Find out how the newly introduced semi-faired Bajaj Pulsar 180F scores against its main rivals Apache RTR 160 4V & Hero Xtreme 200R here!
Bajaj Auto has introduced the new Pulsar 180F in India which is their other semi-faired offering besides the already existing Pulsar 220F which recently received its ABS update. The Pulsar 180F borrows the semi fairing from the Pulsar 220F while the rest of the motorcycle remains identical to the standard Pulsar 180.
The Pulsar 180F is the only semi-faired motorcycle in its segment which definitely gives it an added advantage over its rivals. That said, the Pulsar 180F rivals directly against the likes of the Hero Xtreme 200R and the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V.
We are comparing the Pulsar 180F with its rivals based on their styling, engine and performance, features and prices and find out how the motorcycle scores against them:
Bajaj Pulsar 180F Vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Vs Hero Xtreme 200R Styling
If we talk about styling then the 180F looks identical to the Pulsar 220F in terms of design except the different badge positioned on the rear tail panel. It gets the same semi fairing towards the front which features two vertically stacked projector headlamps. The fairing also gets side view mirrors mounted on it. The fuel tank and the rear profile of the motorcycle look identical to the standard Pulsar 180 though.
It even retains the same exhaust from the standard Pulsar 180 as well. However, unlike the Pulsar 220F glossy paint finished the recently introduced 180F is also available with an additional matte paint finish as well. What gives the Pulsar 180F an added advantage over its rivals is also the fact that it is the only semi-faired motorcycle amongst its rivals which obviously is an added advantage for the rider especially during highway rides.
The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, on the other hand, is a naked streetfighter which shares its styling cues with the bigger Apache RTR 200 4V that comes with clip-on handlebars and bigger engine. The RTR 160 4V motorcycle too looks quite stacked up compared to its rival. It gets an all-digital instrument cluster many more features from 200 4V to impress the buyers.
The Hero Xtreme 200R looks a bit dated now compared to its rivals here. The motorcycle offers nothing new in terms of design because it takes its entire styling cues from the previous Xtreme which is a bit disappointing. The only good point about the Xtreme 200R is the fact that the motorcycle manages to look a tad bit muscular compared to its 150cc sibling while the new graphics and prominent lines help give it a slightly bolder appearance.
Bajaj Pulsar 180F Vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Vs Hero Xtreme 200R Engine and Performance
Besides getting a new semi fairing Bajaj hasn’t actually made any mechanical changes to the Pulsar 180F. It is still powered by the same 178cc, air-cooled single-cylinder motor with digital twin spark Ignition. The engine is capable of producing about 17bhp of peak power and 14Nm of peak torque. The engine is paired with a 5-speed gearbox which sends power to the rear wheel.
The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is powered by a newly developed 159.7cc, single-cylinder oil cooled unit. This unit belongs to TVS new engine line up with four-valve technology. The engine is paired with a 5-speed gearbox that produces about 16.1bhp of peak power and 14.1Nm of peak torque.
The Hero Xtreme 200R, on the other hand, is powered by a 199cc air-cooled single-cylinder unit which is capable of churning out about 18.1bhp of peak power and 17.1Nm of peak torque. The engine is paired to a 5-speed gearbox. Now if we compare the Xtreme 200R with the Pulsar 180F and the Apache RTR 160 4V then the Xtreme 200R has slightly more advantage because it gets a bigger displacement engine and thus also generates more power and torque than the other two.
| Bajaj Pulsar 180F | TVS Apache RTR 160 4V | Hero Xtreme 200R |
| 4-stroke, 2-Valve, Twin Spark BSIV Compliant, DTS-i Engine, Air cooled | SI, 4 stroke, oil cooled engine | Air cooled, 4 Stroke 2 Valve Single cylinder OHC |
| 178.6 cc | 159 cc | 199.6 cc |
| 17.02 PS @ 8500 rpm | 16.5 PS @8000 rpm | 18.4 PS @ 8000 rpm |
| 14.22 Nm @ 6500 rpm | 14.8 Nm @ 6500 rpm | 17.1 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
| 5-speed | 5-speed | 5-speed |
Bajaj Pulsar 180F Vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Vs Hero Xtreme 200R Features
Talk about the feature and the Bajaj Pulsar 180F is perhaps the most basic motorcycle amongst the trio. Apart from the projector headlamp, LED tail lamp (which is the same as the standard Pulsar 180) there is nothing exactly new or exciting about the motorcycle to cheer up the potential buyers.
The Apache RTR 160 4V though gets an all-digital instrument cluster that provides plenty of information to the rider including a 0-60 timer, top speed recorder, and a lap timer. The motorcycle also gets an optional fuel injection as well available with the top spec model.
Lastly, the Xtreme 200R too offers a pretty basic instrument cluster (analogue tachometer and a digital display beside it). However, the Xtreme 200R is the only motorcycle amongst the rival to get a single channel ABS system for the safety of its rider.
Bajaj Pulsar 180F Vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Vs Hero Xtreme 200R Brakes and Suspension
The Pulsar 180F uses a telescopic fork up front and a 5-way adjustable gas-charged monoshock at the back. For breaking the motorcycles relies on a 260 mm disc up front and a 230 mm disc at the rear.
The TVS Apache uses a telescopic fork at the front and a monoshock setup at the rear developed in cooperation with Showa. The motorcycle uses a 270mm disc at the front and a 200mm petal disc at the rear to bring it to a halt.
The Hero Xtreme 200R has been fitted with the same conventional telescopic fork at the front and a 7-step adjustable monoshock at the rear. The motorcycle relies on a 276mm disc up front and a 220mm disc at the rear.
Bajaj Pulsar 180F Vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Vs Hero Xtreme 200R Price
The Bajaj Pulsar 180F is priced at Rs 86,499 (ex-showroom). The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is priced at Rs 88,344 for the disc variant (the fuel-injected variant is priced at Rs 95,345. The Hero Xtreme 200R carries a sticker price of Rs Rs 91,600 (ex-showroom).
Bajaj Pulsar 180F Vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Vs Hero Xtreme 200R Verdict
Bajaj has surely added more value to the standard Pulsar 180 by adding a semi-fairing which not only enhanced its overall styling but also added a better headlamp setup. However, you cannot deny the fact that this is basically the same Pulsar 180 under the new skin. Bajaj hasn’t made any significant updates to its engine or chassis.
The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is a completely new motorcycle. It not only get a new and improved chassis and engine but also a better suspension and brake setup as well and it has recently received ABS treatment.
The reason why anyone will choose the Xtreme 200R over its rivals is that it is the cheapest 200 cc motorcycle that you can buy in India at this moment.