There are not too many 180cc bike models in the Indian bike industry at the moment. The two most extremely popular models are the Bajaj Pulsar 180cc and the TVS Apache RTR 180 (and its ABS variant). We have already reviewed all three bikes separately here, here and here. We have indepth study of the mileage as well as specs for each of these bikes in the links above. Anyway, I will try to be as comprehensive as possible while comparing all these three bikes together in this article.
Tech Specs Comparison
First up, let’s compare the technical specifications of the Pulsar and put it against the two RTR 180 models.The Pulsar is built with an engine that is just slightly bigger than the RTR 180. This again gives the bike a very slight advantage over the Apache bikes in terms of power. The max power on the Pulsar 180 is 17.02 PS whereas the corresponding figure for the Apache is 17 PS. The RTR scores in terms of torque though. You can expect a max torque of close to 15.5Nm @ 6500 RPM whereas the Pulsar only delivers close to 14.22 Nm at the same rev.
The TVS model has other advantages too like better navigation under rough terrain considering a ground clearance of nearly 15mm over what’s offered on Pulsar. But then, Pulsar is a little more easier on the wallet being available around 3000 bucks lower than RTR 180 and nearly 14,000 lower than the RTR 180 ABS. I’ve tabulated all the major specs and price (ex-showroom, Delhi) here below.
| Spec | Pulsar 180 | Apache RTR 180 | Apache RTR 180 ABS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 178.6cc | 177.4cc | 177.4cc |
| Max Power | 17.02PS @8500 | 17PS @8500 | 17PS @8500 |
| Max Torque | 14.22Nm @6500 | 15.5Nm @6500 | 15.5Nm @6500 |
| Wheelbase | 1345mm | 1300mm | 1326mm |
| Kerb weight | 147kg | 139kg | 139kg |
| Ground clearance | 150mm | 165mm | 165mm |
| Price (ex-Delhi) | Rs. 70321 | Rs. 73365 | Rs. 84180 |
Mileage Comparison
Frankly I think you should not be paying much heed to this section of the article. Bikes in the 180cc or above are purchased for their power and style and not for the economy. In any case, if you are having trouble deciding among the three based on the specs, features and price alone, maybe a fuel economy comparison could do the tie-breaker.
Let us first look into what the manufacturer claim is. According to Bajaj Auto, the Pulsar 180 should deliver 58.1 kmpl under standard testing conditions. As I have often observed in the past, these tests are conducted under extremely favourable road conditions and so if anything, the actual economy that you notice on city roads would be lower than this. But for a perspective, the corresponding figure quoted by TVS Motors for both the Apache RTR 180 and RTR 180 ABS is around 56 kmpl.
MaxAbout has comprehensively reviewed all three of these bikes. In their review of the Pulsar 180, MaxAbout calls the bike “well-built with a lot of bulk”. Their test reported an FE of around 38 kmpl on city roads that can go as high as 45-50 kmpl on highways. For the Apache RTR 180, MaxAbout says it’s basically a ‘carbon copy’ of the RTR 160 with a terrific pickup from 0-60 kmph. The mileage reported by their review for both the RTR 180 and the ABS variant is 38-40 kmpl on city roads but on the highways, while the ABS variant delivered 39 kmpl, the non-ABS model reported 42-46 kmpl.
BikeAdvice has been one of our other favourite sources. In their review, they note that the Pulsar delivers a much better economy on their 180cc compared to the Apache alternative. For city roads, the reported mileage for the Pulsar 180 and Apache RTR 180 are 41-46 kmpl and 39-44 kmpl respectively. However given the wide range, I still think there is no one winner to pick from the review. On highways though, the Pulsar wins with a reported 46-51 kmpl figure as compared to 43-48 kmpl on the RTR 180.
Let us now look at the reviews from BikeDekho. On this website, the reviewer calls the latest variant of the Pulsar 180 a ‘perfect blend’ of the vibrant contours of the older variant and the muscular build of the 2009 model. If you compare the reported mileage of all the bikes, you find the Pulsar to be a clear winner. The reported number for this bike is 43.4 kmpl while the corresponding number for RTR 180 is 35-40 kmpl.
On MouthShut again, there is much more love for the Pulsar compared to the Apache. While both bikes have got a 4/5 rating for fuel consumption overall, with respected to the reported fuel economy, the figure for Pulsar is between 43-50 kmpl while the same for Apache RTR 180 is around 40-45 kmpl.
So there you go. I have tabulated all the reported mileage on city roads for the three bikes (actually two, since both the RTR 180 and RTR 180 ABS have the same reported numbers) for you to pick. What’s your choice between the two bikes? Tell us in the comments.
| Source | Bajaj Pulsar 180 | Apache RTR 180 (ABS) |
|---|---|---|
| Official | 58.1 | 56 |
| MaxAbout | 38 | 38-40 |
| BikeDekho | 43.4 | 35-40 |
| BikeAdvice | 41-46 | 39-44 |
| MouthShut | 43-50 | 40-45 |
tvs apache is the best bike vs pulsar is very dirty bike
pulsar is the best apache cannot its performance
in the segment of 180 cc, the weightage of apache is more than pulsar,however the pulsur produces slight mor bhp than apache,the torqe of apache is very high than pulsur,which gives a great peak.
Merits:-
Well controlled, even in high speed
Well suspension as compare to others
Provides good torque
Headlight (day-night light) is very impressive
De-merits:-
In terms of look, no difference in apache 160 and 180
Height should be increased
Fuel tank outside shape is looking odd
Hi guys..
According to me Apache RTR 180 ABS” is good bike compare to Pulsar. It is having some extra features with ground clearance, Anti Break System, Max Torque, Wheel placement, weight and mainly anti grip tires in Apache. so go for it worth for the money. even Pulsar is good enough but Apache can be use for long life..
Thanks
Its Anti Lock Braking System! Not Anti Brake System!
Apache is the best bike of India..Pulsar is a dirty bike..Apache rocks, Pulsar sucks.
pulsar 180 nd apache rtr 180 is the best bike never compare…… but in 2 years ago pulsar is good but apache is sucks… It depend how can use the bike…. So if u use a long time than pulsar is best… I think
There is no doubt that Bajaj Pulsar is one of the best bikes in India,so definitely my choice is Bajaj Pulsar 180.
Apache is also gud bike but overall perormance of pulsar is mch bttr than apache….
Pulsar is the best sports bike
Pulsar is better than apache
Apache 180abs is a nice bike having awesome pick up
I owned 2 Pulsars previously & can say that Pulsar is the true Indian bike for common man with balance of power, mileage & style. Presently I am a proud owner of RTR 180 ABS. What can I say it’s a “Beast” in pick up, handling & performance. It’s better & safer than Pulsar
I want to buy a new bike. Which is better – Pulsar 150 or Apache 160? How about the mileage, maintenance, performance and quality? Your answer will be of great help to me
Pulsar is not worth buying as one of my friend holds an RTR 180 beast and I got pulsar 180. In terms of mileage and performance I think Apache holds the edge. Both bikes look cool but in terms of safety RTR is better than my pulsar 🙁
My bike is more noisy than RTR 180 🙁
Apache is a rocket!
Hey guys I am a slim guy but having well enough height. Can you suggest if I should buy Apache or not and also if its weight is high or low.
Both bikes are good and competing very tight against each other because my friend have P180 and I have RTR 180. Performance-wise RTR180 is better whereas mileage wise p180 is good one. I gave 3.5 stars to RTR180 and 4 stars to p180 out of 5 stars.
Pulsar is holds the edge and lemme tell you how:
0-60 of Apache is 4.5 sec
0-60 of Pulsar is 4.8 sec
The thing is, Apache has a good pickup whereas Pulsar picks up speed after 30, but when it does, it outrides Apache.
When you try to reach the top of Apache, its engine becomes unstable and produces tarnished sound (i must say noise).
When you reach the top Pulsar, it outrides Apache and smoothly slips to its top without any engine unstability and its sound also remains intact.
You can test this very thing yourself. Just give up the full acceleration of both the bikes at neutral one by one and you’ll get to see yourself.
The reason why the torque of Pulsar is less than Apache, the tyre of Pulsar is thicker than that of Apache that’s what decreases its torqe by 1nm. Whenever you are at the top of Apache and try to brake in a haste, chances are high that Apache will skid (be it ABS or simple discs, because of the thickness of the tyres) but Pulsar won’t skid that easily thanks to its tyres.
Conclusion is, Apache is for the moment because of its pickup and nothing else but for the now and the long run Pulsar is the choice because economy, top speed, acceleration, stopping power, power everything is holding an edge in Pulsar when compared to Apache.
The engine of Apache hallucinates after 15-20000 km but Pulsar keeps on running and running.
And the parts of Apache aren’t easily available but parts of Pulsar are easily available.
Pulsar is Definitely Male and rightly the No. 1 Sports Bike of India.