- Pulsar N160 4V makes 18bhp and provides digital throttle, 4 trip modes, traction management and Google Maps mirroring
- Apache RTR 160 4V counters with 17bhp, decrease weight, three trip modes and a wider selection of variants
Contemporary out and up to date for 2026, the Bajaj Pulsar N160 and TVS Apache RTR 160 households have develop into significantly more durable to separate now. Starting as pretty simple sporty commuters, their newest variations now carry gear that might have been alien on a 160cc bike just a few years in the past. Journey modes, traction management, upside-down forks, related shows, navigation, slipper clutches and LED projector headlights have all discovered their approach into this price-sensitive class.
Particulars within the Variant Unfold
Bajaj continues to promote the prevailing 2V Pulsar N160, with costs beginning at about Rs. 1.16 lakh. The extra necessary 2026 additions are the N160 S at Rs. 1,33,511 and N160 SS at Rs. 1,42,585, ex-showroom Delhi. These carry a wholly new 4V engine and electronics bundle.
TVS has an excellent broader ladder. The broader Apache RTR 160 household begins decrease, whereas the 2026 RTR 160 4V vary was launched at Rs. 1,25,440 for the single-channel ABS model, Rs. 1,30,690 for the dual-channel ABS mannequin with USD forks, and Rs. 1,37,440 for the flagship USD, TFT, and traction-control model. Our present listings have moved barely greater following subsequent worth revisions, however primarily an equal Apache typically prices lower than the brand new 4V Pulsar.
This offers TVS a bonus for a youthful purchaser working with a tighter funds. Spending round Rs. 1.30 lakh can get an Apache 160 4V with dual-channel ABS and 37mm USD forks. Selecting the N160 S as an alternative buys a stronger engine and digital throttle, but it surely nonetheless makes use of single-channel ABS. The N160 SS is the model that brings collectively dual-channel ABS, traction management, adjustable levers, TFT instrumentation and the richer connectivity bundle, however then it additionally turns into the most costly.
Pulsar does provide extra gas capability although due to that muscular tank. Its 14-litre tank holds two litres greater than the Apache’s 12-litre. Our earlier exams recorded close to 51.6kmpl from the sooner N160 in its highway take a look at, whereas present proprietor figures for the 2 bikes are round 46kmpl for the Pulsar and 45kmpl for the Apache. Actual-world figures for the brand new 18bhp N160 4V will want correct testing, however the bigger tank ought to proceed to offer the Bajaj a bonus between gas stops.
Efficiency Throughout Has Change into A lot Extra Attention-grabbing
All the pieces begins with the engine. The older N160 makes use of a 164.9cc two-valve engine producing 15.6bhp and 14.65Nm. The brand new N160 S and SS use a 164.5cc four-valve oil-cooled engine creating 18bhp at 9,500rpm and 14.4Nm at 8,000rpm. Bajaj claims a 0-60kmph time of 4.5 seconds with the usage of an digital throttle physique quite than a standard mechanical throttle.
Apache RTR 160 4V nonetheless makes use of its confirmed 159.7cc four-valve oil-cooled engine. In Sport mode it develops full energy of 17bhp at 9,250rpm and 14.73Nm at 7,500rpm. City and Rain modes scale back output to 15bhp and 14.14Nm. On numbers alone the brand new Pulsar has lastly moved forward in outright energy, though the Apache produces barely extra peak torque and does so at decrease revs.
Pulsar’s new short-stroke engine has been designed to rev more durable and produce its greatest efficiency greater within the rev vary. Apache has all the time had a vigorous nature, however its sturdy on a regular basis rideability is among the causes the bike has aged so properly. Additionally as a facet be aware it’s essential to know that E20 fuels return lesser gas effectivity in case you demand greater revving efficiency from these singles. There’s a risk that the Apache will edge forward for each day usability and can be frugal as properly.
There are nonetheless helpful bodily variations. The brand new N160 4V weighs 151kg, whereas the Apache is roughly 144-146kg relying on configuration. Apache ought to subsequently stay simpler to flick via site visitors. It additionally presents 180mm floor clearance in contrast with the Pulsar’s 165mm, helpful on poor roads and outsized pace breakers. Bajaj counters with a barely decrease 795mm seat in opposition to the Apache’s 800mm saddle.
Each can now be purchased with 37mm USD forks. The Pulsar 4V makes use of them throughout its new S and SS variations, whereas the bottom 2026 Apache has a telescopic fork and the upper variants use USD suspension. Each has a monoshock on the rear.
Expertise Will Determine Which One Patrons Select
The largest change for 2026 is what number of strains of code separates these bikes. Bajaj’s digital throttle allows Street, Rain, Sport and Off-road modes. These are throttle-responsive modes quite than the less complicated ABS modes seen on earlier Pulsars. The system additionally allows Crawl Expertise permitting the bike to maneuver easily at low pace with out demanding fixed clutch and throttle work.
Apache presents Sport, City and Rain modes and retains TVS’s Glide By means of Expertise permitting sluggish motion with clutch launch and no throttle enter. The concept is comparable, though Bajaj’s new digital throttle gives better scope to change engine response.
On the top quality, each get traction management. Nonetheless, Bajaj goes additional with the N160 SS’s five-inch TFT and Google Maps mirroring. The S receives an LCD show, Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation, whereas the SS provides Wi-Fi connectivity and full map mirroring. There additionally adjustable brake and clutch levers on the SS.
TVS offers its flagship Apache a five-inch TFT with SmartXonnect, navigation, traction management, adjustable levers, USD forks and dual-channel ABS. The center 2026 model will get adjustable levers and dual-channel ABS however retains an LCD cluster. All three 2026 variations now obtain the Class-D projector headlight, LED indicators, all-LED lighting and an help and slipper clutch. This has made the cheaper Apache variants way more enticing than earlier than.
Even the colors replicate the viewers each firms are chasing. The brand new N160 S and SS are available in Atlantic Blue, Pearl Metallic White, and Brooklyn Black. The Apache presents mixtures together with Racing Pink, Matte Black, Granite Gray, Pearl White, and Marine Blue, relying on variant. See, TVS nonetheless gives better selection throughout the entire vary.
The ultimate determination is subsequently not apparent. The Apache RTR 160 4V stays the simpler suggestion for a purchaser who needs a lightweight, confirmed, entertaining commuter with out spending the utmost doable quantity. Its cheaper price, agile nature, sturdy motor, good floor clearance and large variant unfold make it significantly convincing in the course of the vary.
However the Pulsar N160 S and SS make extra sense for the customer who needs the latest know-how and stronger outright efficiency. The N160 SS now has the gear to genuinely problem and in some areas exceed the Apache quite than merely match it. Google Maps mirroring, 4 digital trip modes, crawl tech, traction management, a 14-litre tank and the 18bhp engine give it extra wealth of tech.
