Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTSi vs. TVS Apache RTR 180

The 180s are fast becoming the new 150s, the entry level performance bikes for the masses. Of late we’ve had premium 150s like Yamaha’s FZ-series that stand apart but also command a huge premium over the rest. The 180s then seem to be the next logical step – blame it on competition but they are much more affordable too. Till some time back, the Pulsar 180 was the only bike in the segment and enjoyed a dedicated following for nearly a decade. When age started showing, the 2009 edition was launched with a serious makeover and lots of appreciation. But to give it competition TVS launched the Apache RTR 180 and now stakes are high...OverDrive (Aug. ’09) takes a road test on the hills of Lavasa to single out the winner...

Style & Build
Both the bikes have been around for quite some time in one form or another and have received a fair amount of bells and whistles to keep them looking fresh and up to date.

The Bajaj carries forward the same styling but cycle parts borrowed from Pulsar 200 and 220 make a world of difference to its personality. A taller stance, beefy front forks and fat tyres differentiate it from the older 180 and the bike looks much bigger and intimidating now feel OverDrive testers (Aug. ’09). All the rest remains true to its Pulsar lineage though. The ergonomics too have been revised and the bike gets a higher steeped seat that is even more inclined towards the front, rearset footpegs and the tall clip-ons from the Pulsar 220.

The Apache has a more aggressive face compared to the Pulsar. The sharp fairing, edgy fuel tank and low stance immediately mark its hostile intent but there is no fundamental difference between the 180 and 160 other than paint jobs and graphics. It is more focused of the two when it comes to ergonomics but might prove a little strenuous while riding long distances as the seat is low and the pegs are set a little higher for an extreme seating position.

On the equipment front, both bikes are similarly specced and get digital LCD clocks, LED tail lamps and tubeless tyres. Build quality is equally good too but the Apache is a few notches up in the fit and finish department.

Engines & Performance
Both bikes are evenly matched when it comes to engine capacity. The Pulsar 180 displaces 178.6cc and now produces 17PS of power at 8500rpm. Max torque of 14.2Nm arrives at 6500rpm.

The Apache employs a bored and stroked version of the RTR 160’s engine, which now displaces 177.4cc. It produces 17.3PS of max power at 8500rpm and 15.5Nm of torque at 6500rpm. Unfortunately there is a world of difference in final performance as the Pulsar is heavier than the Apache by 10kg which tips the scale in TVS’s favour.

So, the RTR 180 takes just 4.45 seconds to hit 60kmph from standstill while 100kmph comes up in a quick 13.18 seconds. The Pulsar in comparison takes a lazy 5.08 seconds and 15.8 seconds to hit the same target. The Apache also posts a better top whack of 121.4kmph compared to the Pulsar’s 115kmph.

The RTR trades its fuel efficiency for performance but only a bit. It delivered 43kmpl on the city and 51kmpl on the highway compared to the Pulsar’s 45.8kmpl and 55.2kmpl in the same cycles.

Chassis & Handling
The new Bajaj Pulsar 180 is much better than the old one in all respects. The bike gets stiffer suspension; more forward biased seating and fatter tyres that give it the poise missing in the older 180. The new bike is more confident, although the steering is a bit heavy; the bike now feels planted round corners feel OverDrive testers (Aug. ’09).

But though it is an improvement, the TVS definitely scores higher. The RTR 160 is a great handler – the steering is quick and the forward biased seating with low bars makes for a very communicative front end. The RTR 180’s longer wheelbase has been optimised not to affect its cornering abilities. The set-up is stiffer, almost rock-solid on roads but enjoyable around corners. The bike sticks to its line and is far easier to tip in to successive corners, something that the 160 found a bit hard to do fluently.

Verdict
The Apache definitely scores over the Pulsar in all aspects but the Pulsar is equally good where value for money is concerned. At Rs.

68,985 in Pune, the Pulsar 180 is the cheaper of the two and does everything well for the average Joe and is similarly specced as the RTR. It also boasts the better ride and is more comfortable over long distances.

The RTR at Rs. 72, 893 in Pune, is more expensive by almost four grands but then at that price you get a better sorted package that will never let you down be it on straights or round twisties sums up OverDrive (Aug. ’09).