TVS Apache RTR 160 4V vs Bajaj Pulsar N160
Prices ex-showroom Delhi, checked 2026-09. On-road and running costs estimated for Delhi.
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Bajaj Pulsar N160 are both sports bikes and turn up together on most shortlists. They are priced within ₹5,509 of each other, so this comes down to what each does with the money.
The Apache RTR 160 4V takes 3 of the 5 categories we score, so this is close and comes down to what you weight. Our overall ratings are 6.5/10 for the Apache RTR 160 4V and 7.5/10 for the Pulsar N160.
Category by category
Price
Apache RTR 160 4V
The Apache RTR 160 4V starts ₹5,509 lower (₹1,16,491 against ₹1,22,000), about ₹180 a month less on a standard loan.
Running cost
Pulsar N160
Pulsar N160 claims 45 kmpl against 41.4 kmpl. That is roughly ₹0 a year in fuel at 30 km a day.
Performance
Apache RTR 160 4V
Apache RTR 160 4V has the better power-to-weight ratio: 120 against 103 bhp per tonne. It will feel quicker with a pillion and on overtakes.
Safety kit
Pulsar N160
Pulsar N160 adds dual-channel abs that the Apache RTR 160 4V does not have on any variant.
City manners
Apache RTR 160 4V
Apache RTR 160 4V is 8 kg lighter and taller in the seat (800 mm), which you feel in traffic and when parking.
Which one should you buy?
Buy the Apache RTR 160 4V if
- you want the lower purchase price and EMI
- 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 sporty first bike
Buy the Pulsar N160 if
- mileage matters more to you than outright performance
- dual-channel ABS is non-negotiable for you
- your priority is upgrading from a 125
- your priority is highway commutes
What each really costs
Base variants, Delhi, 30 km a day. Servicing and insurance are class-typical estimates.
| Cost | Apache RTR 160 4V | Pulsar N160 |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom | ₹1,16,491 | ₹1,22,000 |
| On-road, Delhi | ₹1,36,400 | ₹1,42,400 |
| Fuel, 5 years | ₹1,06,905 | ₹1,06,905 |
| Servicing, 5 years | ₹30,000 | ₹30,000 |
| Insurance renewals | ₹6,548 | ₹6,836 |
| Five-year total | ₹2,79,853 | ₹2,86,141 |
Full specification comparison
Better figure in each row is shown in green.
| Spec | TVSApache RTR 160 4V | BajajPulsar N160 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ||
| Starting ex-showroom | ₹1,16,491 | ₹1,22,000 |
| Rough EMI / month | ₹3,690 | ₹3,870 |
| Engine | ||
| Engine | 159.7 cc | 164.8 cc |
| Engine type | 1 Cylinder, Oil Cooled, 4 Valves | Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, oil-cooled, 2-valve DTS-i |
| Power | 17.3 bhp | 15.7 bhp |
| Torque | 14.7 Nm | 14.7 Nm |
| Claimed mileage | 41.4 kmpl | 45 kmpl |
| Cooling | Oil-cooled | Oil-cooled |
| Transmission | 5 Speed | 5-speed |
| Starter | — | Self start only |
| Electric | ||
| Top speed | 114 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Kerb weight | 144 kg | 152 kg |
| Fuel tank | 12 L | 14 L |
| Seat height | 800 mm | 795 mm |
| Ground clearance | 180 mm | 165 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1357 mm | 1358 mm |
| Length | 2035 mm | — |
| Width | 790 mm | — |
| Height | 1050 mm | — |
| Brakes & suspension | ||
| Front brake | Disc, 270 mm, 2 piston caliper | 300 mm disc |
| Rear brake | Drum, 130 mm | 230 mm disc |
| ABS / CBS | Single Channel ABS | Single or dual-channel ABS |
| Front suspension | Telescopic Fork | 37 mm USD forks (dual ABS) / telescopic |
| Rear suspension | Mono Shock | Monoshock |
| Tyres | ||
| Front tyre | 90/90-17 | 100/80-17 |
| Rear tyre | 110/80-17 | 130/70-17 |
Apache RTR 160 4V vs Pulsar N160: questions people ask
- Which is cheaper, the Apache RTR 160 4V or the Pulsar N160?
- The Apache RTR 160 4V is cheaper by ₹5,509 at the base variant (₹1,16,491 against ₹1,22,000 ex-showroom Delhi).
- Which gives better mileage, the Apache RTR 160 4V or the Pulsar N160?
- The Pulsar N160 claims 45 kmpl against 41.4 kmpl. Real-world figures for both will be lower.
- What is the on-road price difference between the Apache RTR 160 4V and Pulsar N160 in Delhi?
- About ₹6,000: roughly ₹1,36,400 for the Apache RTR 160 4V and ₹1,42,400 for the Pulsar N160, 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 ₹2,79,853 for the Apache RTR 160 4V and ₹2,86,141 for the Pulsar N160, including purchase, fuel, servicing and insurance renewals. The Apache RTR 160 4V comes out ₹6,288 ahead.
