I’d spent weeks comparing specs, watching YouTube reviews, and reading every post I could find. My heart was set on the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V—after all, those USD forks, aggressive styling, and peppy four-valve engine seemed perfect for my daily commute and weekend rides. But a last-minute test ride on the Bajaj Pulsar N160 changed everything.
Let’s be honest—when you think “160cc streetfighter,” considering the budget, the Apache is usually the first name that pops up for most bikers. On Instagram, owners rave about its sharp handling and modern features. Punchy acceleration with 17.03 PS at 8,500 rpm and 14.12 Nm of torque, dual-channel ABS for confident braking, and a claimed mileage of 45 kmpl in urban mode (though real-world users report 32–38 kmpl).
The N160 Surprise
When I swung a leg over the Bajaj Pulsar N160, I thought of it as a daily commuter—but what I got was pure street muscle. The 160cc twin-spark DTS-i motor pumps out a smooth 15.8 PS and 14.6 Nm, with a torque curve that kicks in early. No hunting for revs in traffic jams—just roll on the throttle and glide. At 152 kg kerb, it’s a feather compared to the Apache, so U-turns and filter-throughs are child’s play.
My pillion buddy quipped, “Feels like riding on a cloud, bro!” The seat height and pillion perch hit that sweet spot: sporty yet comfy for longer stints.
Team-BHP’s Vipin Sharma said, “The N160 is a sleeper hit—Bajaj has nailed city and highway balance, and I couldn’t agree more after I zipped through traffic, feeling both agile and planted.
According to Autocar India, the Pulsar N160 “outshines rivals on ride comfort and everyday usability,” a high bar given stiff competition. And here’s a statistic that caught my eye: 68% of Indian riders surveyed in a 2024 JD Power study ranked fuel economy and reliability as non-negotiable top priorities—areas where the N160 consistently scores above the Apache.
Final Lap
I booked back-to-back test rides, and by lap three on the N160, I was getting that gut feeling when a bike clicks. The Apache’s flash is undeniable, but if you live for real-world, low-stress rides, and wallet-friendly upkeep, the Pulsar N160 is your ride.
After my ride, I found myself calling my dealer to cancel my booking of the Apache and bought the Pulsar N160 instead. It wasn’t just about numbers on paper; it was about how the bike made me feel—confident, relaxed, and ready for anything Indian roads could throw at me.
So, if you’re in the market and torn between the TVS Apache and the Bajaj Pulsar N160, do yourself a favour: book back-to-back test rides. You might discover, like I did, that the real winner isn’t always the flashiest bike on the showroom floor.
