Bajaj Pulsar N160 vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V vs Suzuki Gixxer vs Hero Xtreme 160R: Spec Comparison
- Jun 23, 2022
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How does the newest Bajaj Pulsar stack up against its 160cc rivals?
The 160cc motorcycle segment clearly resonates with the Indian youth as it promises a perfect combination of performance and efficiency. Bajaj recently threw in their latest offering into this competitive space in the form of the Pulsar N160. How does the latest Pulsar fare against the top bikes in this segment, the Apache RTR 160 4V, Suzuki Gixxer and the Hero Xtreme 160R?
Engine
|
Specifications |
Bajaj Pulsar N160 |
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V |
Suzuki Gixxer |
Hero Xtreme 160R |
|
Engine |
164.82cc, air-and-oil-cooled, 2-valve engine |
159.7cc, air-and-oil-cooled, 4-valve engine |
155cc, air-cooled, 2-valve engine |
163cc, air-cooled, 2-valve engine |
|
Power |
16PS @ 8750rpm |
17.55PS @ 9250rpm in Urban mode 15.64PS @ 8600rpm in Rain mode |
13.6PS @ 8000rpm |
15.2PS @ 8500rpm |
|
Torque |
14.65Nm @ 6750rpm |
14.73Nm @ 7250rpm in Urban mode 14.14Nm @ 7250rpm in Rain mode |
13.8Nm @ 6000rpm |
14Nm @ 6500rpm |
|
Gearbox |
5-speed |
5-speed |
5-speed |
5-speed |
While the new Pulsar N160 stacks up pretty nicely against the other three bikes in this comparison, the Apache RTR 160 4V does have a slight edge over the others. This is mainly due to the Apache’s four-valved heart that also features different riding modes. That said, the Apache’s engine is peaky, making most of its performance much higher in the powerband when compared to the other three. Bajaj on the other hand claims that the new N160 has a torquey motor that’s versatile enough for daily commutes as well as a bit of spirited riding.
The Gixxer on the other hand has comparatively lower output figures; however, the performance is available lower in the rev-range, allowing for a more relaxed riding experience. Lastly, the Xtreme 160R is more of an all-round motor that does come close to its Bajaj and TVS counterparts.
Underpinnings
|
Specifications |
Bajaj Pulsar N160 |
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V |
Suzuki Gixxer |
Hero Xtreme 160R |
|
Front suspension |
37mm, telescopic |
Telescopic fork |
Telescopic fork |
37 mm, telescopic |
|
Rear suspension |
Monoshock with nitrox |
Monoshock |
Monoshock |
7-step pre-load adjustable monoshock |
|
Front brake |
300mm disc |
270mm petal disc with single channel ABS |
Disc with single channel ABS |
276mm petal disc with single channel ABS |
|
Rear brake |
230mm disc with dual channel ABS |
200mm petal disc |
Disc with single channel ABS |
220mm petal disc |
|
Front tyre |
100/80-17 tubeless |
90/90-17 tubeless |
100/80-17 tubeless |
100/80-17 tubeless |
|
Rear tyre |
130/70-17 tubeless |
130/70R17 tubeless |
140/60R17 tubeless |
130/70R17 tubeless |
|
Anti Lock Braking System (ABS) |
Dual channel |
Single channel |
Single channel |
Single channel |
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is available in two variants, both of which get disc brakes at both ends. However, one variant is equipped with single channel ABS, while the other has dual-channel ABS. In fact, the N160 is the only bike to offer dual channel ABS in the 160cc segment.
The Apache RTR 160 4V and the Xtreme 160R are available in disc and drum brake variants, while the Gixxer is available with disc brakes. That said, the Apache, Xtreme and Gixxer are equipped with only single-channel ABS, giving the N160 an edge from a safety perspective.
Dimensions
|
Specifications |
Bajaj Pulsar N160 |
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V |
Suzuki Gixxer |
Hero Xtreme 160R |
|
Wheelbase |
1358mm |
1357mm |
1335mm |
1327mm |
|
Ground clearance |
165mm |
180mm |
160mm |
167mm |
|
Fuel tank capacity |
14-litres |
12-litres |
12-litres |
12-litres |
|
Seat height |
795mm |
800mm |
795mm |
790mm |
|
Kerb weight |
154kg |
146kg |
141kg |
139.5kg |
All four motorcycles offer around the same seat height; however, the weights of the bikes vary significantly. The Xtreme 160R and Gixxer sit at the lower end of the spectrum. In fact, the Xtreme 160R is able to deliver good performance mainly due to its impressive power-to-weight ratio thanks to its low kerb weight.
While the Apache RTR 160 4V is only 5 kgs heavier than the Gixxer, the N160 tips the scale at 154kg, which is 14.5 kg heavier than the Xtreme 160R. This makes the new Pulsar the heaviest kid on the block.
Features
|
Bajaj Pulsar N160 |
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V |
Suzuki Gixxer |
Hero Xtreme 160R |
|
|
Ride modes |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
Bluetooth Connectivity |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
USB Charging |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
Instrument Console |
Digital and Analogue |
Digital |
Digital |
Digital |
As seen, the Apache RTR 160 4V is feature loaded as it offers Urban and Rain ride modes and Bluetooth connectivity. The N160 on the other hand has a tank-mounted USB charging port, but does not get a fully digital instrument console. All the other three bikes get a digital LCD console.
Price & Verdict
|
Bajaj Pulsar N160 |
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V |
Suzuki Gixxer |
Hero Xtreme 160R |
|
Rs 1,27,853 |
Rs 1,25,551 |
Rs 1,33,100 |
Rs 1,17,660 |
(all prices ex-showroom Delhi)
The N160 has been priced competitively and slots right between its main rivals. While the Xtreme 160R is the lowest priced and packs good performance and hardware, it misses out on a lot of features. The Gixxer on the other hand is expensive; however, it also offers robust Japanese reliability.
The Apache on the other hand is slightly cheaper than the N160, while offering explosive performance and being loaded with tech. The N160, however, offers dual channel ABS, but misses out on connectivity tech. Hence, the Apache RTR 160 4V is what we would recommend based on the specifications alone–that is until we ride all four bikes in a comprehensive road test review.