New Delhi
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V vs Bajaj Pulsar P150 – Picking the best in the hot 150cc sports bike segment
Reviews by Team Drivio | 20 May 2024
The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is currently the benchmark in the 150-160cc performance commuter segment, though the recently-launched Bajaj Pulsar P150 tries to challenge its leadership.
- The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V has a larger engine with more power and torque compared to the Bajaj Pulsar P150.
- The Apache RTR 160 4V gets a fully-digital instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity and riding modes, which are not in the Pulsar P150.
The Pulsar P150 offers the options of split seats and clip-on handlebars – not available in the Apache RTR 160 4V.
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V vs Bajaj Pulsar P150: Design & Features
Compared to the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, which came a bit long ago, the Bajaj Pulsar P150 is a newer design, which looks inspired by that of the recently-launched Pulsar N160, a more powerful and premium alternative. However, if you compare both motorcycles head-on, you will realize that the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V feels more premium and better-equipped motorcycle, despite being the older machine of the two here.
While the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V comes with an all-LED headlamp, the Bajaj Pulsar P150 has an LED projector headlamp. Both the motorcycles here are available with LED daytime running lights, LED tail lamps, USB chargers for smartphones and alloy grab rails for pillion riders. The Pulsar P150 offers a sportier experience with clip-on handlebars and split seats in its higher-spec variant, while the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V gets a more comprehensive and modern fully-digital instrument console compared to the part-digital instrument console in the Pulsar P150 which gets an old-school analogue tachometer. The Apache RTR 160 4V also gets Bluetooth connectivity for its instrument console.
| Features | TVS Apache RTR 160 4V | Bajaj Pulsar P150 |
| LED headlamp | Yes | Yes |
| Instrument console | Fully-digital | Part-digital |
| Bluetooth connectivity | Yes (option) | No |
| LED tail lamp | Yes | Yes |
| Split seats | No | Yes (option) |
| Clip-on handlebars | No | Yes (option) |
| Alloy pillion grab rail | Yes | Yes |
| Riding modes | Yes | No |
| In-built USB charger | Yes | Yes |
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V vs Bajaj Pulsar P150: Engine & Gearbox
There’s a clear winner in this aspect of comparison, and it has to be the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V without an ounce of doubt. The larger 159.7cc oil-cooled, engine of the Apache RTR 160 4V has two additional valves over the smaller 149.68cc air-cooled engine of the Pulsar P150.
The Apache’s engine is more powerful as well as produces a higher torque output, being the zestier motorcycle off the pace in this comparison. A clear win in this round for the Apache!
| Specifications | TVS Apache RTR 160 4V | Bajaj Pulsar P150 |
| Engine | Four-stroke, single-cylinder, oil-cooled, 159.7cc | Four-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled, 149.68cc |
| Maximum power | 17.55 bhp @ 9,250 rpm | 14.5 bhp @ 8,500 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 14.73 Nm @ 7,250 rpm | 13.5 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 5-speed |
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V vs Bajaj Pulsar P150: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes
Both the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Bajaj Pulsar P150 come equipped with telescopic hydraulic forks at the front and a mono-shock at the rear. However, the wider rear tyre and a larger front disc brake give the Apache RTR 160 4V an edge over the Pulsar P150 in riding dynamics, making the former a sportier motorcycle to ride among the two.
| Specifications | TVS Apache RTR 160 4V | Bajaj Pulsar P150 |
| Front suspension | Telescopic hydraulic forks | Telescopic hydraulic forks |
| Rear suspension | Mono-shock | Mono-shock |
| Front tyre | 90/90-17 | 80/100-17 (single disc), 90/90-17 (dual disc) |
| Rear tyre | 110/80-17 (single-disc), 130/70 R17 (dual disc) | 100/90-17 (single disc), 110/80-17 (dual disc) |
| Front brake | 270mm disc | 260mm disc |
| Rear brake | 130mm drum (single disc), 200mm disc (dual disc) | 130mm drum (single disc), 230mm disc (dual disc) |
| Single-channel ABS | Yes | Yes |
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V vs Bajaj Pulsar P150: Dimensions
Among the two motorcycles here, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V offers a more big-bike-like feel, as it is longer and wider than the Bajaj Pulsar P150. The Apache also sits higher than the ground and has a marginally taller seat height when compared to the Pulsar P150.
| Dimensions | TVS Apache RTR 160 4V | Bajaj Pulsar P150 |
| Length | 2035mm | 1989mm |
| Width | 790mm | 743mm |
| Height | 1050mm | 1050mm |
| Wheelbase | 1357mm | 1352mm |
| Ground clearance | 180mm | 165mm |
| Kerb weight | 146 kg | 140 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity | 12 litres | 14 litres |
| Seat height | 800mm | 790mm |
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V vs Bajaj Pulsar P150: Price
While the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V gets a host of advantages over the Bajaj Pulsar P150, these advantages come at a hefty premium of almost Rs 5,000-10,000.
| Price | TVS Apache RTR 160 4V | Bajaj Pulsar P150 |
| Ex-showroom, Delhi | Rs 1,21,790 - Rs 1,28,590 | Rs 1,16,755 - Rs 1,19,757 |
Conclusion
Out of the two motorcycles here in this comparison, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V appears a clear winner at first with a larger and more powerful engine, wider rear tyre, larger front disc brake and additional features like digital tachometer, Bluetooth compatibility and riding modes (sport, urban and rain).
However, it commands a significant premium over the Bajaj Pulsar P150, which also comes with a couple of features exclusive to it, such as clip-on handlebars and split seats. However, in our opinion, all the advantages going in favour of the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V do make the more favourable motorcycle here, despite the hefty premium price.
