This is our third article in the bike comparison series we started late last month. We are yet again pitting two popular 150cc bikes against one another – the TVS Apache against Hero Xtreme.
The Apache is TVS’ marquee bike in the power bikes segment. The 160cc bike was launched in 2007 and is as popular among bike enthusiasts as the the Hero Xtreme which you may also know as the Hero Honda CBZ Xtreme of the yore! Here is a tabled comparison of the core specifications of the two bikes.
| Specification | Apache RTR 160 | Hero Xtreme |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 159.7cc | 149.2cc |
| Max. Power | 11.19 kW | 10.6 kW |
| Max. Torque | 13.1 Nm | 12.80 Nm |
| Ground Clearance | 180mm | 145mm |
| Fuel Tank | 16 liters | 12.1 liters |
| Usable researve | 1.7 liters | 1.5 liters |
The Apache RTR 160 is available at a price of Rs. 71,340 ex-showroom Delhi while the Hero Xtreme is available at a commensurate price of Rs. 65,975.
Mileage Comparison
A quote I often put up on this blog is that with great power comes a lower mileage. Considering that the RTR 160 has a higher power and a larger engine cylinder displacement compared to the Xtreme 150, the mileage you can expect with the RTR could be lower than what the Hero Xtreme could offer. That is in fact true by a mile according to the company claims. TVS says the Apache RTR 160 can draw around 54.1 kmpl under standard test conditions while the Xtreme, according to Hero, can draw 65.1 kmpl. That’s a huge difference in the official claims from both the companies. Let’s see if the real world tests also derive similar results.
Let us start with BikeAdvice. In our earlier report on the Apache, this was one report that was hugely positive on the bike as far as mileage was concerned. In their article, the website claimed to have seen 56 kmpl fuel efficiency on the Apache RTR 160 in the long term. In comparison, the website had a slightly worse mileage report for the Xtreme. In an aggregated report of reviews from over 70 customers, we had noted last time that BikeAdvice readers saw a mileage of between 45-51 kmpl on the Hero Xtreme. That’s pretty low compared to Apache.
To have a more real world feel of customer feedback, let us next jump on to the MouthShut forums. There are over 200 reviews for the Apache 160 on this site as compared to 187 reviews for the Hero Xtreme. Both these bikes have received an overall rating of 4/5 from the reviewers as far as fuel consumption was concerned. When it comes to the real numbers though, the race is a dead heat. The average mileage reported on city roads for both the bikes range between 40-50 kmpl which does not give any great insights into which of the two bikes is better.
What’s amusing is that we do not seem to get a better clarity on the winner even when we check the classifieds postings on Olx from people who own the bike. The average mileage reported for both bikes again range between 40-50 kmpl.
| Source | Apache RTR 160 | Hero Xtreme |
|---|---|---|
| Official | 54.1 kmpl | 65.1 kmpl |
| BikeAdvice | 56 | 45-51 |
| MouthShut | 40-50 | 40-50 |
| Olx | 40-50 | 40-50 |
So what’s the verdict? Although Hero Xtreme has an obviously better mileage officially claimed, things seem to be different as far as the reviews from blogs and real customers are concerned. The mileages as seen by customers on real world are more or less the same on both bikes. That being the case, I would prefer to go with the Apache RTR over the Hero Xtreme. Why? Because Apache gives you a better power, torque along with much better looks at only a slightly higher price. Getting the same mileage as the Apache on the Hero Xtreme only means the mileage offered by the lower powered bike is not ideal. Apache is the winner in this race.
In comparison to the CBZ Xtreme,I think Apache has some advantages as it’s height is less which makes it suitable for Indian riders and its powerful engine just turns it into a more powerful option.Apache is a perfect sports bike.
Yes Apache is Better..Nice description
My apache 160 is the best . I have bought my bike 1 week ago. Nice , stylist, superv, also good mileage as well as 50- 55 kmpl.
HI!! am planning to buy apache rtr 160 2013 model plz share some of your openions……..
ya go ahead. i purchased apache rtr 160 of 2011 model.. 2013 model design is not good compare to old models even in efficiency and style. Better purchase old model.
yes apache 160 rtr must better then other bike like cbz and puler.
in my opinon you buy old model apacher rtr 160 bcz its look better and styles bike. i have red apache rtr 160.
I want to buy new model apache 160 . my height is 5 10″ . will this bike be suitable for me ?? wat is its mileage ??
@ Prasun yes height is not a problem for the bike. even I am of same number and comfortable while riding go for it 🙂
what is the mileage of bike ??
Prasun, this is what discussed in the above notes..
I own Hero Extreme since November 2012. its continuously giving me mileage between 43-48kmpl. it totally depends on driving conditions, it gives very great feeling as its the tallest in its segment.
While comparing with Apache, also consider the long term benefits, you can see CBZ’s of 2000 still riding perfectly on roads, while TVS does not provide that quality to be used for long term.
tvs apache and cbz comparing
Tvs apache is better then cbz. there are many function in Apache which not in cbz like fule indicator when fuel is too law.
tvs mileage depend on speed. 50 to 60 km par 50-55 ka mileage deta hai aur 70-100 ka speed me 40-50 ka mileage deta hai.
Aap ko kaise itna mileage milta hain mere pass bhi 160 RTR Rodo hain but my bike mileage is very low 35to40 ye hills area ka mileage hain ruf and tuf use ,, koi tarika hain to batayei ji Sunil sir assa mileage kaise milega
which bike is better Appachi old or new????? i want to buy bike in this month….
Delivery date 15 march 2013.i love and like the power of apache RTR 160 my apache give 70 to 85 kmpl
fake
Kathir bhai itna to mat fenko !
i got my apache 160 on 29 march 2013 and its all about 57kmpl am getting on d city roads… i suggest the best choice in apache is to go with the old model where the new model doesnt giv quiet good mileage compared to the old model…
True caption “RACING DNA UNLEASHED”
that makes a perfect one for APACHE…….
can somebody tell me one best feature of new apache160 with which i can convince my dad to buy it..
a perfect and complete feature of digital speedometer supported by a muscular body shape makes apache better
I am from dhanbad , its owesome bike friends. Go for new beast apache rtr 160 red. Becouse i have that Colour apache new beast.
hi,
i am planing to buy a bike in next month.
i want best mileage,and above 200cc,so anybody can suggest me which bike is good
i want buy new apache rtr 160 but confuised about its real milage anyone can help me
why apachis old one is better than new one accept styling? is anybody there to answer me >>>>>
i want to buy a new bike this month , please sugesst me which one would be better old one or the new apache beast and why ,though i love the new one and also tell the actual mileage of old as well as the new one .
please reply fast
Hai my height is 5.5″ and Im planing to buy the Apache160rtr .plz suggest me whether i can ride the bike without any problem?
hi all,
I am 6 feet and heavy build.will apache 160 be comfortable,and is there any issues of high maintenance.please tell
i am planning to purchase a bike in July. but i am confused between fzs and the new apache rtr 160.
which one should i buy ????
plz help me and suggest the better one from the two…
Cbz xtreme is good,better than apache…
You are comparing RTR 160 vs CBZ is totally unexpected for me. Look there are lots of things where CBZ will vanish as compared to the RTR beast. Few things are
1. mileage,
2. looks,
3.comfort
Lots of things.
CBZ Xtreme is finer to ride than Apache RTR. But the looks of cbz is a big turn off. I would have shelled off even around 1lac if the riding pleasure was anywhere close to Unicorn, but you have to sacrifice on one thing or another in every choice you make.
The feel and looks of Apache is best in class. But the bad riding experience makes it just a show off bike racing past its competitors. I too was amazed to ride the bike for the first time, but just after 10 mins of the ride I got bored and worked up due to its vibrations and discomfort. You wont face this issue in CBZ..
Butt even hen I am buying Apache RTR 2010 model as it has always been my dream bike.
This second hand bike I will sell off in a year or so once I get a better alternative. My requirements are these-
Engine quality of CBZ
Looks and revs of Apache
Refinement and comfort of Unicorn
And Yes, I wont go for a Pulsar ever. It’s such a commonplace and boring bike. I’d rather buy a lesser known 125cc bike than a regular 150DTSi.
So if you want long lasting and comfortable bike, go for CBZ Xtreme or else go for apache if you’re a typical Apache fanatic, totally in love wih he looks, feel and engine sound of Apache.. like me. I can’ believe I’m buying Apache knowing that I’ll have severe backaches, discomfor, and low value for money in the long run.
Guys, really dont consider Apache if you’re looking for a good bike.. But what can I do.. I just fell in love wih i.. aur pyar soch samajkar nahi kiya jata.. ye bas ho jata hai..
no bro tvs apache comes with over square titanium engine which is strong,lightweight,fast cool and u can travel upto 500 kms nonstop
rupye ache ho to hr chij achi lagti hai.
i wana buy apache 160rtr pls tell me its mileage and price range and which model i have to buy
I am totally confused. I cannot decide which is better.
which is better in RTR, either old model or upgrade model,, which one is stylish and good in mileage.
Guys I’m planning to buy Apache RTR 160 within a week. I had a doubt in its mileage so i want to know about its mileage. Please help me
Hi guys I owned my Apache RTR in sep 2011. Still it has no complaint and the performance is good.No complaint. Accelerating crazily like a cheeta. At a speed of 55-60 if we sunddenly increases the acceleration i experienced that it leaved the others in this segment far behind. But on daily riding chance is there for getting back ache due to the riding position. I have the same problem.
Apache RTR 2013 model is worthless. It’s a powerless bike. Also, not good looking at all. The average mileage is below 50. So don’t buy this bike it’s my personal opinion.
My CBR 150 is the best.
I don’t mean to offend you, I also used Xtreme 2011 model
CBZ Xtreme
Advantages :
It’s engine sound is very excellent; suspension is good. Best suited for tall people and its pickup in running of 50 above is good too. Good speeds can be maintained in villages
Disadvantages :
– It is tall for the average user
– Not a sports bike like Apache
– No sudden pickup like Apache after 70 speed
– Less stylish
– The lighting is less compared to Apache
Apache RTR 160 2010 Double Disk Model
Advantages :
+ Great looks
+ Comfortable for fat riders and average people
+ It doesn’t skid and has efficient braking thanks to back disk brake. I don’t know why TVS left the back disk after 2011 models, or maybe 2010 is limited edition
+ The beading sound is very lovely
+ The engine sound is less and engine performance will not vary with time like Bajaj bikes. The bike performance is same as new when I puchased it. Very slight difference.
+ Standard engine, very less maintanance required. We had to open the engine just twice so far and changed the clutch plates only once
+ As the engine hasn’t varied in the last 4 years, we can easily obtain spare parts
+ Good mileage as I have rode over 23000 kms and on an average, got 44 to 48 kmpl. I check mileage in a way that first fill the tank to the full and then read the readings and check the readings again at the second time of filling the tank
+ Suspension works good when dropping from a 2 feet height, but the suspension is not as smooth as CBZ
+ You will get a good price in second hand market
Disadvantages:
– Not comfortable for long rides – greater than 60/70 kms
– The engine will sound rough (not so heavy) if you have not serviced properly in a long time
– The spares are costlier than an average bike as compared to CBZ since you get all unbranded spares for CBZ but not for Apache.
– The pillion rider will not feel scared like CBZ and will get the same joy as the rider because the back seat is at a higher level and rider seat is lower
At last, let me say I support Apache.
Thank you all
Please write your bike review also it is useful for new customers and never write fake review
Well I bought my Apache RTR 160 beast. I must admit that this bike has some serious pick up. The voice of the engine is “Oh my God”. I loved it.
Disadvantages.
1.You will feel slight pain on your palm when you ride about 10 km or more.
2.Biggest problem with Apache series is vibration. When your speed is around 40 to 60, the bike vibrates a lot. But after that the bike runs smooth.
3.NO footrest and back seat is bit higher .
Advantages.
1.Awesome pick up.
2.Powerful engine in its class compared to other bikes
3.You will get the racing feeling when you ride this bike. Its comfortable.
4.Average is good – around 45 to 50.
5.Awesome looks
6.Has tubeless tires, also service cost is low.
All in all great bike. Well I love my BEAST very much.
From Abhi
Hi guys,
I have purchased this Apache RTR 160 beast. The thing is it vibrates a lot. Believe me, I just took a long test drive, but they said the vibration will be gone after 1-2 services. Keeping my fingers crossed. It cost me 74k(approx) on the front rear disc brake variant.
Hi guys,
I have bought the Apache 160 RTR. It’s a cool bike, but after driving only 20-30 km it’s getting heated up and does not run smoothly. It’s like heavy but when I stop the bike and switch off the engine on red light, it runs smoothly until the problem starts again. Please tell me if there is any problem with my bike.
I purchased it on 5th June 2014. From the first day, I am facing problems with the gear. At a speed of 40 kmph, the gear stops working. Anyone who has faced the same issue? Please reply.