Bajaj Pulsar 150 vs Tvs Apache 150 RTR : A Comparison
This page was last updated on 14-Aug-2024 04:30pm , By Arif Raihan Opu
Just a couple of years back the 150 cc segment was considered the premium segment in the desi Motorcycling Market. This Bajaj Pulsar 150 vs Tvs Apache 150 RTR :A Comparison aim to help the bikers to choose among them. But now the 150 cc category seems to have found acceptance by our "desi" bikers as the entry level performance oriented bikes which are also commuter friendly. By the term commuter friendly, we mean a reasonable priced bike which is expected to return a decent fuel economy.
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Compared below are the two best selling bikes in the 150-160 cc segment which are priced around Tk 1,99,500-2,05,000/- and have the reputation to give mileage of around 45-50 Kmpl.
The Bajaj Pulsar 150 cc and the New  TVS Apache RTR are the two warring about the new market dominance. For a basic comparison the bikes have to be compared side by side on the matter to decide which is the better bike. You can see latest pulsar 150 price in bangladesh here.
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The Bajaj Pulsar 150 was the original “definitely male†bike that was the first one to be positioned as the “male†among bikes. Thanks to this unique position the Pulsar 150 cc has been the most successful 150 cc till date.Technically speaking the TVS Apache RTR isn't a 150 cc bike and enjoys a 10 cc advantage over the other 150 cc bikes. It might be a small increment in cubic capacity but it does help the Apache RTR belt out a class leading 15.4 Ps @ 8500 RPM and 13.1 Nm of Torque @ 6000 RPM. Just take a test ride on the Apache to dispell all doubts that it is the current king in the 150-160 class.
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Now a basic comparison on all the parts of the bikes shall be done.
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Also Read: Bajaj Pulsar 150 AS Review,Expected Price In Bangladesh
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Best Looks: Bajaj Pulsar DTSi 150 and TVS Apache RTR 160
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the Apache RTR 150 is sharp and muscular looking. But it also happens to be the smallest among the lot and this is one aspect which will definitely put off many prospective buyers. Although the wheelbase of the RTR has been lengthened by 40 mm, the bike still looks almost like the old Apache 150.
As far as I understand, majority of Indians prefer a bike which looks and feels big. The RTR has been designed with compact dimensions in mind; which might be great for cutting corners but might not find favor among some bikers. Also on the move it’s not that easy to differentiate the new Apache RTR 150 from the older Apache 150. The racing stripes can only been seen by the rider sitting on top of the bike and a keen eye is needed to look out for the front Petal Shaped Discs and the alloy levers. Only when you seen the bright LED tail lamps at the rear or when you see the stunning “Yellow†colored (exclusive to the RTR) Apache, you will realize that it was the RTR which whizzed past you.
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Apachee RTR 150[/caption]_x000D_
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The size of the Pulsar DTSi 150 will manage to please majority of Indians. It is neither too big nor too small but just right. The chiseled looks and the extra features available on the Pulsar also manage to give it a handsome and up market appeal. The only thing that might go against its looks is that Pulsar’s are ubiquitous in every city, on every street and virtually around every corner of India. Familiarity might breed contempt for some.
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In the end the Pulsar DTSi 150 and the Apache RTR 150 was joint winners as the Best looking 150-160 cc bike.
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Most Comfortable Riding Position:
The Apache RTR 150 is the one with the most overt sporty riding position. TVS makes no attempt to please the commuters this time. The rider sits with the most rearset footrests among the three bikes and crouched on the low set clip on handlebars. Strange it might sound but on the RTR you will soon find that you have an alter ego called “Rossiâ€. But this very sporty riding position might translate into aching wrists on long drives.
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The riding position of the Pulsar DTSi 150 can be best described as neither as sporty as the Apache nor as upright as the other bikes in the class, it is on a scale of 1 to ten only seven
Ride and Handling:
The Pulsar DTSi has the most plush ride quality among the bikes. The Gas filled rear shocks of the Pulsar should actually be the prescription for every biker in the country with a bad back. The Apache RTR also features gas filled rear shocks but since TVS had a racing bike in its mind while designing the Apache, the RTR has a stiffer setup for its shock absorbers to aid quick handling and turns.
The Best Handling bike among the two is definitely the RTR followed by the pulsar 150. The stiff set ups has its own advantages when it comes to handling.
Engine Power/Performance:
On paper the RTR has the most powerful of these engines. After our test ride we can safely say that the RTR is not just a paper tiger but is definitely the most powerful 150 CC bike on local roads after Yamaha R15 V.2. It is followed by then the Pulsar DTSi 150. The Bajaj Pulsar has the most refined engine among the bikes . Vibrations crept in the Apache RTR around 4500 RPM. The RTR 150 is more refined than the older Apache 150 but as we found out in our test ride, TVS still haven’t ironed the vibrations out completely.
Gearbox:
The Apache RTR 150 and then the Pulsar DTSi 150 are the following in the list. The gearbox of the Pulsar has improved from its earlier versions but it still remains its Achilles Heel. We encountered no false neutrals on the Pulsar but the shifts are lifeless even though they are smooth. On the other hand the rtr purrs like a kitten while riding and changes or shifts like a monkey's jump.
Fuel Efficiency:
Bajaj Pulsar is the most frugal with mileage of around 50 Km/l in the new status.After roughly 5000 kms the mileage drops to 40-45 kmpl._x000D_ Apache RTR delivers an overall mileage of around 42 Km/l. These figures are of course expected since the RTR is the most powerful among the duo.
Conclusion:
Bajaj is definitely reaping the benefits of having taken the care to build a Brand around the “Pulsar†name. There are many who have grown up dreaming of owning a Pulsar. Bajaj just needs to take care to nurture the “Pulsar†brand; a job which I think Bajaj is doing extraordinarily well.
TVS has had enough of its conservative approach to making bikes and trying to catch up with Bajaj. In one clean move it has decided to appeal to the other extreme by ceasing the production of the TVS Apache 150 and pushing only the RTR 150. But purely for business concern, I fear that TVS might have gone a bit more than it should have had. The RTR might put off people looking for a comfortable 150 C.C bike to potter sedately around in town. But the enthusiast in me isn’t complaining.
Hope this Bajaj Pulsar 150 vs Tvs Apache 150 comparison will help you to choose the right bike for you.