The 160cc bike segment of the country is mostly dominated by the Indian and the Japanese manufacturers, and it is one segment which is really expanding day by day. Most of the youngsters choose their first bike as a 160cc and also people of different age groups upgrade themselves from basic commuters to sporty 160cc commuters. This sweet-spot is now getting really competitive as at the recently concluded Hero World 2020 Event, the Indian two-wheeler giant-Hero MotoCorp has showcased the all-new Hero Xtreme 160R. This Xtreme will be launched really soon and so in this article, we are doing a spec-comparo of the upcoming Hero Xtreme 160R vs TVS Apache RTR 160 vs Bajaj Pulsar NS 160.
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Hero Xtreme 160R, TVS Apache RTR 160 2V, as well as, the Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 all the trio included in our comparison are from Indian two-wheeler manufacturers. But the reason for them being included in the comparo is because all the three bikes have a 160cc powerplant and they are priced close to each other.
Looks and Design
Starting off with the design and unquestionably its the upcoming Hero Xtreme 160R that looks the sportier of the trio. It gets an all-LED robotic headlamp, LED tail-lamps and even the turn indicators are fully LED. The bike looks sharp from every direction, starting from its tank extension up till the rear where there is a unique grab-rail positioned beneath the seat. It gets a single-piece seat-layout and while the pillion seat is raised high, it seems adequately roomy and comfortable for two adults.
TVS Apache RTR 160 is the oldest motorcycle in our comparison but TVS has been updating it from time to time to keep it look fresh. It gets a sharp looking profile with LED DRLs, tank-shrouds, body-coloured under-belly engine protection, and more. It also gets a single-piece seat-layout which is very comfortable for even long rides and it gets signature LED tail-lamps too.
The recently updated Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 doesn't get any cosmetic upgrades and it looks the same as before. The design cues have been borrowed from its elder sibling NS 200 and it does look sporty but doesn't get any LED at all except the hallmark Pulsar LED tail-lamps. This naked wolf too gets a single-piece seat and is best suited for tall riders.
Engine and Transmission
| Specification | Xtreme 160R | Apache 160 2V | Pulsar NS 160 |
| Engine | 163cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected | 159.7cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected | 160.3cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected |
| Max. Power | 15.2 PS at 8000 RPM | 15.53 PS at 8400 RPM | 17.2 PS at 9000 RPM |
| Max. Torque | 14 Nm at 6500 RPM | 13.9 Nm at 7000 RPM | 14.6 Nm at 7250 RPM |
| Cooling System | air-cooled | air-cooled | oil-cooled |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Emission Norm | BS6 | BS6 | BS6 |
Hero Xtreme 160R is powered by a 163cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected motor that churns out 15.2 PS of power and 14 Nm of torque, mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. TVS Apache RTR 160 2V gets a 159.7cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine churning out 15.53 PS and 13.9 Nm of torque, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The Pulsar NS 160 with its 160.3cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine pumping out 17.2 PS and 14.6Nm is the most powerful motorcycle out here. And yes all the motorcycles are BS6-compliant.
Chassis and Suspension
| Specification | Xtreme 160R | Apache 160 2V | Pulsar NS 160 |
| Chassis | Tubular | Double Cradle Synchro STIFF | Perimeter Frame |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic with anti-friction bush | Telescopic Forks with Hydraulic Dampers | Telescopic with Anti-friction Bush |
| Rear Suspension | 7-step Rider-adjustable Monoshock | Monotube Inverted Gas-filled shocks (MIG) | Nitrox mono shock absorber |
The suspension duties of all the motorcycles out here are carried by telescopic forks at the front and while the Xtreme and the Pulsar gets a mono-shock at the rear, the Apache still has dual-spring setup.
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Tyres and Brakes
| Specification | Xtreme 160R | Apache 160 2V | Pulsar NS 160 |
| Tyre Size | Front 100/80-17 Rear 130/70 -17 | Front 90/90-17 Rear 110/80-17 | Front 90/90 -17 Rear 120/80 -17 |
| Tyre Type | tubeless | tubeless | tubeless |
| Wheel type | alloy | alloy | alloy |
| Front Brake | disc | disc | disc |
| Rear Brake | disc/drum | disc/drum | disc |
| Front Brake Diameter | 276 mm | 270 mm | 260 mm |
| Rear Brake Diameter | 220 mm | 200 mm | 230 mm |
| ABS | single-channel | single-channel | single-channel |
Upfront, the upcoming Hero Xtreme 160R, as well as, TVS Apache 160 2V gets a disc setup while at the rear one can choose between a disc or a drum. Whereas, Pulsar NS 160 gets disc set up both at the front and the rear as standard. All the three motorcycles get single-channel ABS for added safety.
Dimensions and Capacity
| Specification | Xtreme 160R | Apache 160 2V | Pulsar NS 160 |
| Length | 2040 mm | 2085 mm | 2017 mm |
| Width | 802 mm | 730 mm | 804 mm |
| Height | 1010 mm | 1105 | 1060 mm |
| Seat Height | 790 mm | 790 mm | 805 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1334 mm | 1300 mm | 1370 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 170 mm | 180 mm | 177 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12L | 12L | 12L |
| Weight | 138 kg | 139 kg | 148 kg |
Features
Hero Xtreme 160R gets an inverted all-digital instrument cluster loaded with a lot of tech, while the Apache and Pulsar gets an analogue-digital cluster which misses out on some features. Hero also offers a hazard light switch that its rivals don't.
Price
| Price | Xtreme 160R | Apache 160 2V | Pulsar NS 160 |
| Ex-showroom Delhi | 85,000-90,000 (expected) | 94,500-98,000 | 1,03,000 |
Hero Xtreme 160R hasn't been launched yet but it is touted to be the most affordable bike in its category. The Xtreme 160R is expected to get a price tag of around Rs. 85,000-90,000, Ex-showroom, and if it does come at this price it will be a clear sight on the road as it looks ballistic, has great features and offers a peppy ride with brilliant handling. TVS Apache RTR 160 2V currently retails between Rs. 94,500-98,000 Ex-showroom while the Pulsar NS 160 gets a sticker price of Rs. 1.03 lakhs, Ex-showroom.
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What do you think about these motorcycles and which one will you pick for yourself? Do share with us in the comments section below.
