TVS Apache RTR 180 vs Bajaj Pulsar NS160
Prices ex-showroom Delhi, checked 2026-09. On-road and running costs estimated for Delhi.
TVS Apache RTR 180 and Bajaj Pulsar NS160 are both sports bikes and turn up together on most shortlists. They are priced within ₹911 of each other, so this comes down to what each does with the money.
On our category count it is a draw at 2 each, which usually means the two are aimed at different riders rather than one being better.
Category by category
Price
Pulsar NS160
The Pulsar NS160 starts ₹911 lower (₹1,26,819 against ₹1,27,730), about ₹30 a month less on a standard loan.
Running cost
Pulsar NS160
Pulsar NS160 claims 52.2 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 112 bhp per tonne. It will feel quicker with a pillion and on overtakes.
Safety kit
Tie
Braking and safety equipment are matched.
City manners
Apache RTR 180
Apache RTR 180 is 12 kg lighter and lower in the seat (790 mm), 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 NS160 if
- you want the lower purchase price and EMI
- mileage matters more to you than outright performance
- your priority is budget-focused commuting
- your priority is fuel-economy priority riders
What each really costs
Base variants, Delhi, 30 km a day. Servicing and insurance are class-typical estimates.
| Cost | Apache RTR 180 | Pulsar NS160 |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom | ₹1,27,730 | ₹1,26,819 |
| On-road, Delhi | ₹1,48,700 | ₹1,47,700 |
| Fuel, 5 years | ₹1,06,905 | ₹1,01,990 |
| Servicing, 5 years | ₹30,000 | ₹30,000 |
| Insurance renewals | ₹7,136 | ₹7,088 |
| Five-year total | ₹2,92,741 | ₹2,86,778 |
Full specification comparison
Better figure in each row is shown in green.
| Spec | TVSApache RTR 180 | BajajPulsar NS160 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ||
| Starting ex-showroom | ₹1,27,730 | ₹1,26,819 |
| Rough EMI / month | ₹4,050 | ₹4,020 |
| Engine | ||
| Engine | 177.4 cc | 160.3 cc |
| Engine type | 1 Cylinder, Oil Cooled, 2 Valves | 1 Cylinder, Oil Cooled, 4 Valves |
| Power | 16.8 bhp | 17.0 bhp |
| Torque | 15.5 Nm | 14.6 Nm |
| Claimed mileage | 42 kmpl | 52.2 kmpl |
| Cooling | Oil-cooled | Oil-cooled |
| Transmission | 5 Speed | 5 Speed |
| Electric | ||
| Top speed | 113 km/h | 120 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Kerb weight | 140 kg | 152 kg |
| Fuel tank | 12 L | 12 L |
| Seat height | 790 mm | 805 mm |
| Ground clearance | 180 mm | 170 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1326 mm | 1372 mm |
| Length | 2085 mm | 2017 mm |
| Width | 730 mm | 804 mm |
| Height | 1105 mm | 1060 mm |
| Brakes & suspension | ||
| Front brake | Disc, 270 mm, 2 piston caliper | Disc |
| Rear brake | Disc, 200 mm, 1 piston caliper | Disc |
| ABS / CBS | Single Channel ABS | Single Channel ABS |
| Front suspension | Telescopic Forks | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear suspension | Monotube Inverted Gas-filled shox (MIG) with spring aid | Monoshock |
| Tyres | ||
| Front tyre | 90/90-17 | 100/80-17 |
| Rear tyre | 120/70-17 | 130/70-17 |
Apache RTR 180 vs Pulsar NS160: questions people ask
- Which is cheaper, the Apache RTR 180 or the Pulsar NS160?
- The Pulsar NS160 is cheaper by ₹911 at the base variant (₹1,26,819 against ₹1,27,730 ex-showroom Delhi).
- Which gives better mileage, the Apache RTR 180 or the Pulsar NS160?
- The Pulsar NS160 claims 52.2 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 NS160 in Delhi?
- About ₹1,000: roughly ₹1,48,700 for the Apache RTR 180 and ₹1,47,700 for the Pulsar NS160, 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 ₹2,86,778 for the Pulsar NS160, including purchase, fuel, servicing and insurance renewals. The Pulsar NS160 comes out ₹5,963 ahead.
