The Bajaj Pulsar 150 and TVS Apache RTR 160 are two of the oldest sporty commuters that still have a decent customer base in India. During the BS6 transition, both bikes received an updated, cleaner engine while remaining unchanged in most other aspects. Now, after the BS6-bound revisions, we check out how they fare against each other on paper.
Design and features
The design of the Apache and Pulsar have remained majorly unchanged for years. The cosmetic updates have mostly come in the form of new decals. While both look sporty, the Pulsar boasts of a rounded front end and fuel tank, whereas the Apache looks more edgy with angular lines across its bodywork.
The instrumentation setup is common with a semi-digital console. However, while the Pulsar gets halogen headlamp and position lamps, the Apache gets radical-looking LED DRLs and position lamps along with halogen bulb for the headlamp. Meanwhile, tail lamp in both bikes are LED. What makes the Apache better in this area is the availability of TVS’ GTT (glide through traffic) technology which makes riding in traffic a smooth affair.
Engine
For BS6 compliance, the Pulsar and Apache both did away with the carburetor and received fuel-injection. With the emissions getting more constrained, the Pulsar witnessed a slight drop in its torque output. On the contrary, TVS managed to marginally improve the performance numbers of the Apache.
Powering the Pulsar is a 150cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine which makes 13.8bhp and 13.25Nm. Meanwhile, the Apache is propelled by a larger 159cc motor pumping out 15.3bhp and 13.9Nm. The Apache also has an advantage of lighter weight of 139kg which makes it around 9kg lighter than the Pulsar single disc model.
CycleParts
Both bikes are nearly identical on the hardware front. They are underpinned by a double cradle frame and ride on 17-inch alloy wheels. Suspension setup is also common with telescopic forks up front and gas-charged dual shock absorbers at the rear. Braking is handled by a disc-drum combination with a rear disc option available for both bikes. What’s different is the fuel tank capacity which stands at 15 litre for the Pulsar and 12 litre for the Apache.
Pricing
The TVS Apache RTR 160 BS6 is pegged at Rs 97,000 (rear drum) and 1,00,000 (rear disc). Interestingly, the Bajaj Pulsar 150 BS6 is priced nearly the same – 96,960 (rear drum) and Rs 1,00,838 (rear disc). However, considering the slightly more powerful engine and additional features, the Apache appears to be a better value-for-money proposition, at least on paper.
(All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi)
