Sep 17, 2007 04:19 PM
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This review intends to answer one Question. "If given a choice among the Bajaj Pulsar DTSi 150, Hero Honda CBZ Xtreme, TVS Apache RTR 160, which one would I go ahead and buy..??".This review is rated on following parameters.
1.Looks
2.Riding poition
3.Ride and Handling
4.Power and Performance
5.Gearbox
- Fuel Efficency
Looks:
I must admit that looks is an entirely subjective opinion. What might be a object of beauty for one might turn out to be an eyesore for another. Let us now jot down the positive and negative aspects of the looks of each bike.
The CBZ Xtreme loses out due to its awkward styling, lack of features like Digital Speedometers and also in fit and finish which we found was a bit lacking in comparison to both the Pulsar DTSi 150 as well as the Apache RTR 160. The only thing going for its looks was its big dimensions.
In contrast to the CBZ Xtreme, the Apache RTR 160 is sharp and muscular looking. But it also happens to be the smallest among the lot and this is one aspect which will definitely put off many prospective buyers. Although the wheelbase of the RTR has been lengthened by 40 mm, the bike still looks almost like the old Apache 150. As far as I understand, majority of Indians prefer a bike which looks and feels big. The RTR has been designed with compact dimensions in mind; which might be great for cutting corners but might not find favor among some bikers. Also on the move it’s not that easy to differentiate the new Apache RTR 160 from the older Apache 150. The racing stripes can only been seen by the rider sitting on top of the bike and a keen eye is needed to look out for the front Petal Shaped Discs and the alloy levers. Only when you seen the bright LED tail lamps at the rear or when you see the stunning “Yellow” colored (exclusive to the RTR) Apache, you will realize that it was the RTR which whizzed past you.
The size of the Pulsar DTSi 150 will manage to please majority of Indians. It is neither too big nor too small but just right. The chiseled looks and the extra features available on the Pulsar also manage to give it a handsome and up market appeal. The only thing that might go against its looks is that Pulsar’s are ubiquitous in every city, on every street and virtually around every corner of India. Familiarity might breed contempt for some.
Best Looks: Bajaj Pulsar DTSi 150 and TVS Apache RTR 160
Riding position:
The CBZ Xtreme has the most comfortable riding position among the three bikes. The rider sits upright on the CBZ Xtreme without any strain on his wrists. Not that the CBZ Xtreme has a commuter oriented riding stance. The footrests are in fact nicely rearset to give that sporty feeling. The CBZ Xtreme manages to please both worlds.
The Apache RTR 160 is the one with the most overt sporty riding position. TVS makes no attempt to please the commuters this time. The rider sits with the most rearset footrests among the three bikes and crouched on the low set clip on handlebars. Strange it might sound but on the RTR you will soon find that you have an alter ego called “Rossi”. But this very sporty riding position might translate into aching wrists on long drives.
The riding position of the Pulsar DTSi 150 can be best described as neither as sporty as the Apache nor as upright as the CBZ Xtreme.
Riding Position:
Most Comfortable Riding Position: CBZ Xtreme
Most Sporty Riding Position: TVS Apache RTR 160
Handling:
The Pulsar DTSi has the most plush ride quality among the three bikes. The Gas filled rear shocks of the Pulsar should actually be the prescription for every biker in the country with a bad back. The Apache RTR also features gas filled rear shocks but since TVS had a racing bike in its mind while designing the Apache, the RTR has a stiffer setup for its shock absorbents to aid quick handling and turns. The CBZ Xtreme has the most stiff set up in terms of ride quality. The culprit here is definitely the lack of gas filled rear shock absorbers.
The Best Handling bike among the three is definitely the RTR followed closely by the CBZ Xtreme. The stiff set ups has its own advantages when it comes to handling.
Ride and Handling:
Best Ride: Bajaj Pulsar DTSi 150
Best Handling: TVS Apache RTR 160
Power and Performance:
On paper the RTR has the most powerful of these three engines. After our test ride we can safely say that the RTR is not just a paper tiger but is definitely the most powerful 150-160 CC bike on Indian roads. It is followed by the CBZ Xtreme and then the Pulsar DTSi 150. The CBZ Xtreme has the most refined engine among these three followed by the Pulsar. Vibrations crept in the Apache RTR around 4500 RPM. The RTR 160 is more refined than the older Apache 150 but as we found out in our test ride, TVS still haven’t ironed the vibrations out completely.
Engine Power/Performance:
Most Powerful : TVS Apache RTR 160
Most Refined Engine: CBZ Xtreme
Gearbox: The CBZ Xtreme has the best gearbox followed by the Apache RTR 160 and then the Pulsar DTSi 150. The gearbox of the Pulsar has improved from its earlier versions but it still remains its Achilles Heel. We encountered no false neutrals on the Pulsar but the shifts are lifeless even though they are smooth.
Gearbox
Best Gearbox: CBZ Xtreme
Fuel Efficency:
Fuel efficiency is one aspect which we definitely did not and could not have checked in our brief test ride at the showrooms. But the August 2007 issue of Autocar India carries a comparision between these three bikes. According to the magazine the Bajaj Pulsar is the most frugal with mileage of around 50 Km/l. The CBZ Xtreme comes in next with mileage a little bit below the Pulsar. According to the August 2007 issue of the Autocar India the Apache RTR delivers an overall mileage of around 42 Km/l. These figures are of course expected since the RTR is the most powerful among the trio.
But what comes in as a surprise is the Test Ride of the Apache RTR 160 published in the August 2007 issue of Overdrive Magazine. Overdrive has quoted a mileage figure of 55 Km/l in the City..!! Hhmm… If the RTR gives a mileage of anything above 50 Km/l, then I’ll accept that TVS engineers have learnt to find a way around the laws of Physics. After all, “Can we have the cake and eat it too..??”
Fuel Efficiency:
Most Fuel Efficient: Bajaj Pulsar DTSi 150 (According to Aug 2007 issue of Autocar India)
Conclusion:
Hero Honda has really messed up the styling of a brilliant bike. If only had it got the styling of the CBZ Xtreme somewhat close to the original Hero Honda CBZ, it definitely would have appealed to lot more bikers.
Bajaj is definitely reaping the benefits of having taken the care to build a Brand around the “Pulsar” name. Bajaj just needs to take care to nurture the “Pulsar” brand; a job which I think Bajaj is doing extraordinarily well.
TVS has had enough of its conservative approach. In one clean move it has decided to appeal to the other extreme by ceasing the production of the Apache 150 and pushing only the RTR 160. But the RTR might put off people looking for a comfortable 150 C.C bike to potter sedately around in town.
Verdict:
Yes, I would certainly recommend Extreme. If your priorities are Powerful yet refined engine, Hassle free gearbox, Big bike feel and Trusted and reliable Brand name, then Extreme is the one for u(if you are willing to compromise on Looks).
