The recent launch of Apache RTR 180 has caused quite a stir in the performance oriented category in the Indian motorcycle segment. It’s the RTR 180 vs Pulsar 180. A long time ago someone dared to threaten the Pulsar family. With the RTR 160 and RTR 160 Fi on the roads, the RTR 180 takes on the Pulsar 180 head-on; immediately. BikeAdvice takes a closer look at both bikes to find out which is better.

The Pulsar carries with it the ‘Bajaj’ logo, a two-wheeled company that has managed to change its image from a scooter manufacturer to a motorcycle manufacturer. Bajaj bikes are known to have a lot of power, performance and are very reliable. Its acclaimed DTSi and exhaustEC technologies are sure to amaze you.

The RTR 180 stems from the popular Apache series that made its mark in December 2005 with the Apache 150. It also enjoys a strong following, but TVS bikes lack reliability. You’ll still find the RTR shaking with fear once you cross the 80km/h mark with a passenger.

In the bike: Get out of the Pulsar and into RTR, and you’ll be disappointed in the quality of TVS. Cheap plastic buttons and buggy speedometers along with ill-fitting boots are a shame, as the rest of the interior is nice.

The riding posture is set to forward on RTR 180, while Pulsars have normal ones. That all together makes a big difference in ride quality. The rear seat passenger will also feel more comfortable sitting in an RTR due to its forward footrests and uniquely elegantly designed handrails that are better than those on pulsars. RTR specially developed racing crouch mirrors provide better angle and safety plus look cool too.

Driving the RTR with its flowing Racing Stripes will double your driving confidence. Its white themed tachometers along with an RTR 180 Racing logo are sure to get your pulse racing not to mention the powerful RTR engine.

The pulsar 180, on the other hand, will not provide such emotions. You just have to be satisfied with a dazzling Pulsar 3D logo and the aura it carries with itself. Both motorcycles are equipped with a clip-on feature on the handlebars that will allow you to try various riding positions. The Pulsar 180 also has split seating for pilot and passenger.

Technology:

1. LCD digital console: Pulsar’s digital LCD console senses brightness and adjusts accordingly. The RTR console is more sophisticated although it does not have such features. What it does offer is a 0-60 race lap timer along with a top speed recorder. A blue color theme is a fresh take on oranges. A service expiration reminder and a 12/24 hour digital clock is an added dimension.
2. Taillights: LED lamps with prism installed in the lens, the rear of the RTR is safer than that of the Pulsar.
3. Braking: The Pulsar’s 260mm front disc brakes are no match for the RTR’s Rotopetal 270mm disc brakes. Dirt racing-inspired petal-shaped disc brakes help cool the brake pads faster, resulting in much more efficient and effortless braking. In addition, the RTR also features 200mm petal-shattering rear brakes. If nothing else, sudden braking is a guarantee.
4. Tires: The Apache RTR 180 comes with lighter tubeless tires for both the front and rear, while the Pulsar does not. Now this is a great bonus. A tubeless tire has better road grip and reduces punctures. This once again highlights the amount of detail that went into its development.

Style: If you’re still impressed by the wolf headlamp fairing on the Pulsar, you’ll definitely be excited about the RTR’s racing ergonomics. The unique, detachable fender is sure to turn heads. One-piece alloy brake pedals and levers provide that extra thrill.

It certainly heralds a new approach to motorcycling. What’s more, IDI Silencer Canister is even said to have claimed to have been designed. Its flowing racing stripes that run the length of the bike epitomize RTR’s Racing pedigree. RTR also sports an aggressive engine cowl that adds an extra dose of sportiness. Add to that its self-illuminating rims and what you get is a bike that gets you as close to the Racing experience as possible.

Performance: The Pulsar’s 178.6cc DTSi engine makes 17.02bhp, while the RTR’s 177.4cc engine makes 17.3bhp. Pulsar’s top speed is 116 km/h, while RTR’s is 124 km/h. The RTR logs faster lap times thanks to being lighter than Pulsar by a good 10kg. The RTR 180 weighs 137kg, while the Pulsar weighs 147kg. Clearly, the RTR 180 smokes everything; even your expectations.

Verdict: If you just ride and want performance with reliability and would also like to ride in your own world without much fuss, go for the Pulsar 180. But if you’re looking for serious style and want to be a show stopper by grabbing all that attention then just grab an Apache RTR 180. Rest assured, you’ll turn heads wherever you go, even if its reliability is still questionable.