Honda Hornet 2.0 vs TVS Apache RTR160 4V: Two sportiest commuters pitted against each other

The Honda Hornet 2.0 attempts to offer something extra over the 160cc segment of sports commuters currently led by the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V.

• The performance of the 184.4cc engine of the Honda Hornet 2.0 is on par with the 159.7cc engine of the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V.
• While the Hornet 2.0 exclusively gets split seats and LED turn indicators, the Apache RTR 160 4V is equipped with riding modes and Bluetooth connectivity.
• The Hornet 2.0 also gets upside-down telescopic forks at the front, making it the most affordable motorcycle to get this feature. 

The Honda Hornet 2.0 tries to prove itself as a unique proposition as a sporty 180cc commuter over the heavily-crowded category of 160cc sports commuters. With claims of offering slightly more aspirational value over the crop of 160cc motorcycles, the Hornet 2.0 sits in a niche of itself. 

However, in terms of performance and hardware, it matches with the top guns of the 160cc segment, currently benchmarked by the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V. Do the added engine displacement and premium commanded by the Honda Hornet 2.0 makes it justifiable over the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V? We are here to find the answers to it. 

Honda Hornet 2.0 vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: Design & Features

Both Honda Hornet 2.0 and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V are aggressive-looking commuters, which have been aspirational designs for those looking to upgrade from their 100cc motorcycles or scooters. Both are equally fresh and edgy-looking designs and are almost on par with each other in terms of features, with them getting LED headlamps and tail lamps, split pillion grab rails, engine cowl, fully-digital instrument consoles and alloy wheels.

However, in comparison, the Hornet 2.0 edges past the Apache RTR 160 4V with a couple of add-ons like split seats and LED turn indicators, which makes the former a more modern and sportier motorcycle to look at.

While there’s little to differentiate between the fit and finish levels and build quality of both these motorcycles, we feel that the quality of switches and levers is better on the Apache RTR 160 4V. Also, in technical terms, the Apache RTR 160 has an edge by having Bluetooth connectivity and riding modes, which are not in the Hornet 2.0.

Honda Hornet 2.0 vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: Engine & Gearbox 

The air-cooled, 184.4cc engine of the Honda Hornet 2.0 might be larger than the oil-cooled, 159.7cc engine of the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V. However, despite the displacement disadvantage, it is the Apache RTR 160 4V which makes a marginally higher power output and is the rev-happier engine here.

However, with a higher torque output, the Hornet 2.0 makes up for its more effortless and potent commuting experience with stronger pulling power in lower gears. In short, pick the Apache RTR 160 4V if pure performance is what you crave, or go with the Hornet 2.0 if you want a smoother and calmer motorcycle with enough power on tap. 

Honda Hornet 2.0 vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

Here again, the difference in the characters of the Honda Hornet 2.0 and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is pretty evident. While the front telescopic forks and rear mono-shock of the Apache RTR 160 4V are tuned for sportier and more agile handling, the front upside-down telescopic forks and rear mono-shock of the Hornet 2.0 add a touch of plushness to its ride quality. Even the wider front and rear tyres of the Hornet 2.0 aid the Hornet 2.0 in its supple ride quality, with the Hornet 2.0 getting bigger petal disc brakes here.

Honda Hornet 2.0 vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: Dimensions

In comparison, the Honda Hornet 2.0 is a longer and taller motorcycle than the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, which gives it a sense of being the larger-looking motorcycle. The bolder-looking graphics add to the sense of largeness in the Hornet 2.0. However, the Apache RTR 160 4V is the wider motorcycle here, which also has a slightly longer wheelbase.

Honda Hornet 2.0 vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: Price

The TVS Apache RTR 160, which is available in three variants priced between Rs 1,21,790 and Rs 1,28,590, is being offered in Matte Black, Knight Black, Metallic Blue and Racing Red. Meanwhile, the Honda Hornet 2.0, which is priced significantly higher at Rs 1,36,583, is available in Matte Axis Grey, Matte Marvel Blue, Matte Sangria Red and Pearl Igneous Black.

Conclusion

As a well-packaged motorcycle, both Honda Hornet 2.0 and TVS Apache RTR 160 score equally heavy, with both of them having sporty and edgy designs, comprehensive equipment lists, punchy engines and potent mechanical hardware. A closer look at these motorcycles might make you realize that the Hornet 2.0 has a slight edge over the Apache RTR 160 4V with a keener focus on quality and more maturely-tuned mechanicals.

However, when it comes to the elephant in the room, i.e. pricing, the Hornet 2.0 commands a massive premium over the Apache RTR 160 4V. While the Honda might offer a slightly better quality overall, the steep premium over the Apache RTR 160 4V, which offers almost similar levels of performance and riding experience, is not justified. 

So, from the value-for-money point of view, it is the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V which takes the crown as the better sporty commuter when compared to the Honda Hornet 2.0.