TVS Apache RTR 160 4V vs Bajaj Pulsar NS160 vs Hero Xtreme 160R: Specifications Compared
Modified On Mar 20, 2021 03:56 PM By Punya Sharma for TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
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Just how well does the 2021 RTR 160 fare with its direct rivals?
TVS has been constantly updating its products of late, making them better than ever. In this vein, the RTR 160 4V has also received an update for 2021. So, we’re pitting it against two other Indian offerings, the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and the Hero Xtreme 160R, to see how they fare in a spec comparison:
Engine
For 2021, TVS has tweaked the 159.7cc motor of the RTR 160 such that it makes more power and torque than before. Consequently, it has become the most powerful 160cc motorcycle in the market even though it actually has the smallest cubic capacity. That said, the Hero Xtreme’s peak power and torque come in earlier in the rev range, making it the most practical for city duties. Not to forget, Hero also claims it to be the fastest 160cc motorcycle to reach 60kmph. Meanwhile, the Bajaj Pulsar isn’t too far behind the RTR in terms of performance while its peak power kicks in slightly earlier.
Underpinnings
All three motorcycles are really neck and neck here. The trio feature the same suspension setups comprising a telescopic fork and a monoshock (7-step adjustable for the Hero Xtreme). The story is similar in the braking department as all bikes come in dual-disc variants offering single-channel ABS. The disc sizes are also close but the Xtreme gets the biggest front disc at 276mm while the NS160 gets the biggest rear disc brake at 230mm. As for tyres, the Xtreme has the widest tyres in the lot, which should help it in tackling corners. Speaking of corners, the RTR’s race-derived frame and sticky in-house rubber should make it apt for hitting the ghats once in a while. With the shortest wheelbase and least kerb weight, it’s safe to say that the Hero Xtreme 160R will be the easiest to knife around in tight spaces. Also, at 790mm, it has the lowest saddle height, making it the most suitable for shorter riders. That said, the Pulsar NS160 has the longest wheelbase which should give it good straight line stability. The RTR 160 comes out as a good package thanks to its decent seat height and the highest ground clearance here at 180mm, making it suitable for big bumps.
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Dimensions
With the shortest wheelbase and least kerb weight, it’s safe to say that the Hero Xtreme 160R will be the easiest to knife around in tight spaces. Also, at 790mm, it has the lowest saddle height, making it the most suitable for shorter riders. That said, the Pulsar NS160 has the longest wheelbase which should give it good straight line stability. The RTR 160 comes out as a good package thanks to its decent seat height and the highest ground clearance here at 180mm, making it suitable for big bumps.
Features
As you can see from the table, the Xtreme 160R is the most feature-packed offering here. It gets full-LED lighting and hazard lights which the other two lack. The RTR 160 isn’t too far back since it just misses out on LED indicators and a hazard light switch but its digital instrument cluster shows much more information than the negative LCD on the Xtreme. The Xtreme 160 and the RTR 160 also feature their traffic assistance tech which lets the rider have a hassle-free ride in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Coming to the NS160, it misses out on all features and doesn’t even get a LED headlamp, which is even seen in much more affordable motorcycles like the TVS Star City Plus.
Price & Verdict
*All prices ex-showroom Delhi
As far as feature-to-price ratio is concerned, there’s no beating the Hero Xtreme 160R. It undercuts both the TVS and Bajaj offerings by around Rs 3,000 and offers a much more accessible package for the masses. That said, if the performance-to-price ratio is taken, the RTR 160 4V offers excellent value. For Rs 3,000 over the Xtreme 160R, you get better performance with almost the same feature-list. Once again, the NS160 finds itself in the last place as it feels dated and doesn’t stand out in any aspect. If we were to pick, we’d happily take home the TVS RTR 160 4V!