Bajaj Pulsar 180 vs TVS Apache RTR 180: Number Game

  • Feb 26, 2021
  • Views : 11491
  • 2 min read

  • bookmark

Does the re-launched Pulsar 180 have dominance over the Apache RTR 180?

Bajaj recently launched the 2021 Pulsar 180 with a handful of upgrades. And competing against it in the segment is the TVS Apache RTR 180. So, let’s see how the two 180cc commuter motorcycles stack up against each other in terms of specifications:

Engine

Specifications

Pulsar 180

Apache RTR 180

Engine

178.6cc air-cooled single-cylinder

177.4cc oil-cooled single-cylinder 

Power

17.02PS at 8,500rpm

16.79PS at 8,500rpm

Torque

14.52Nm at 6,500rpm

15.5Nm at 7,000

Gearbox

5-speed

5-speed

In terms of displacement, there’s hardly any difference between the two, but both the bikes take a different approach. While the Pulsar 180 aims for more power, the Apache RTR 180 focuses on torque. Since the Apache is lighter than the Pulsar, it should be able to translate the performance better, especially when zipping through the city traffic. Also, the TVS motor gets an oil-cooler, while the Pulsar is air-cooled.

Underpinnings

Specifications 

Pulsar 180

Apache RTR 180

Frame

Double Cradle

Double Cradle

Front suspension

Telescopic Fork

Telescopic Fork

Rear Suspension

5-step adjustable gas-charged Shocks

Monotube inverted gas-charged shocks

Front Brake

280mm disc

270mm petal disc

Rear Brake

230mm disc

200mm petal disc

Front Tyre

90/90-17 Tubeless

90/90-17 Tubeless

Rear Tyre

120/80-17 Tubeless

110/80-17 Tubeless

As you can see both the bikes are pretty close with respect to underpinnings. However, Bajaj has the advantage of larger brakes and fatter tyres. Both these aspects play their part visually, but more importantly, help in improving the dynamics of the bike. The RTR 180 was the first made-in-India bike to feature ABS and it was a dual-channel unit. However, the current Apache RTR 180 sports a single-channel ABS to keep costs under check. 

Also Read: New Bajaj Pulsar NS160 Spotted

Dimensions & Features

Specifications

Pulsar 180

Apache RTR 180

Wheelbase

1345mm

1300mm

Ground Clearance

165mm

170mm

Fuel-tank capacity

15-litre

12-litre

Seat height

790mm

790mm

Kerb weight

151kg

141kg

The Apache RTR 180’s smaller wheelbase and lesser weight not only offer it more agility during spirited riding but also makes it easy to manoeuvre in bumper to bumper traffic. Whereas, the Pulsar 180 can be more stable and planted at high speeds, courtesy of its longer wheelbase. 

Get latest updates on
the automobile community
Login Now

With a 3-litre larger fuel tank, the Bajaj Pulsar 180 also allows you to cover more distance, while saddle height is identical.

Price and Verdict

Pulsar 180 (all prices, ex-showroom Delhi)

Apache RTR 180

Rs 1,07,904

Rs 1,08,270

When it comes to the price, the Pulsar 180 costs just Rs 366 less than the Apache RTR 180. However, TVS offers a tad bit better features like the oil-cooler and GTT (Glide Through Tech) to help the bike crawl just by using the clutch. Also, the Pulsar design hasn’t been altered for years now, whereas the Apache RTR 180 looks much sportier.

Of TVS’ latest offerings, we’ve ridden the Apache RTR 200 4V BS6 and here’s what we think about it. 

See what our community has to say! NEW

India's largest automotive community

Explore Now
comminity image
×
Recently Visited