TVS Apache RTR 160 4V vs Bajaj Pulsar NS160
Prices ex-showroom Delhi, checked 2026-09. On-road and running costs estimated for Delhi.
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Bajaj Pulsar NS160 are both sports bikes and turn up together on most shortlists. The Apache RTR 160 4V undercuts the Pulsar NS160 by ₹10,328, a gap big enough to notice on the EMI but not to decide the argument on its own.
On our category count it is a draw at 3 each, which usually means the two are aimed at different riders rather than one being better.
Category by category
Price
Apache RTR 160 4V
The Apache RTR 160 4V starts ₹10,328 lower (₹1,16,491 against ₹1,26,819), about ₹330 a month less on a standard loan.
Running cost
Pulsar NS160
Pulsar NS160 claims 52.2 kmpl against 41.4 kmpl. That is roughly ₹983 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 112 bhp per tonne. It will feel quicker with a pillion and on overtakes.
Safety kit
Pulsar NS160
Pulsar NS160 adds rear disc brake that the Apache RTR 160 4V does not have on any variant.
Features
Pulsar NS160
Pulsar NS160 gets bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation and usb charging port.
City manners
Apache RTR 160 4V
Apache RTR 160 4V is 8 kg lighter and lower 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 NS160 if
- 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 160 4V | Pulsar NS160 |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom | ₹1,16,491 | ₹1,26,819 |
| On-road, Delhi | ₹1,36,400 | ₹1,47,700 |
| Fuel, 5 years | ₹1,06,905 | ₹1,01,990 |
| Servicing, 5 years | ₹30,000 | ₹30,000 |
| Insurance renewals | ₹6,548 | ₹7,088 |
| Five-year total | ₹2,79,853 | ₹2,86,778 |
Full specification comparison
Better figure in each row is shown in green.
| Spec | TVSApache RTR 160 4V | BajajPulsar NS160 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ||
| Starting ex-showroom | ₹1,16,491 | ₹1,26,819 |
| Rough EMI / month | ₹3,690 | ₹4,020 |
| Engine | ||
| Engine | 159.7 cc | 160.3 cc |
| Engine type | 1 Cylinder, Oil Cooled, 4 Valves | 1 Cylinder, Oil Cooled, 4 Valves |
| Power | 17.3 bhp | 17.0 bhp |
| Torque | 14.7 Nm | 14.6 Nm |
| Claimed mileage | 41.4 kmpl | 52.2 kmpl |
| Cooling | Oil-cooled | Oil-cooled |
| Transmission | 5 Speed | 5 Speed |
| Electric | ||
| Top speed | 114 km/h | 120 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Kerb weight | 144 kg | 152 kg |
| Fuel tank | 12 L | 12 L |
| Seat height | 800 mm | 805 mm |
| Ground clearance | 180 mm | 170 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1357 mm | 1372 mm |
| Length | 2035 mm | 2017 mm |
| Width | 790 mm | 804 mm |
| Height | 1050 mm | 1060 mm |
| Brakes & suspension | ||
| Front brake | Disc, 270 mm, 2 piston caliper | Disc |
| Rear brake | Drum, 130 mm | Disc |
| ABS / CBS | Single Channel ABS | Single Channel ABS |
| Front suspension | Telescopic Fork | Telescopic Fork |
| 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 NS160: questions people ask
- Which is cheaper, the Apache RTR 160 4V or the Pulsar NS160?
- The Apache RTR 160 4V is cheaper by ₹10,328 at the base variant (₹1,16,491 against ₹1,26,819 ex-showroom Delhi).
- Which gives better mileage, the Apache RTR 160 4V or the Pulsar NS160?
- The Pulsar NS160 claims 52.2 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 NS160 in Delhi?
- About ₹11,300: roughly ₹1,36,400 for the Apache RTR 160 4V 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 ₹2,79,853 for the Apache RTR 160 4V and ₹2,86,778 for the Pulsar NS160, including purchase, fuel, servicing and insurance renewals. The Apache RTR 160 4V comes out ₹6,925 ahead.
