Bajaj Pulsar 180 vs TVS Apache RTR 180: Number Game

Published February 26, 2021
Views : 11668
2 min read

Does the re-launched Pulsar 180 have dominance over the Apache RTR 180?

Bajaj recently launched the 2021 Pulsar 180 with a handful of upgrades. And competing against it in the segment is the TVS Apache RTR 180. So, let’s see how the two 180cc commuter motorcycles stack up against each other in terms of specifications:

Engine

Specifications	Pulsar 180	Apache RTR 180
Engine	178.6cc air-cooled single-cylinder	177.4cc oil-cooled single-cylinder
Power	17.02PS at 8,500rpm	16.79PS at 8,500rpm
Torque	14.52Nm at 6,500rpm	15.5Nm at 7,000
Gearbox	5-speed	5-speed

In terms of displacement, there’s hardly any difference between the two, but both the bikes take a different approach. While the Pulsar 180 aims for more power, the Apache RTR 180 focuses on torque. Since the Apache is lighter than the Pulsar, it should be able to translate the performance better, especially when zipping through the city traffic. Also, the TVS motor gets an oil-cooler, while the Pulsar is air-cooled.

Underpinnings

Specifications	Pulsar 180	Apache RTR 180
Frame	Double Cradle	Double Cradle
Front suspension	Telescopic Fork	Telescopic Fork
Rear Suspension	5-step adjustable gas-charged Shocks	Monotube inverted gas-charged shocks
Front Brake	280mm disc	270mm petal disc
Rear Brake	230mm disc	200mm petal disc
Front Tyre	90/90-17 Tubeless	90/90-17 Tubeless
Rear Tyre	120/80-17 Tubeless	110/80-17 Tubeless

As you can see both the bikes are pretty close with respect to underpinnings. However, Bajaj has the advantage of larger brakes and fatter tyres. Both these aspects play their part visually, but more importantly, help in improving the dynamics of the bike. The RTR 180 was the first made-in-India bike to feature ABS and it was a dual-channel unit. However, the current Apache RTR 180 sports a single-channel ABS to keep costs under check.

Also Read: New Bajaj Pulsar NS160 Spotted

Dimensions & Features

Specifications	Pulsar 180	Apache RTR 180
Wheelbase	1345mm	1300mm
Ground Clearance	165mm	170mm
Fuel-tank capacity	15-litre	12-litre
Seat height	790mm	790mm
Kerb weight	151kg	141kg

The Apache RTR 180’s smaller wheelbase and lesser weight not only offer it more agility during spirited riding but also makes it easy to manoeuvre in bumper to bumper traffic. Whereas, the Pulsar 180 can be more stable and planted at high speeds, courtesy of its longer wheelbase.

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With a 3-litre larger fuel tank, the Bajaj Pulsar 180 also allows you to cover more distance, while saddle height is identical.

Price and Verdict

Pulsar 180 (all prices, ex-showroom Delhi)	Apache RTR 180
Rs 1,07,904	Rs 1,08,270

When it comes to the price, the Pulsar 180 costs just Rs 366 less than the Apache RTR 180. However, TVS offers a tad bit better features like the oil-cooler and GTT (Glide Through Tech) to help the bike crawl just by using the clutch. Also, the Pulsar design hasn’t been altered for years now, whereas the Apache RTR 180 looks much sportier.