TVS Apache RTR 160 4V vs Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 vs Suzuki Gixxer vs Honda CB Hornet 160R: Real-world Performance Compared
What do the numbers have to say about the hotly-contested 160cc commuter segment?
What do the numbers have to say about the hotly-contested 160cc commuter segment?
The premium commuter segment has seen a lot of activity in the past couple of years. It began with 150cc motorcycles like the Hero Honda CBZ, the Bajaj Pulsar 150 and the Honda CB Unicorn 160 and has now progressed on to 160cc bikes like the four motorcycles that we have here. Each one of them brings its own flavour to the party and it can be confusing to pick one. Here are the numbers from our real-world tests to help you make the right decision.
Acceleration
|
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V |
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 |
Suzuki Gixxer |
Honda CB Hornet 160R |
|
|
0-60kmph |
5.04 seconds |
5.35 seconds |
5.55 seconds |
5.08 seconds |
|
0-100kmph |
15.36 seconds |
16.54 seconds |
16.95 seconds |
15.99 seconds |
Not only does the Apache RTR 160 4V handles twisty bits beautifully but it is also the quickest bike here. Surprisingly, the Gixxer is the slowest of the lot, despite weighing 9kg lesser than the heaviest bike on this list, the Pulsar NS 160.
Roll-on accelerations
|
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V |
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 |
Suzuki Gixxer |
Honda CB Hornet 160R |
|
|
30-70kmph in 3rd gear |
6.87 seconds |
5.61 seconds |
6.56 seconds |
6.68 seconds |
|
40-80kmph in 4th gear |
9.02 seconds |
7.29 seconds |
8.46 seconds |
8.23 seconds |
The Pulsar NS 160’s chunky mid-range helps its case in this regards. The Gixxer and the Hornet are somewhat similar in their power delivery characteristics with a slightly bottom-heavy torque band. The Apache is completely opposite with a peaky power curve.
Braking
|
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V |
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 |
Suzuki Gixxer |
Honda CB Hornet 160R |
|
|
80-0kmph |
41.51m |
39.54m |
36.90m |
36.3m |
|
60-0kmph |
22.20m |
20.18m |
20.05m |
20.11m |
Again, the Gixxer and the Hornet are nearly identical in their braking prowess. Wide-profile tyres help braking stability on the Japanese machines. The Bajaj as well as the TVS offerings come with smaller rear-section rubber. Braking is especially the Apache’s Achilles heel as the brakes do tend to feel a bit spongy.
Fuel efficiency
|
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V |
Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 |
Suzuki Gixxer |
Honda CB Hornet 160R |
|
|
City |
50.94kmpl |
40.6kmpl |
47.2kmpl |
42.85kmpl |
|
Highway |
56.1kmpl |
48kmpl |
50.77kmpl |
52kmpl |
It comes as no surprise that the Apache offers phenomenal fuel efficiency numbers in this group as it feels less strained sustaining moderate highway speeds. The Pulsar disappoints in this regard thanks to its weight of 145kg. Just to give a small perspective, the Honda CB300R weighs just 2 kg more.
User Reviews
- Good bike for youngstersGood handling and medium breaking, medium performance for short time city and highway riding, good sharp stylish looking naked bike, good road presence, low service charge with medium mileage 30 to 40 kmpl. Long ride comfort is not good after 100km. Wrist pain and shoulder pain, good handling bike. It's give you confidence to flicker very easily. Front break is good stopping power but too much abs kicking problem, rear brake is not good, no stopping power. Top speed after 2nd service 124 highest, mileage not that good 40 km after simple riding. If you ride aggressively, mileage can drop upto 30-25 kmpl. Can recommend this bike to the youngsters who go to college and those who want to explore many places on bike. Short time riding and some time aggressive riding and those who want naked sports bike in low cc and low service charge bike, this is good for them.Read More