The 150cc or 160cc motorcycle segment has always acted as an entry-level for the performance bikes for the world. And with the lack of players present in this category, TVS and Honda have decided to expand their portfolio by introducing the 160cc street racers for the Indian market. Dubbed as the Honda XBlade and the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V at a price tag of Rs 78,500 and 81,490 respectively.
With relatively smaller engines for performance bikes, its a fact that looks really do matter more than usual at this level, and this is where we found both the bikes making a solid pitch. While the TVS offering has a sharp, really sleek look in our view, the Honda Xblade is no slouch, though perhaps a more conventional look.
Before we get started, the Apache RTR 160 4V is available in three variants in the country. However, we will be comparing the entry-level carburettor fuel delivery engine (front disc and rear drum) with the Honda XBlade as they are in the same price category. Further, it is worth mentioning that the RTR also comes with the carburettor with front and rear disc for Rs 84,990 (ex-showroom) and Fuel Injected (FI) with both front and rear disc for Rs 89,990 (ex-showroom).
Design and Styling
Starting with the design, both the motorcycles come out well in the naked bike’s styling department. The RTR 160 4V share its looks from the elder sibling, the RTR 200 4V which is not a bad thing at all, while the XBlade is reminiscent of the Honda CB Hornet.
Starting from the front, the Apache comes with the sharp LED headlamp along with the edged LED day running lights, while the Honda gets an aggressive Robo LED face resembling the Transformers Optimus Prime (Picture Gallery). Further, the former bike features an edged and broad shoulder line, which is curved moving up to the tank. On the other hand, the XBlade’s visual appearance is more appealing with sharp/edged side as well as tank panel.
Moving to the back, the bikes feature some similarities which include the LED tail light, mudguard hugger for the rear tyre, mono-shock suspension and a long single seat. However, the RTR 160 4V carries the dual-barrel exhaust, while the Honda decides to stick with the traditional single-barrel exhaust.
Engine Specifications
The 2018 TVS Apache RTR 160 RV is powered by a 159.7cc displacement, single-cylinder, 4-valve, oil-cooled engine. It is equipped with a carburettor as well as the Fuel Injection delivery type. The former is capable of generating 16.28 bhp of maximum power, while the latter generates 16.56 bhp with the peak torque of 14.8 Nm. The machine is mated to a 5-speed transmission, which is claimed to deliver 40-45 kmpl (city).
On the other hand, the Honda XBlade draws its energy from the 162.77cc displacement engine, but only generates 2.38 bhp lesser power at 13.9 bhp and 0.9 Nm lower torque at 13.9 Nm than the Apache’s carburettor machine. Further, the bike runs on a single cylinder, air-cooled engine which is based on the Honda Eco Technology (HET). It is mated to a The machine is mated to a 5-speed transmission, and expected to deliver same mileage as the RTR.
Features
The Honda XBlade and Apache RTR 160 4V is equipped with the full-digital console with gear position indicator. The bikes run on the R17 alloy wheels with disk brakes at the front and R17 drum breaks on the rear. However, Apache has also added an option of the rear disk brake in the Rs 84,990 machine.
Further, the Honda does not offer an option of CBS or ABS as a safety feature. Other than this, the motorcycles come with the telescopic suspension at the front and mono shocker on the rear.