the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V in the segment. And so, in this story, we’ve compared the two bikes on paper.
Design
Both the bikes sport a fairly youthful design, but the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V gets an LED headlight, while the NS160 makes do with a halogen setup. Bajaj has continued with an underbelly exhaust for the new NS, whereas the Apache gets a large side-mounted unit. The NS’ setup looks slightly neater as compared to the RTR’s. Both bikes come draped in a dual-tone paint scheme which enhances the sharp styling.
Engine
The 2022 Pulsar NS160 gets an OBD-2-ready 160cc single-cylinder oil-cooled engine with a five-speed gearbox. It produces 17.03bhp and 14.6Nm. On the other hand, the Apache gets a 159cc single-cylinder mill linked to a five-speed gearbox, making 17.31bhp and 14.73Nm. Even though the power figures for both engines are quite close, there’s a weight difference of a few kilograms between the two bikes. So, the power-to-weight ratio difference could give the Apache an upper hand.
Features
The 2023 Bajaj Pulsar NS160 offers only the basic features. It gets an LED taillight, a semi-digital instrument console with a speedometer, odometer, trip meter, gear position indicator, and other readouts. Meanwhile, the Apache RTR 160 4V gets LED illumination, a fully digital instrument console, riding modes, and the necessary readings as well. Here, the TVS offering clearly takes a win.
Hardware
With the new update, the NS160 finally gets USD front forks and a monoshock, while the Apache rides on telescopic units and a monoshock. The braking hardware for the NS160 comprises a single front and rear disc brake with dual-channel ABS. Even though the Apache gets a similar setup, it features a single-channel ABS.
Price
Bajaj has priced the new Pulsar NS160 at Rs. 1,34,675 (ex-showroom, Delhi), which is a few thousand rupees more than the top-spec special edition TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, priced at Rs. 1,31,320 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Thus, the TVS bike offers a tad more value for money on paper when compared to the new NS160.
