Bajaj Auto has brought the Pulsar N250’s budget-friendly alternative to the Indian market — the Pulsar N160. With this entry, the competition has gotten tougher for TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Hero Xtreme 160R. Here we see how the newly launched Bajaj Pulsar N160 compares against the Apache RTR 160 4V and the Xtreme 160R.
Design
All three motorcycles carry a modern design that is instantly likeable. They draw inspiration from their respective high displacement variants. TVS Motor Company gave the Apache RTR 160 4V a makeover in 2021 and this updated design looks much better than the 2020 version. Meanwhile, the projector-style setup on the new Pulsar N160, which is inspired by the Pulsar N250 and is very similar to the unit on the Yamaha MT-15, looks more modern than any of its rivals in this comparison. But Hero MotoCorp has nailed it when it comes to the styling of the Xtreme 160R. The compact design along with sleek LED turn indicators provide it with a very appealing.
On the downside, the Xtreme 160R misses an engine cowl and that robs it of a muscular design around the engine bay. The Pulsar N160 and the Apache RTR 160R, on the other hand, use a body-coloured cowl – both featuring a dual-tone finish and the setup looks very sporty. In fact, the Pulsar N160 takes things a step further with its split-style seat instead of the single-piece unit on the other two models. Not only does the split-style setup look sportier, but it’s also more practical whrn accessing the underseat space. Then, the underbelly exhaust on the Pulsar N160 gives it a clean look from the sides.
The colour options are very appealing on all three motorcycles, but the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V’s chequered flag decals, a contrasting stripe on the top of the fuel tank, and the asymmetrically-mounted fuel filler cap make the view from the rider’s saddle more appealing. And that’s not the only thing that you would appreciate while riding the Apache RTR 160 4V.
The Apache RTR 160 4V is the only motorcycle in the segment that comes with Bluetooth connectivity and three ride modes – Urban, Rain, and Sport. The Urban and Rain modes offer 15.4bhp while the Sport mode delivers the full 17.3bhp.
Now, the Xtreme 160R has a promising feature list too, and this product from Hero MotoCorp comes with full-LED lighting and a digital instrument cluster. We may see an XTEC variant with Bluetooth connectivity in the future, but that feature is not available yet. Moving on to Bajaj Pulsar N160, it has a relatively subtle cockpit with its semi-digital instrument cluster. While the analogue tachometer looks appealing, the young buyers may not like the setup.
What works in the Pulsar N160’s favour, however, is the option of dual-channel ABS. Unlike the Apache RTR 160 4V and the Xtreme 160R, the Pulsar N160 is available with a single-channel and a dual-channel ABS. The difference between the pricing of the two variants is just Rs 5,000 which makes the dual-channel ABS variant a no-brainer choice.
Engine and Performance
The Apache RTR 160 4V not only has an edge in terms of features but also in performance with its 17.4bhp and 14.7Nm. In comparison, the Pulsar N160 comes second with an output of 15.7bhp and 14.6Nm, which is surprising because the NS160, with a similar displacement, produces 17bhp. The Xtreme 160R stands last with 15bhp and 14Nm but it’s also the lightest motorcycle here.
In fact, the relatively lower power output and lighter weight of the Xtreme 160R make it more economical and this motorcycle returned a fuel economy of 49.6kmpl as against Apache RTR 160 4V’s 41.4kmpl output.
We tested the Apache RTR 160 4V and the Xtreme 160R for a comparison review and you can read all about it here. In that comparison, the Apache RTR 160 4V was evidently the sportier package. It felt quicker and sounded sportier than the Xtreme 160R, thus making it an absolute treat to ride. Further, the Apache RTR 160 4V and the Xtreme 160R, both come with a low-speed assist in the form of Auto Sail or Glide Through Technology which help in bumper-to-bumper traffic situations.
Hardware
The Apache RTR 160 4V and the Xtreme 160R come with the option of a rear drum brake while the Pulsar N160 is only available with a dual-disc setup. As mentioned above, the Pulsar N160 is also the only motorcycle in the segment to offer a dual-channel ABS version.
Pricing
The prices for Apache RTR 160 4V range between Rs 1.11 lakh and Rs 1.27 lakh. The Xtreme 160R also retails in a similar price range and it is available between Rs 1.14 lakh and Rs 1.19 lakh. Lastly, the Pulsar N160 single-channel ABS version is available at Rs 1.23 lakh while the dual-channel ABS retails at Rs 1.28 lakh.
Verdict
All three products have their USPs. The Xtreme 160R has a lighter weight while the Pulsar N160 has dual-channel ABS. However, the Apache RTR 160 4V has a clear edge over its competitors in this comparison. The premium feature list and the appealing design make the Apache RTR 160 4V the most desirable product here. Not only this, the inclusion of features such as Bluetooth connectivity, selectable riding modes, and the highest power output in this comparison definitely score brownie points for the Apache RTR 160 4V.
