The Indian two-wheeler market thrives on a sweet spot: practicality meeting style. Riders – young and experienced alike – crave excellent fuel efficiency without sacrificing a touch of flair for their daily commutes.
Enter the ever-popular 160cc segment, offering a perfect blend of sporty aesthetics and impressive mileage. Here, we explore the top 3 contenders to elevate your daily rides:
Bajaj’s Pulsar series is synonymous with reliability in India, and the N160 continues that tradition with its DTS-i DNA. This popular bike boasts a muscular design, reminiscent of its elder sibling the N250, and a signature underbelly exhaust hinting at its sporty potential.
Powering the N160 is a 164.82cc air-oil-cooled engine, churning out a healthy 16PS and 14.65Nm. During testing, it delivered an impressive 51.6kmpl – one of the segment’s best – translating to a range of over 720km on its 14-liter fuel tank!
This pulsar comes with a fully digital instrument console and smartphone connectivity. It displays essential information, offers call and SMS alerts, and even boasts turn-by-turn navigation on the top-end variant with inverted forks. The N160 also features a USB charging port and three ABS modes – Road, Rain, and Off-Road – for adaptable performance.
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 starts at a budget-friendly Rs 1,33,408 and comes in three color options.
TVS’s Apache RTR 160 4V is a streetfighter with bold styling and an exhaust note that turns heads. Recently updated with a stealthy all-black option, it exudes an aggressive and sporty look.
This motorcycle packs a powerful punch for its segment. The 159.7cc air-/oil-cooled engine delivers 17.55PS in Sport mode and 14.77 Nm torque, making it one of the most powerful 160cc options. It boasts impressive acceleration, reaching 0-60 kmph in a mere 4.8 seconds. Fuel efficiency remains respectable, with a real-world mileage of around 47.61 kmpl in the city and 49.80 kmpl on the highway, thanks to its 12-liter fuel tank.
The Apache RTR 160 4V comes loaded with features, including LED head and taillights, an LCD instrument cluster with various readouts, and even smartphone connectivity with turn-by-navigation on higher variants. A unique feature is its three riding modes – Sport, Urban, and Rain – that adjust both engine output and ABS intervention. It also boasts segment-first technologies like Glide Through Traffic (GTT) for effortless maneuvering and voice assistance on the top variant.
With six variants available, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V caters to a range of budgets, starting at Rs 1,24,870 for the drum brake variant.
The recently refreshed Hero Xtreme 160R 4V maintains the legacy of the Xtreme series while offering a sportier and more powerful package. It retains Hero’s famed fuel efficiency while upping the performance ante.
The Xtreme 160R 4V boasts an upgraded 4-valve, 163cc air-cooled engine that produces 16.9PS and 14.6Nm of torque – significantly improving over the previous model. Mated to a 5-speed gearbox, it delivers a peppy ride. While claimed fuel efficiency figures vary, owner reports suggest a real-world mileage of around 45 kmpl.
This motorcycle doesn’t compromise on style either. It features all-LED lighting, a fully digital instrument console with comprehensive information, and safety features like hazard lamps and knuckle guards. Higher variants even offer Bluetooth connectivity for a more connected ride.
The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V starts at Rs 1,28,494 for the double disc variant, making it a budget-friendly option within this powerful trio.
This list provides a starting point to discover your perfect 160cc companion. Consider factors like your budget, desired features, and riding style. Most importantly, take your shortlisted bikes for a test ride to feel the difference.
The post Striking a Balance: Top 3 Stylish & Fuel-Efficient 160cc Bikes in India (2024) first appeared on Motoroids.