Best 160cc Bikes in India 2026: Apache RTR 160 4V vs Pulsar N160 vs Xtreme 160R 4V vs SP160 vs FZ-S

The 150 to 160cc class is where Indian riders graduate from a commuter to something with a little more fire. In October 2026 you can buy six strong options between roughly Rs 1.16 lakh and Rs 1.41 lakh ex-showroom, and they are surprisingly different from each other. Here is how the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Bajaj Pulsar N160, Hero Xtreme 160R 4V, Honda SP160, Honda Unicorn and Yamaha FZ-S Fi V4 stack up on price, power, safety, features and mileage.

Which 160cc bikes are on sale in India in October 2026?

We have picked the six bikes most buyers cross shop. The Apache RTR 160 4V got a fresh top variant on 17 September 2026 with a TFT screen, Google Maps mirroring, a panic brake alert and a Type C port at Rs 1,41,440 ex-showroom. Bajaj added a Gold USD single seat variant of the Pulsar N160 in May 2026, and Hero's updated Xtreme 160R 4V now offers cruise control and three riding modes. Honda's SP160 and Unicorn were refreshed for OBD2B norms, and Yamaha's FZ-S Fi V4 carries on as the only 149cc bike here.

Worth a look but not in our main table: the Suzuki Gixxer (155cc, about Rs 1.37 lakh) and Bajaj Pulsar NS160 (about Rs 1.49 lakh), which are priced a step higher.

160cc bike prices in India: what does each one cost?

On paper the Apache and Unicorn start cheapest, but the base Apache uses a rear drum brake and single channel ABS. The sweet spot Apache variants with dual channel ABS and USD fork sit around Rs 1.33 lakh, which puts them right against the Pulsar N160 and Xtreme 160R 4V.

Which 160cc bike is the most powerful?

The Apache RTR 160 4V leads with 17.3 bhp and the sharpest top end, followed closely by the Xtreme 160R 4V. The Pulsar N160 trades a little peak power for the meatiest midrange in the group, which you feel in city traffic. The two Hondas and the Yamaha are tuned for smoothness and economy rather than outright pace.

Spec sheet: weight, ABS, USD fork and features

Safety: who gives you dual channel ABS?

• Hero Xtreme 160R 4V: dual channel ABS plus panic brake alert, according to Hero's own website.
• Apache RTR 160 4V and Pulsar N160: dual channel ABS only on upper variants. Check the variant name before you pay.
• SP160, Unicorn, FZ-S Fi V4: single channel ABS (front wheel only).

Features: TFT, Bluetooth and USD fork

The SP160 is the surprise here: a 4.2 inch TFT with Bluetooth at about Rs 1.18 lakh. The Apache's new top trim adds full map mirroring on its TFT. The Xtreme 160R 4V is the only bike with cruise control and a KYB USD fork across the range. If you ride a lot at night, a brighter NightHawk 40W LED headlight is one of the most useful upgrades on bikes that still run halogen or modest LED beams.

Which 160cc bike gives the best mileage?

Real world figures cluster tightly. The Hondas return about 50 kmpl in owner reports, the Xtreme 160R 4V around 48 kmpl in BikeWale's test, the Pulsar N160 about 47 kmpl, the FZ about 46 kmpl and the Apache about 45 kmpl. The gap between the thirstiest and most frugal is under Rs 400 a month for a typical 1,000 km rider at current petrol prices, so do not let mileage alone decide this. Correct tyre pressure matters more than you think; a compact OPTIMUS tyre inflator at home makes weekly checks easy.

Which 160cc bike should you buy? Our pick by rider type

Daily commuter

Pick: Honda SP160. Smooth, light at 138 kg, about 50 kmpl and a TFT with Bluetooth for under Rs 1.24 lakh. The Unicorn is the choice if you want the simplest, most durable bike and do not care about gadgets. Office parking all day? A Hydra waterproof bike cover keeps sun and rain off the paint and seat.

Enthusiast

Pick: TVS Apache RTR 160 4V (dual channel ABS, USD variant). It is the quickest, has riding modes and the most racy chassis. The Xtreme 160R 4V is the smart alternative: nearly as fast, standard dual channel ABS and USD fork, plus cruise control. Whatever you ride, a pair of FANTOM riding gloves is the cheapest protection you can buy.

Pillion comfort and two up riding

Pick: Bajaj Pulsar N160 (split seat) or Honda Unicorn. The N160 has a roomy seat, strong midrange for two up overtakes and a 14 litre tank. The Unicorn's long, flat seat and upright posture make it the most relaxed for a passenger. Carry a heavy duty helmet lock so both helmets stay with the bike at stops.

Key takeaways

• Six solid 150 to 160cc bikes span about Rs 1.16 lakh to Rs 1.41 lakh ex-showroom (Delhi, October 2026).
• The Apache RTR 160 4V is the most powerful at 17.3 bhp; the FZ-S Fi V4 is the lightest at 136 kg.
• Only the Xtreme 160R 4V gets dual channel ABS and a USD fork as standard.
• The Honda SP160 offers a TFT with Bluetooth for about Rs 1.18 lakh, the best value commuter pick.
• Real world mileage sits between 45 and 50 kmpl for all six, so choose on riding style and safety kit.

Autofy spotlight

Autofy Motoplay 5 inch bike screen

No TFT on your 160? Motoplay adds a waterproof 5 inch screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and full map navigation to any bike, at a fraction of the cost of a top variant upgrade.

From Rs 8,499

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Frequently asked questions