Quick Analysis
Bajaj Pulsar NS160
13.0 pts
Unweighted: 8 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TVS Apache RTR 200 4V
8.0 pts
Unweighted: 9 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Oil-cooled | Oil-cooled with ram-air assist |
| Displacement | 160.3 cc | 197.75 cc |
| Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4-Valve, Twin Spark, DTS-i FI | SI, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, fuel-injected |
| Power | 12.5 kW (17 PS) @ 9000 rpm | 20.8 PS @ 9,000 rpm |
| Torque | 14.6 Nm @ 7,250 rpm | 17.25 Nm @ 7,250 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L | 12 litres |
| Mileage | 40.36 Kmpl | 37 |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 152 | 151 |
| Seat Height | 804 | 800 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual-channel ABS | Dual-channel ABS with RLP |
| Front Brake | Dual Channel ABS, 300 mm Disc | 270 mm dia Petal Disc |
| Front Suspension | 37 mm Upside Down (USD) Fork (130 mm travel) | Telescopic fork with preload adjuster |
| Rear Brake | 230 mm Disc(ABS) | 240 mm dia Petal Disc |
| Rear Suspension | Nitrox Mono-shock | Monotube mono-shock |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 100/80-17 Tubeless | 90/90–17 tubeless |
| Rear Tyre | 130/70-17 Tubeless | 130/70–17 tubeless (radial) |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | H4 Blue Tinge (12V 55/60W), With AHO (Auto Headlamps On) | AHO LED with LED position lamp |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | DC, 12V, 4 Ah VRLA | 12 V, 6 Ah VRLA |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pearl-White-3.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Granite-Grey.avif |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pewter-grey.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Glossy-Black-1.avif |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Wine-Red-3.avif | — |
| Cluster | Semi-digital LCD | Digital with SmartXonnect, riding modes & navigation |
| Color Options | Ebony Black | #1B1B1B Pearl Metallic White | #F1F1ED Cocktail Wine Red | #7A1023 Pewter Grey | #6A6D70 | Granite Grey | #5F6368 Matte Black | #1A1A1A Glossy Black | #111111 |
| Cons | Limited Top-End Performance – While strong in the mid-range, the motorcycle is not as exciting at higher RPMs as some performance-focused rivals. Engine Vibrations at Higher Speeds – Mild vibrations can become noticeable through the handlebar and footpegs during prolonged high-speed riding. Seat Comfort Could Be Better for Touring – The seat works well for commuting, but longer highway rides may feel tiring for some riders. Feature List Not Segment-Leading – Certain competitors offer Bluetooth connectivity, riding modes, TFT displays, or traction control systems. Pillion Comfort Is Average – The rear seat is usable for daily travel but may not feel ideal for extended two-up journeys. Wind Blast at Highway Speeds – As a naked street motorcycle, riders experience noticeable wind pressure at higher speeds. Gearbox Feel Could Be Smoother – Some riders report that gear shifts do not feel as refined as certain competitors in the segment. Headlamp Performance Could Be Better – While modern-looking, some users feel the headlamp throw could improve for highway night riding. | Engine vibrations are still noticeable at higher RPMs and highway cruising speeds, especially when compared to more refined Japanese competitors. The overall design has evolved slowly over the years, so some riders may find the styling less fresh compared to newer streetfighters in the segment. The seat cushioning and sporty riding posture can feel slightly tiring during long-distance touring. Rear seat comfort is average, especially for longer rides with a pillion. The gearbox, while usable for daily riding, does not feel as slick or refined as some competitors. Some riders feel the motorcycle could have offered slightly more outright power considering the segment and pricing. Service experience and long-term fit-and-finish quality can vary depending on dealership location. |
| Detailed Overview | The Pulsar NS160 has always felt slightly different from the average 160cc motorcycle, mainly because it borrows a lot from bigger street bikes instead of following the usual commuter-bike formula. Even today, the exposed perimeter frame, sharp tank shrouds, and underbelly exhaust give it a more mechanical and purposeful look than most motorcycles in its category. It does not look minimal or commuter-focused, and that visual character plays a big role in how the bike is perceived on the road. The motorcycle uses a 160.3cc single-cylinder engine with fuel injection and oil cooling. On paper, the numbers are fairly competitive for the segment, but the way the engine delivers power is more important than outright figures. Most of the usable performance sits in the mid-range, so the bike feels responsive in regular riding conditions like overtaking traffic, accelerating out of corners, or riding through open city roads. It does not chase extremely high top-end performance, but the engine feels energetic enough to keep the motorcycle engaging without becoming difficult to manage in daily use. A large part of the NS160’s identity comes from its chassis. Bajaj uses a perimeter frame instead of the simpler setups seen on many commuter motorcycles, and that changes the way the bike behaves while riding. The front end feels more planted while cornering, and the motorcycle remains fairly stable even when pushed harder than a typical city commuter usually would be. This is one of the reasons many riders still consider the NS160 one of the more enjoyable bikes in the segment from a handling perspective. The suspension setup consists of telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. The tuning is not especially soft, so the bike tends to feel firmer over rough roads and sharp potholes. On smoother roads, though, that same firmness helps the motorcycle feel controlled and stable. The wider tyres also contribute to that sense of grip and confidence, particularly while leaning into turns or riding at higher speeds. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes at both ends, and newer versions include dual-channel ABS. The braking feel is predictable during regular riding, and the addition of dual-channel ABS helps the motorcycle feel more secure during sudden braking situations, especially on wet or uneven surfaces. Despite the aggressive styling, the riding posture is not overly committed. The handlebar is positioned high enough to avoid putting excessive pressure on the wrists, and the seat height remains manageable for most riders. That balance makes the NS160 usable for everyday commuting while still retaining the slightly sporty feel the design suggests. The split-seat layout and compact tail section add to the visual appeal, although pillion comfort is average rather than especially spacious. The instrument console includes a digital display with information such as speed, fuel level, trip readings, and gear position indication. Recent updates have also added LED lighting and Bluetooth-based navigation support on certain variants, although the feature list remains less extensive than some newer competitors that focus heavily on connected technology. Overall, the NS160 feels more like a street motorcycle adapted for daily use than a commuter bike trying to look sporty. Its strongest points continue to be the chassis behaviour, mid-range performance, and the overall riding feel rather than outright specifications alone. | Not every 200cc motorcycle tries to behave like a full-sized performance machine, but the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V clearly leans in that direction with the way it has been engineered. The motorcycle combines a compact streetfighter layout with features and chassis components that are usually expected from more performance-focused bikes. From the riding position to the electronics package, most parts of the bike are designed to make the riding experience feel sharper and more interactive rather than purely commuter-oriented. The motorcycle is powered by a 197.75cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled, 4-valve engine paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The engine produces close to 20.5 bhp in Sport mode along with around 17 Nm of torque. The power delivery is tuned to feel energetic through the mid and upper rev range, which becomes noticeable during overtakes and fast acceleration. Unlike motorcycles that focus heavily on relaxed low-end tuning, the RTR 200 4V encourages the rider to explore the higher RPM range where the engine feels more responsive and eager. The oil-cooling system, combined with ram-air assistance, helps maintain engine temperatures during longer rides and more aggressive riding conditions. One of the major additions on the motorcycle is its ride-by-wire system and riding modes. Riders can switch between Sport, Urban, and Rain modes depending on road conditions and riding style. Sport mode delivers the sharpest throttle response and full performance output, while Urban and Rain modes soften acceleration and adjust ABS intervention for smoother control. This setup changes the character of the motorcycle quite noticeably and gives the rider more flexibility during daily commuting, wet roads, or highway riding. The RTR 200 4V also places heavy focus on handling dynamics. The motorcycle uses a double cradle split synchro stiff frame that is designed to improve stability during cornering and fast direction changes. Newer variants receive upside-down front forks, while the rear uses a preload-adjustable monoshock suspension. Together, the setup gives the bike a planted front-end feel while maintaining enough comfort for city roads and uneven surfaces. The shorter wheelbase and relatively lightweight chassis help the motorcycle feel agile in traffic and responsive during cornering. Braking hardware includes petal disc brakes at both ends along with dual-channel ABS. The braking system is designed to offer controlled stopping performance without feeling overly aggressive during everyday riding. The motorcycle rides on alloy wheels fitted with tubeless tyres, using a wider rear tyre setup that improves grip and stability during acceleration and cornering. In terms of design, the Apache RTR 200 4V follows a muscular streetfighter appearance with sharp tank extensions, split seats, exposed engine sections, aggressive graphics, and LED lighting elements. The overall bodywork gives the motorcycle a compact but sporty stance. The riding posture is slightly leaned forward, though not extreme enough to make daily commuting uncomfortable. Technology is another major part of the package. The fully digital instrument cluster supports TVS SmartXonnect connectivity with Bluetooth pairing, navigation assist, call alerts, ride statistics, crash alert system, and voice assistance. Adjustable clutch and brake levers, LED headlamp setup, and race-inspired styling details further add to the premium feel of the motorcycle. The bike comes with a 12-litre fuel tank and a kerb weight of around 151–152 kg depending on the variant. Fuel efficiency usually remains around 35–45 km/l depending on riding conditions, traffic, and throttle usage. Overall, the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V combines sporty engine tuning, modern electronics, agile chassis dynamics, and streetfighter styling into a motorcycle designed around active and engaging road riding. |
| Expert Review | The Pulsar NS160 still feels like one of the more engaging motorcycles in the 160cc segment, mainly because of the way its chassis behaves. The perimeter frame gives the bike a planted feel through corners, and the steering remains predictable even when ridden aggressively in traffic or on twisty roads. Its 160cc oil-cooled engine performs best in the mid-range, where throttle response feels lively enough for quick overtakes and daily commuting, although the top-end performance is less exciting than some rivals. The riding position strikes a reasonable compromise between sporty and comfortable, so the motorcycle does not become tiring in regular use. Ride quality is slightly on the firmer side, especially over sharp bumps, but the suspension setup helps the bike feel stable at higher speeds. The NS160 also benefits from mature styling that still looks purposeful without appearing overly aggressive. At the same time, the feature list now feels simpler compared to newer competitors offering connectivity features and more advanced electronics., 4.3, MotoAutiv Team | On paper, the Apache RTR 200 4V may not look dramatically more powerful than some of its rivals, but the way it delivers performance makes the motorcycle feel far more energetic once you start riding it. The throttle response is sharp, the chassis reacts quickly to steering inputs, and the bike feels surprisingly eager when pushed through corners. TVS has clearly tuned it for riders who enjoy an active riding style rather than relaxed commuting. Even the exhaust note and riding posture add to that sporty feel. At the same time, it still remains manageable enough for everyday use, with decent low-speed rideability and useful features like ride modes, Bluetooth connectivity, and adjustable levers. The suspension setup keeps the motorcycle stable during aggressive riding, although the slightly firm setup and noticeable vibrations at higher RPMs remind you that refinement is not its strongest area. Overall, the RTR 200 4V comes across as a motorcycle built more around rider engagement and handling confidence than outright numbers or comfort-focused commuting., 4.5, MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the engine capacity of the Bajaj Pulsar NS160? A: The motorcycle is powered by a 160.3cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected, oil-cooled engine. Q: Is the Pulsar NS160 suitable for daily commuting? A: Yes. Its upright riding posture, manageable dimensions, and responsive mid-range performance make it practical for city riding. Q: What mileage does the Pulsar NS160 deliver? A: Most riders report real-world fuel efficiency between 40–50 kmpl, depending on riding style, traffic, and maintenance. Q: Does the Pulsar NS160 have dual-channel ABS? A: Yes. Recent versions come equipped with dual-channel ABS. Q: Is the Pulsar NS160 beginner-friendly? A: Yes. The motorcycle's predictable handling and manageable power delivery make it approachable for riders upgrading from commuter motorcycles. Q: What is the top speed of the Pulsar NS160? A: Under suitable conditions, the motorcycle can reach approximately 115–120 km/h. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the NS160? A: The motorcycle comes with a 12-litre fuel tank. Q: Does the Pulsar NS160 have Bluetooth connectivity? A: Selected newer variants offer Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation support. Q: How comfortable is the NS160 for long rides? A: The motorcycle can handle occasional highway rides comfortably, although the firmer suspension and compact seat may feel tiring over very long distances. Q: What type of motorcycle is the Pulsar NS160? A: It is classified as a streetfighter-style street motorcycle with sporty handling and commuter-friendly ergonomics. Q: How is the NS160 different from the Pulsar N160? A: The NS160 feels sportier and sharper in handling due to its perimeter frame and riding dynamics, while the N160 focuses more on refinement and everyday comfort. Q: Does the Pulsar NS160 vibrate at high speeds? A: Mild vibrations can be felt at higher RPMs and sustained highway speeds, particularly through the handlebars and footpegs. Q: Is the NS160 good for college students and young riders? A: Many riders prefer it for its sporty styling, manageable performance, and relatively affordable running costs. Q: Does the Pulsar NS160 have LED lighting? A: Recent versions include LED lighting elements, though equipment may vary depending on the variant and model year. Q: Are spare parts and servicing easily available? A: Yes. Bajaj has a widespread dealership and service network across India, making maintenance and spare parts access relatively convenient. | Q: What is the engine capacity of the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V? A: The motorcycle is powered by a 197.75cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled, 4-valve engine. Q: What is the power output of the Apache RTR 200 4V? A: The bike produces around 20.5 bhp in Sport mode along with approximately 17.25 Nm of torque. Q: What mileage does the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V give? A: Real-world mileage generally stays around 35–45 km/l depending on riding style and traffic conditions. Q: What is the top speed of the Apache RTR 200 4V? A: The motorcycle has an approximate top speed of around 127–130 km/h. Q: Does the Apache RTR 200 4V have riding modes? A: Yes, the bike offers Sport, Urban, and Rain riding modes. Q: What type of cooling system does the Apache RTR 200 4V use? A: The motorcycle uses an oil-cooled engine setup with ram-air assistance. Q: Does the Apache RTR 200 4V have Bluetooth connectivity? A: Yes, higher variants support TVS SmartXonnect Bluetooth connectivity with navigation and ride analytics. Q: What type of brakes does the Apache RTR 200 4V use? A: The bike comes with petal disc brakes at both ends along with dual-channel ABS. Q: What suspension setup does the Apache RTR 200 4V use? A: The motorcycle uses USD front forks on newer variants along with a rear monoshock suspension. Q: Does the Apache RTR 200 4V get adjustable levers? A: Yes, the bike offers adjustable clutch and brake levers. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the Apache RTR 200 4V? A: The motorcycle comes with a fuel tank capacity of around 12 litres. Q: What is the kerb weight of the Apache RTR 200 4V? A: Depending on the variant, the kerb weight is around 151–152 kg. Q: Does the Apache RTR 200 4V have LED lights? A: Yes, the motorcycle gets LED headlamp, LED DRLs, and LED tail lamps. Q: Is the Apache RTR 200 4V suitable for highway riding? A: Yes, the strong mid-range performance, stable chassis, and riding modes make it suitable for highway touring and fast cruising. Q: What type of tyres does the Apache RTR 200 4V use? A: The motorcycle uses tubeless tyres mounted on alloy wheels. Q: Is the Apache RTR 200 4V suitable for daily commuting? A: Yes, despite its sporty character, the bike remains manageable for regular commuting and everyday riding. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | Single Channel | 122897 Dual Channel USD | 131305 | USD | 141990 TFT | 147490 2 CHR Mode | 148120 Limited Edition | 149590 |
| Pros | Strong Mid-Range Performance – The 160cc oil-cooled engine delivers responsive acceleration in the mid-range, making overtakes and urban riding feel effortless. Sharp Streetfighter Styling – Inspired by the larger NS-series motorcycles, the aggressive tank extensions, exposed perimeter frame, and muscular stance give the NS160 a sporty road presence. Good Handling Balance – The perimeter frame and suspension setup help the motorcycle feel stable while cornering and manageable in city traffic. Comfortable Riding Position – Despite its sporty appearance, the upright ergonomics and wide handlebar make it suitable for daily commuting and occasional longer rides. Refined Engine Character – The engine remains smooth through most of the rev range and provides predictable throttle response for everyday riding conditions. Dual-Channel ABS Availability – Recent versions include dual-channel ABS, improving braking confidence and safety during sudden stops. Good Ride Quality – The suspension setup absorbs most road imperfections effectively without making the motorcycle feel overly soft. Value-Oriented Feature Package – LED lighting, digital instrumentation, and sporty hardware help the NS160 offer a modern specification list within the segment. | The 197.75cc oil-cooled engine delivers strong acceleration and a lively top-end performance, making the bike feel energetic during overtakes, cornering, and highway riding. Handling is one of the strongest parts of the RTR 200 4V. The chassis feels agile in corners while still remaining stable at higher speeds, which gives the motorcycle a sporty and confidence-inspiring character. Ride modes such as Sport, Urban, and Rain mode help the bike adapt to different riding conditions by changing throttle response and ABS behavior. The suspension setup, especially the USD fork variant, improves front-end stability and gives the motorcycle a sharper handling feel compared to many rivals in the segment. Features like Bluetooth connectivity, navigation support, adjustable clutch and brake levers, riding analytics, and the fully digital display help the bike feel modern and feature-rich. The exhaust note has a sporty and deeper tone that adds to the overall riding experience without becoming excessively loud. Braking performance feels strong and predictable, especially with dual-channel ABS and petal disc brakes at both ends. Despite its sporty nature, the bike still manages reasonable fuel efficiency for a 200cc street motorcycle. |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
