Bajaj Pulsar N160 vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: This One is Difficult

• Pulsar N160 4V makes 18bhp and adds electronic throttle, four ride modes, traction control and Google Maps mirroring
• Apache RTR 160 4V counters with 17bhp, lower weight, three ride modes and a wider choice of variants

Fresh out and updated for 2026, the Bajaj Pulsar N160 and TVS Apache RTR 160 families have become considerably harder to separate now. Beginning as fairly straightforward sporty commuters, their latest versions now carry equipment that would have been alien on a 160cc motorcycle only a few years ago. Ride modes, traction control, upside-down forks, connected displays, navigation, slipper clutches and LED projector headlights have all found their way into this price-sensitive category.

Details in the Variant Spread

Bajaj continues to sell the existing 2V Pulsar N160, with prices starting at about Rs. 1.16 lakh. The more important 2026 additions are the N160 S at Rs. 1,33,511 and N160 SS at Rs. 1,42,585, ex-showroom Delhi. These bring an entirely new 4V engine and electronics package.

TVS has an even broader ladder. The wider Apache RTR 160 family begins lower, while the 2026 RTR 160 4V range was introduced at Rs. 1,25,440 for the single-channel ABS version, Rs. 1,30,690 for the dual-channel ABS model with USD forks, and Rs. 1,37,440 for the flagship USD, TFT, and traction-control version. Our current listings have moved slightly higher following subsequent price revisions, but essentially an equivalent Apache generally costs less than the new 4V Pulsar.

This gives TVS an advantage for a younger buyer working with a tighter budget. Spending around Rs. 1.30 lakh can get an Apache 160 4V with dual-channel ABS and 37mm USD forks. Picking the N160 S instead buys a stronger engine and electronic throttle, but it still uses single-channel ABS. The N160 SS is the version that brings together dual-channel ABS, traction control, adjustable levers, TFT instrumentation and the richer connectivity package, but then it also becomes the most expensive.

Pulsar does offer more fuel capacity though thanks to that muscular tank. Its 14-litre tank holds two litres more than the Apache’s 12-litre. Our previous tests recorded near 51.6kmpl from the earlier N160 in its road test, while current owner figures for the two bikes are around 46kmpl for the Pulsar and 45kmpl for the Apache. Real-world figures for the new 18bhp N160 4V will need proper testing, but the larger tank should continue to give the Bajaj an advantage between fuel stops.

Performance Across Has Become Much More Interesting

Everything starts with the engine. The older N160 uses a 164.9cc two-valve engine producing 15.6bhp and 14.65Nm. The new N160 S and SS use a 164.5cc four-valve oil-cooled engine developing 18bhp at 9,500rpm and 14.4Nm at 8,000rpm. Bajaj claims a 0-60kmph time of 4.5 seconds with the use of an electronic throttle body rather than a conventional mechanical throttle.

Apache RTR 160 4V still uses its proven 159.7cc four-valve oil-cooled engine. In Sport mode it develops full power of 17bhp at 9,250rpm and 14.73Nm at 7,500rpm. Urban and Rain modes reduce output to 15bhp and 14.14Nm. On numbers alone the new Pulsar has finally moved ahead in outright power, although the Apache produces slightly more peak torque and does so at lower revs.

Pulsar’s new short-stroke engine has been designed to rev harder and produce its best performance higher in the rev range. Apache has always had a lively nature, but its strong everyday rideability is one of the reasons the motorcycle has aged so well. Also as a side note you must know that E20 fuels return lesser fuel efficiency if you demand higher revving performance from these singles. There is a possibility that the Apache will edge ahead for daily usability and will be frugal as well.

There are still useful physical differences. The new N160 4V weighs 151kg, while the Apache is roughly 144-146kg depending on configuration. Apache should therefore remain easier to flick through traffic. It also offers 180mm ground clearance compared with the Pulsar’s 165mm, useful on poor roads and oversized speed breakers. Bajaj counters with a slightly lower 795mm seat against the Apache’s 800mm saddle.

Both can now be bought with 37mm USD forks. The Pulsar 4V uses them across its new S and SS versions, while the base 2026 Apache has a telescopic fork and the higher variants use USD suspension. Both has a monoshock at the rear.

Technology Will Decide Which One Buyers Choose

The biggest change for 2026 is how many lines of code separates these motorcycles. Bajaj’s electronic throttle enables Road, Rain, Sport and Off-road modes. These are throttle-responsive modes rather than the simpler ABS modes seen on earlier Pulsars. The system also enables Crawl Technology allowing the motorcycle to move smoothly at low speed without demanding constant clutch and throttle work.

Apache offers Sport, Urban and Rain modes and retains TVS’s Glide Through Technology allowing slow movement with clutch release and no throttle input. The idea is similar, although Bajaj’s new electronic throttle provides greater scope to alter engine response.

At the top of the range, both get traction control. However, Bajaj goes further with the N160 SS’s five-inch TFT and Google Maps mirroring. The S receives an LCD display, Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation, while the SS adds Wi-Fi connectivity and full map mirroring. There also adjustable brake and clutch levers on the SS.

TVS gives its flagship Apache a five-inch TFT with SmartXonnect, navigation, traction control, adjustable levers, USD forks and dual-channel ABS. The middle 2026 version gets adjustable levers and dual-channel ABS but retains an LCD cluster. All three 2026 versions now receive the Class-D projector headlight, LED indicators, all-LED lighting and an assist and slipper clutch. This has made the cheaper Apache variants far more attractive than before.

Even the colours reflect the audience both companies are chasing. The new N160 S and SS come in Atlantic Blue, Pearl Metallic White, and Brooklyn Black. The Apache offers combinations including Racing Red, Matte Black, Granite Grey, Pearl White, and Marine Blue, depending on variant. See, TVS still provides greater choice across the complete range.

The final decision is therefore no longer obvious. The Apache RTR 160 4V remains the easier recommendation for a buyer who wants a light, proven, entertaining commuter without spending the maximum possible amount. Its lower price, agile nature, strong motor, good ground clearance and wide variant spread make it particularly convincing in the middle of the range.

On the other hand the Pulsar N160 S and SS make more sense for the buyer who wants the newest technology and stronger outright performance. The N160 SS now has the equipment to genuinely challenge and in some areas exceed the Apache rather than merely match it. Google Maps mirroring, four electronic ride modes, crawl tech, traction control, a 14-litre tank and the 18bhp engine give it more wealth of tech.