The recent launch of Apache RTR 180 has triggered a big stir the performance oriented category in the Indian motorcycle segment. It's the RTR 180 vs Pulsar 160. It's been a long time somebody dared to threaten the Pulsar family. With already the RTR 160 and RTR 160 Fi on the roads, RTR 180 takes the Pulsar 160 head on; straight away. BikeAdvice takes a closer looks on both the bikes to find out which one's better.
The Pulsar brings with it the 'Bajaj' logo, a two wheeler company which has successfully changed its image from a scooter manufacturer to motorcycle manufacturer. Bajaj's bikes are known to be high on power, performance and highly dependable. It's highly acclaimed DTSi and exhausTEC technologies are sure to amaze you.
RTR 180 comes from the popular Apache series which made its mark right back in December 2005 with Apache 150. It also enjoys a huge fan base but TVS bikes lack reliability. You'll still find the RTR trembling in fear once you cross the 80km/hr mark with a pillion rider.
On The Bike: Step out from the Pulsar and get into RTR, and you will feel let down by TVS's quality. Cheap plastic buttons and error creeping speedometers along with ill fitting boots are a shame as rest of the interiors is nice.
The riding posture is forward set up in RTR 180 whereas Pulsars have normal ones. That brings altogether a huge difference in ride quality. A pillion rider will also feel more comfortable sitting on a RTR because of its forward set foot pegs and elegantly designed unique grab rails which are better than of pulsars. RTR's specially developed race crouch mirrors provide better angle and safety besides looking great too.
Riding the RTR with its fluid Racing stripes will double your riding confidence. Their white theme tachometers along with an RTR 180 Racing logo are sure to set your pulse racing not to mention the RTR's powerful engine.
The pulsar 160 on the other hand will not provide any such excitements. You just have to be satisfied with a dazzling Pulsar 3D logo and the aura which it carries on with itself. Both the motorcycles are equipped with a clip on handlebars feature which will enable you try various riding positions. The Pulsar 160 also has split seat for rider and the pillion.
Technology:
L.C.D. Digital Console: The Pulsar's LCD Digital Console senses the brightness and adjusts itself accordingly. The RTR's Console is more sophisticated even though it does not have any such features. What it offers is 0-60 race lap timer along with a Top speed recorder. A blue color theme is a fresh approach from the orange ones. A Service due reminder and a Digital clock with 12/24hr format is an added dimension.
Tail Lamps: L.E.D. Lamps with prism fitted on lens, the RTR's rear is safer than the Pulsar's.
Braking: The Pulsar's 260mm front disc brakes are no match for the RTR's 270mm Rotopetal Disc brakes. The Dirt racing inspired petal shaped disc brakes help in faster cooling of brake pads and results in much efficient and effortless braking. On top of it RTR features a 200mm Rotopetal Rear brakes too. If not anything else, a razor sharp braking is a guarantee.
Tyres: The Apache RTR 180 comes with lighter tubeless tires for both front and rear, whereas the pulsar doesn't. Now this is a huge Bonus. A tubeless tire has better grip on the road and reduces the puncture hiccups. This once again highlights the amount of detailing the RTR's are gone into its development.
Styling: If you still get impressed by the wolf headlamp fairing on the Pulsar, you would definitely be excited by the RTR's racing ergonomics. The Detachable and unique mudguard are sure to grab your eyeballs. The one piece alloy brake pedals and levers provide that added excitement.
No doubt, it announces fresh approach to motorcycling. What's more even the IDI Silencer Canister is said to have claimed to have engineered. Its fluid racing stripes which run all along the bike epitomize RTR's Racing pedigree. RTR also sports an aggressive engine fairing which adds an extra dollop of sportiness. Add to it its self illumination rims and what you get is a bike that gets you as close to the Racing experience as you can.
Performance: The 178.6cc DTSi engine of Pulsar shells out 17.02bhp while the RTR's 177.4cc engine blows out 17.3 bhp. Pulsars top speed is 116km/hr while RTR's is 124km/hr. The RTR clogs faster lap times thanks to it being lighter than Pulsar by a good 10kg's. The RTR 180 is 137kg whereas Pulsar is 147kg. Quite clearly, the RTR 180 smokes out everything; even your expectations.
Verdict: If you are just a commuter and want performance with reliability and also would like to ride in your own world without much buzz about it go for the Pulsar 160. But if you are looking for some serious styling and want to be a show stopper grabbing all those attention then just grab an Apache RTR 180. Rest assured it'll turn heads everywhere you go even tough its reliability is still questionable.
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