The 160cc Motorcycle Showdown: Celebrating Our Unsung Commuter Heroes

The launch of the updated Honda SP 160 could shake things up in the underrated 160cc class of commuter motorcycles. This is a space that provides a safe haven to well-established motorcycles like the Bajaj Pulsar NS160, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Bajaj Avenger Street 160 and Honda Unicorn.

The 160cc segment balances performance, styling and fuel efficiency. Motorcycles in this category offer enough power for a thrill on open roads while also delivering decent fuel efficiency and comfort, thus making daily commutes easy. For riders seeking a performance-oriented commuter without jumping straight into the 200cc+ category, 160cc motorcycles offer the sweet spot. 

With the entry of the refreshed Honda SP 160, competition in the segment has intensified. The model upholds the brand’s legacy of reliability while offering an underrated design and a treasure trove of modern features. But is this motorcycle good enough to challenge the segment leaders? 

Let’s take a closer look at the 160cc motorcycles available in this segment for enthusiasts:

The 160cc Motorcycle Showdown

Honda SP 160

The Honda SP 160 is one of the most affordable and simple commuter options in the 160cc category. It comes with a five-speed gearbox and is powered by a 162.71cc single-cylinder engine that produces 13.1 PS of maximum power and 14.8 Nm of peak torque. The motorcycle features front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.

A standout feature of the SP 160 is its smartphone connectivity. It includes a 4.2-inch TFT digital speedometer that displays the trip meter, music control, navigation assist and odometer. The bike also has a USB charging port, LED headlight, taillight and alloy wheels with tubeless tyres.

The SP 160 has a seat height of 796mm, making it accessible to most Indian riders. It offers 177mm of ground clearance. The bike is available in five colours – Pearl Igneous Black, Matt Axis Grey Metallic, Pearl Siren Blue, Imperial Red Metallic and Matt Marvel Blue Metallic.

The ex-showroom price of the Honda SP 160 is INR 91,771.

Bajaj Avenger 160 Street

The Bajaj Avenger 160 Street feels like that cruiser you can always rely on. It is simple, looks cool and is built for the open road. Since 2006, it’s been one of the most famous cruisers out there and for riders who aren’t towering giants, its 737mm seat height feels just right. The low-slung stance and upright posture instantly bring to mind Arnold’s ride in Terminator or Ghost Rider’s fiery machine.

Powered by a 160cc engine producing up to 11.03 PS of power and 13.7 Nm of torque, the Avenger delivers enough grunt for smooth highway cruising. The 280mm front disc with ABS and rear drum brake keeps things safe, while the telescopic front suspension and adjustable rear shocks handle bumps with ease.

With the tall windshield, a 13-litre fuel tank and relaxed riding posture, the Avenger 160 Street is perfect for long rides, offering a classic cruiser charm without breaking the bank. It’s one of those bikes that feels at home whether you're weaving through city streets or chasing sunsets on open highways. 

The ex-showroom price of the Bajaj Avenger 160 Street is INR 1,18,566.

Hero Xtreme 160R

The Hero Xtreme 160R is also a commuter segment motorcycle that is bundled with features in a small package. It is powered by an air-cooled four-stroke 163.2cc single-cylinder engine that produces 14.79 bhp of peak power, making it one of the most powerful motorcycles in the segment. It also produces 14Nm of peak torque. The overall weight of the motorcycle is 139.5 kg with a 790mm seat height and 167mm ground clearance.

In terms of design, the Hero Xtreme 160R has dual-tone finishing, LED headlight, LED taillamp and digital instrument cluster. It also comes with a USB charging port and Bluetooth connectivity feature.

The starting ex-showroom price of the motorcycle is INR 111,111.

Bajaj Pulsar N160 and Pulsar NS160

Bajaj’s Pulsar series has long been synonymous with performance and style and their latest offerings in the 160cc segment – the Pulsar N160 and Pulsar NS160 – continue to build on that legacy. Each bike caters to a slightly different breed of riders but both stay true to the Pulsar DNA of power, practicality and bold design.

The Pulsar N160 is crafted for those who value a refined yet powerful commuter, offering practicality with a hint of aggression. On the other hand, the Pulsar NS160 leans into the sporty side, packing features that appeal to riders looking for premium performance and sharp aesthetics.

The NS160 stands out with two variants – the base model equipped with single-channel ABS and a higher-end version boasting dual-channel ABS and USD (upside-down) forks for enhanced handling. Meanwhile, the N160 sticks to the essentials with a standard version focused on delivering reliable day-to-day performance.

Under the hood, the NS160’s 160.3cc oil-cooled engine pushes out 17.2 PS of power, slightly edging out the 16 PS produced by the 164.82cc air-cooled engine on the N160. Despite its larger displacement, the N160 prioritises smooth and consistent power delivery while the NS160 flexes its muscles as the sportier choice.

In the torque game, both motorcycles feel evenly matched, thanks to their near-identical 14.6 Nm of peak torque. Both models offer a digital instrument cluster, but the N160’s larger 14-litre fuel tank makes it better suited for longer rides compared to the 12-litre capacity of the NS160.

The ergonomics says that the NS160 sits slightly higher with an 805mm seat height, providing better 170mm ground clearance, while the N160 offers a more accessible 795mm seat height and 165mm clearance. This positions the NS160 as a streetfighter, ideal for manoeuvring urban chaos, whereas the N160 stays planted in the commuter segment, offering a balanced and approachable ride.

Price-wise, the Pulsar NS160 comes with a starting price of INR 1.47 lakhs (ex-showroom), while the Pulsar N160 begins at INR 1.34 lakhs.

TVS Apache RTR 160 And TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Series

Bajaj and TVS are two of the biggest competitors in the Indian motorcycle market. TVS has launched two different motorcycles in the 160cc segment, the TVS Apache RTR 160 and the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V. The difference between these two models is similar to the contrast between the Bajaj Pulsar N and NS series but with different nuances. One is more aggressive than the other. Take a deep breath... now, guess which one produces more power.

The TVS Apache RTR 160 and the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V are both powered by the same single-cylinder 159.7cc engine. The RTR 160 delivers a maximum power of 16.04 PS, which is slightly less than the 17.55 PS produced by the RTR 160 4V.

In terms of torque, the RTR 160 generates 13.8Nm of peak torque while the RTR 160 4V offers 14.73Nm. The RTR 160 features a seat height of 790mm and a ground clearance of 180mm. Similarly, the RTR 160 4V has a seat height of 800mm but retains the same ground clearance of 180mm. Both motorcycles are equipped with a 12-litre fuel tank.

Despite their mechanical similarities, the main difference between the two models lies in their design. The Apache RTR 160 sports a sleek, minimalistic design, whereas the Apache RTR 160 4V features a bulkier and more aggressive appearance.

TVS has released multiple versions of both models. The starting ex-showroom price of the TVS Apache RTR 160 is INR 1.20 lakhs, while the Apache RTR 160 4V begins at INR 1.24 lakhs.

Conclusion

The 160cc segment may seem crowded but the options are straightforward. If you are looking for a cruiser, the Bajaj Avenger 160 Street is your only option. For performance enthusiasts, Bajaj offers the NS160, while commuters can opt for the N160.

TVS follows a similar pattern. For those who are seeking an affordable option, the Honda SP 160 is also worth considering.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to the rider’s preferences and needs.