By The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 BS6 has officially been launched in India. The price hike has been steep as had been observed before too. Bajaj Pulsar NS160 BS6 price in India is Rs 94,000, ex-showroom. It competes with the TVS Apache RTR160 4V BS6. The TVS too was updated recently but adds a bit more feature-value. Let’s see which one of these motorcycles should you as an enthusiast commuter go for.
Let’s start with the newer bike of the two, the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 BS6. The motorcycle boasts a familiar design and nothing much is apparent if you look at it head on. However the bike does have that aggressive street fighter look. However it’s a missed opportunity for Bajaj. They could have added an LED headlight as well as a bit more features. In this aspect, the TVS is feature-rich. It has got new mirrors, a slightly larger wheelbase than before and is longer too. TVS has also added GTT, a tech they claim is much easier to maneuver the bike in traffic.
In instrument consoles, the TVS is ahead, again. It has an all-digital unit that also has a lap timer. The Pulsar uses a semi-digital unit. Bajaj though has given the Pulsar back lit switches.
When it comes to power, the Bajaj has a higher power-to-weight ratio. There is also the fact that Bajaj bikes are known for their acceleration while TVS prefers to play it safe. All in all, both are evenly matched on the price front but the TVS has a higher five year warranty. Our choice still is the NS160.
| Bajaj Pulsar NS160 | TVS Apache RTR 160 4v | |
| Engine Specification | ||
| Type | Single cylinder, liquid cooled | Single cylinder, liquid cooled |
| Engine capacity | 160.3cc | 159.7cc |
| Valvetrain | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Max Power | 17.2PS@9,000rpm | 16.2PS@8,250rpm |
| Max torque | 14.6Nm@7,250rpm | 14.12Nm@7,250rpm |
| Power/Weight | 113.90PS/tonne | 108.72PS/tonne |
| Dimensions | ||
| LxWxH (mm) | 2,017×803.5×1,060 | 2,035X790X1,050 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1,372 | 1,357 |
| Fuel tank capacity | 12 litres | 12 litres |
| Kerb weight (kg) | 151 | 149 |
| Suspension | ||
| Front | Telescopic with anti-friction bush | Telescopic forks |
| Rear | Nitrox mono shock absorber with Canister | Mono shock |
| Brakes | ||
| Front | 260mm disc | 270mm disc |
| Rear | 230mm disc | 200mm disc |
| Tyres | ||
| Front | 90/90-17 | 90/90-17 |
| Rear | 120/80-17 | 130/70-17 |
| Price (ex-Mumbai) | 1.04 lakh | 1.04 lakh |
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