Bajaj N160 vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: Specs comparison

Has the new updated Bajaj N160 finally managed to bridge that gap with the ever-popular and feature-rich TVS Apache RTR 160 4V?

Bajaj reintroduced the Pulsar N160 with new updates in 2024. These have helped make the bike modern, but is it enough, especially when you take into account its closest rival, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V?

Engine

Mechanically, the Bajaj Pulsar N160 has remained the same. So the wider torque band and free-revving nature of the motor continues from before. But when compared to the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, which produces more power and has a higher rev-ceiling, top-end performance falls short. Coupled with the fact, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V gets a modern 4-valve cylinder head, cruising on the highway at 100 kmph feels more like the TVS’s cuppa. However, when it comes to city commutes, it's the Pulsar N160 that feels less stressful. 

Underpinnings

The race-honed chassis underpinning the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V does help its case during spirited riding around corners. Enhancing the ride quality further is the supple, mushy suspension settings that soak undulations well without unsettling the bike quickly and glide over larger imperfect road conditions. 

However, the Bajaj N160 suffers from the brand’s platform engineering business. Although, the overall ride quality is not that bad, but by sharing the suspension components from the bigger Pulsar N250, the suspension tuning just doesn’t complement the N160’s lighter weight setup. The monoshock has a sharp edge and tries to toss the rider over undulated roads. However, with a pillion onboard, the ride quality gets comfortable and the monoshock absorbs undulations better.  

Dimension

The Pulsar is heavier, longer, and has lesser ground clearance on paper but that doesn’t necessarily hamper daily riding abilities. The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V with its smaller dimension does make it a nimbler handler. However, at the core both are sporty commuter bikes, so with that in perspective, the ergonomics are neutrally set on both the bikes. Its respective manufacturers have paid close attention to this aspect so that daily commutes don’t feel cumbersome.  

Feature

This is where Bajaj has tried to up the game of the Pulsar N160 in 2024. Ditching the bezel-less semi-digital instrument console from before, the 2024 Bajaj Pulsar N160 now gains a new all-digital LCD instrument cluster that is Bluetooth-compatible. Although features on offer are quite basic, like accept/reject call on the go, notification alert, and phone battery level - keeping the list simple further helps its case from a consumer point of view. 

In comparison, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V has a plethora of features. In addition to the above info that the Bajaj Pulsar N160 already displays, the fully digital instrument cluster on the Apache also gets turn-by-turn navigation, low fuel alert, a gear indicator, and average speed. 

TVS’s SmartXonnect Bluetooth connectivity system further gets you lean angle mode (records the maximum lean angle the rider committed during his ride), and a crash alert system (sends notification to emergency contacts in case of an accident). The Apache RTR 160 4V also gets different ride modes - Sport, Normal and Rain -  with the focus of the latter two modes being better fuel efficiency.

Variants And Price

The 2024 Bajaj Pulsar N160 gets just one variant with dual-channel ABS as standard and this model is priced at ₹1.33 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). 

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is available in five variants based on the braking equipment and features the models come equipped with. The base-spec model with drum brake is priced at ₹1.24 lakh, followed by the disc brake variant (with single-channel ABS) priced at ₹1.28 lakh. This single-channel ABS Disc variant can also be equipped with TVS SmartXonnect connectivity which increases the sticker price to ₹1.31 lakh. Lastly, the top-spec Special Edition model (available with single-channel ABS) and the dual-channel ABS variant are priced at ₹1.32 lakh and ₹1.38 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom, Delhi), respectively. 

Conclusion

If you’re looking for something that will feel comfortable while cruising on the highway at triple digitals, the Apache RTR 160 4V can be worth the shot. The recent updates have certainly brought the Bajaj Pulsar N160 on par with its competition, and yet its feature list does feel a bit short. However, the Pulsar with its tractable engine tune and effortless handling is a tad bit better as a city commuter of the two.