TVS Apache RTR 180 vs Bajaj Pulsar 180
Prices ex-showroom Delhi, checked 2026-09. On-road and running costs estimated for Delhi.
TVS Apache RTR 180 and Bajaj Pulsar 180 are both sports bikes and turn up together on most shortlists. They are priced within ₹4,805 of each other, so this comes down to what each does with the money.
The Apache RTR 180 takes 3 of the 6 categories we score, so this is close and comes down to what you weight. Our overall ratings are 7/10 for the Apache RTR 180 and 7/10 for the Pulsar 180.
Category by category
Price
Pulsar 180
The Pulsar 180 starts ₹4,805 lower (₹1,22,925 against ₹1,27,730), about ₹150 a month less on a standard loan.
Running cost
Pulsar 180
Pulsar 180 claims 44 kmpl against 42 kmpl. That is roughly ₹983 a year in fuel at 30 km a day.
Performance
Apache RTR 180
Apache RTR 180 has the better power-to-weight ratio: 120 against 107 bhp per tonne. It will feel quicker with a pillion and on overtakes.
Safety kit
Tie
Braking and safety equipment are matched.
Features
Apache RTR 180
Apache RTR 180 gets rear monoshock, turn-by-turn navigation, ride modes and engine kill switch.
City manners
Apache RTR 180
Apache RTR 180 is 16 kg lighter, which you feel in traffic and when parking.
Which one should you buy?
Buy the Apache RTR 180 if
- you ride two-up or on highways and want the stronger engine
- you are a new rider or shorter and want the lighter bike
- your priority is first sporty bike
- your priority is city commuting
Buy the Pulsar 180 if
- you want the lower purchase price and EMI
- mileage matters more to you than outright performance
- your priority is upgrade from 150cc
- your priority is solo commuting plus highway
What each really costs
Base variants, Delhi, 30 km a day. Servicing and insurance are class-typical estimates.
| Cost | Apache RTR 180 | Pulsar 180 |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom | ₹1,27,730 | ₹1,22,925 |
| On-road, Delhi | ₹1,48,700 | ₹1,43,400 |
| Fuel, 5 years | ₹1,06,905 | ₹1,01,990 |
| Servicing, 5 years | ₹30,000 | ₹30,000 |
| Insurance renewals | ₹7,136 | ₹6,884 |
| Five-year total | ₹2,92,741 | ₹2,82,274 |
Full specification comparison
Better figure in each row is shown in green.
| Spec | TVSApache RTR 180 | BajajPulsar 180 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ||
| Starting ex-showroom | ₹1,27,730 | ₹1,22,925 |
| Rough EMI / month | ₹4,050 | ₹3,900 |
| Engine | ||
| Engine | 177.4 cc | 178.6 cc |
| Engine type | 1 Cylinder, Oil Cooled, 2 Valves | 1 Cylinder, Air Cooled |
| Power | 16.8 bhp | 16.8 bhp |
| Torque | 15.5 Nm | 15 Nm |
| Claimed mileage | 42 kmpl | 44 kmpl |
| Cooling | Oil-cooled | Air-cooled |
| Transmission | 5 Speed | 5 Speed |
| Electric | ||
| Top speed | 113 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Kerb weight | 140 kg | 156 kg |
| Fuel tank | 12 L | 15 L |
| Seat height | 790 mm | — |
| Ground clearance | 180 mm | 165 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1326 mm | 1340 mm |
| Length | 2085 mm | 2035 mm |
| Width | 730 mm | 765 mm |
| Height | 1105 mm | 1115 mm |
| Brakes & suspension | ||
| Front brake | Disc, 270 mm, 2 piston caliper | Disc, 280 mm |
| Rear brake | Disc, 200 mm, 1 piston caliper | Disc, 230 mm |
| ABS / CBS | Single Channel ABS | Single Channel ABS |
| Front suspension | Telescopic Forks | Telescopic Dia 37 |
| Rear suspension | Monotube Inverted Gas-filled shox (MIG) with spring aid | Twin Shock absorber, Gas filled with Canister |
| Tyres | ||
| Front tyre | 90/90-17 | 90/90-17 |
| Rear tyre | 120/70-17 | 120/80-17 |
Apache RTR 180 vs Pulsar 180: questions people ask
- Which is cheaper, the Apache RTR 180 or the Pulsar 180?
- The Pulsar 180 is cheaper by ₹4,805 at the base variant (₹1,22,925 against ₹1,27,730 ex-showroom Delhi).
- Which gives better mileage, the Apache RTR 180 or the Pulsar 180?
- The Pulsar 180 claims 44 kmpl against 42 kmpl. Real-world figures for both will be lower.
- What is the on-road price difference between the Apache RTR 180 and Pulsar 180 in Delhi?
- About ₹5,300: roughly ₹1,48,700 for the Apache RTR 180 and ₹1,43,400 for the Pulsar 180, base variants, including road tax, registration and insurance.
- Which costs less to own over five years?
- Our estimate for five years at 30 km a day in Delhi is ₹2,92,741 for the Apache RTR 180 and ₹2,82,274 for the Pulsar 180, including purchase, fuel, servicing and insurance renewals. The Pulsar 180 comes out ₹10,467 ahead.
