Hero Xtreme 160R 2V vs TVS Apache RTR 160 2V vs Bajaj Pulsar N150

Hero has launched the 2024 Xtreme 160 2V at a price of Rs 1,11,111 (ex-showroom), making it around Rs 10,525 cheaper than before and it gets a lot of changes to its design and gets a host of new features over its previous iteration. But how does it compare against the other 160cc bikes such as the TVS Apache RTR 160 2V and the Bajaj Pulsar N150? Let's find out:

Engine

Specifications	Hero Xtreme 160R 2V	TVS Apache RTR 160 2V	Bajaj Pulsar N150
Engine	163.2cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, 2-valve engine	159.7cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, 2-valve engine	149.68cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, 2-valve engine
Power	15PS @ 8500rpm	16.04PS @ 8750rpm	14.5PS @ 8500rpm
Torque	14Nm @ 6500rpm	13.85Nm @ 7000rpm	13.5Nm @ 6000rpm
Gearbox	5-speed	5-speed	5-speed

The TVS Apache RTR160 2V is the most powerful bike of the lot despite not having the biggest engine capacity. The Hero Xtreme 160 2V stands in between the Apache and the Bajaj Pulsar N150 in terms of power. However, it makes the most amount of torque thanks to its engine which has the biggest capacity among the three bikes. The Bajaj Pulsar will be the easier bike of the lot because it makes its peak torque the earliest which will make it a breeze to ride in the city.

Underpinnings

Specifications	Hero Xtreme 160R 2V	TVS Apache RTR 160 2V	Bajaj Pulsar N150
Frame	Tubular Underbone Diamond Type	Double cradle Synchro Stiff	Tubular Underbone Diamond Type
Front suspension	Telescopic	Telescopic	Telescopic
Rear suspension	Monoshock	Monoshock	Monoshock
Front brake	Disc 276mm Petal	Disc 270mm Petal	Disc 260mm
Rear brake	Drum 130 mm	Disc Variant: 200mm Petal Disc  Drum Variant: 130mm drum	Drum 130 mm
Front tyre	100/80-R17	90/90-R17	90/90-R17
Rear tyre	130/70-R17	Top Variant: 120/70-R17 Drum and Disc Variant: 110/80-R17	120/80-R17

All the three bikes get telescopic suspension and a monoshock. The Hero Xtreme 160R 2V should have a better braking performance of the three, since it gets the biggest front disc. In the rear, it is the Apache which gives the bigger brakes with a 200mm petal disc. 

The Hero gets the widest tyres of the three which will provide it the most amount of grip on the roads while the TVS and the Bajaj have skinner tyres which will make them more flickable and agile to ride.

Dimensions

The Apache should be easier than the others to navigate through tight spaces like parking and traffic jams, because of its shorter wheelbase. 

It also has the best ground clearance of the lot as it will be the least likely to scrape while going over sharp bumps and potholes. 

In terms of fuel tank capacity, the Pulsar N150 has the biggest tank which should provide it the most amount of range. 

The Apache should be the fastest bike since it makes the most power and weighs the least. Pulsar is the heaviest among the three, the Hero sits in between the two. 

In terms of features, the Apache leads the bunch with three riding modes: Sport, Urban and Rain, Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn connectivity, race telemetry, call and sms alerts. 

It is also the only bike to feature dual-channel ABS and a disc brake at the rear. 

The Hero also features a drag-timer, which is useful for those who want to test their quarter-mile times (which we don't recommend to do on public roads). 

Price & Verdict

(all prices ex-showroom, Delhi)

The TVS Apache RTR 160 2V is the bike which we would recommend you go for and offers the best value. It is also the most expensive bike on offer due to the additional equipment it gets such as disc brake at the rear, dual-channel ABS as well as riding modes. It is also the lightest, most-powerful and the one with the smallest wheelbase of the three, this will add up and enhance the riding experience in terms of outright performance and handling. We would also recommend that you get the variant with dual-channel ABS which provides the rider with a safety net when in need.