The 160cc motorcycle segment in India is one of the best segments when it comes to performance and affordability, and therefore has become increasingly popular among riders. These are budget friendly bikes that pack more power than the 110–125cc bikes. In this extensive article, we will be discussing the top 5 cheapest 160cc bikes in India, their features, and why you should look into these bikes as your next two wheeler buy.
What Makes 160cc Bikes So Popular in India?
The Indian market has seen a huge growth in the 160cc segment because of its versatility. They are a combination of power, efficiency and price that attracts a vast number of riders. While they don’t have performance that will satisfy all needs, they provide enough performance for the city commute and occasional highway ride, making them perfect for daily use and weekend getaways.
How Do 160cc Bikes Compare to Other Segments?
160cc motorcycles give the rider more power and torque compared to smaller 110-125cc bikes, and therefore better acceleration and top speed. This makes them more appropriate for riders who need to deal with different road conditions or who regularly have to carry a pillion passenger. However, they are more fuel efficient and easier to handle in city traffic than larger displacement bikes.
What Are the Top 5 Most Affordable 160cc Bikes in India?
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the list of top 5 most affordable 160cc bikes in the Indian market.
- TVS Apache RTR 160: Known for its sporty look and performance.
- Bajaj Pulsar N160: A popular choice with modern features.
- Hero Xtreme 160R: Offers a balance of style and substance.
- Honda Unicorn: A reliable and comfortable option.
- Bajaj Avenger Street 160: The only cruiser in this list.
TVS Apache RTR 160: The Sporty Performer
Amongst the enthusiasts, the TVS Apache RTR 160 is a popular 160cc bike that offers sportiness. The engine is a 159.7cc single cylinder that is good balance of power and efficiency.
Key Features:
- Power output: 15.31 bhp
- Torque: 13.9 Nm
- Mileage: Around 45-50 kmpl
Price: Rs. 1.19 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards.
Features like LED headlamps, digital instrument cluster, muscular design, and so on attract the younger riders and the Apache RTR 160 comes with all these features.
Bajaj Pulsar N160: The Modern Contender
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is the latest entrant in the 160cc segment and it comes with modern features and design. The engine is an oil cooled 164.82cc with smooth power.
Key Features:
- Power output: 15.68 bhp
- Torque: 14.65 Nm
- Mileage: Around 45-50 kmpl
- Starting from Rs. 1.23 lakh (ex-showroom), price
Higher variants of the Pulsar N160 get features like a fully digital instrument cluster, LED headlamp and tail light and dual channel ABS.
The Hero Xtreme 160R: Style Quotient of Substance
The Hero Xtreme 160R has been built for the riders who want both style and performance. A 163cc air cooled engine powers it and gives it peppy performance.
Key Features:
- Power output: 15.2 bhp
- Torque: 14 Nm
- Mileage: Around 45-50 kmpl
The price of the bike starts from Rs. 1.19 lakh (ex-showroom).
Safety features such as LED headlamp, digital instrument cluster and side stand engine cut off are present on the Xtreme 160R.
Honda Unicorn: The Reliable Commuter
Honda Unicorn has been a standard in the 160cc segment, with its reliability and comfortable ride. Powered by a 162.71cc engine, it emphasizes on smooth performance and fuel efficiency.
Key Features:
- Power output: 12.73 bhp
- Torque: 14 Nm
- Mileage: Around 50-55 kmpl
The price starts from Rs. 1.09 lakh (ex-showroom).
Not having all the bells and whistles of its competitors, however, the Unicorn takes a no stuff attached approach to daily commuting.
Bajaj Avenger Street 160: The Affordable Cruiser
This list comprises of only one cruiser, the Bajaj Avenger Street 160, which gives you a unique riding experience in the 160cc segment. The 160cc air cooled engine that powers it is tuned for relaxed cruising.
Key Features:
- Power output: 15 bhp
- Torque: 13.7 Nm
- Mileage: Around 45-50 kmpl
Price: Rs. 1.07 lakh (ex-showroom) and onwards.
In a comfortable cruising position, the Avenger Street 160 has a low slung seat, raised handlebars and forward set footpegs.
What Features Can You Expect in a 160cc Bike?
There are many features that are offered with most 160cc bikes to make the ride more enjoyable:
- Digital Instrument Clusters: Providing essential information at a glance.
We can also see LED Lighting which brings better visibility and higher aesthetics. - ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): Enhanced safety during hard braking.
Some models provide call and SMS alerts.
How Do These Bikes Perform in City Traffic?
The 160cc bikes are good for city riding as they provide a good balance between power and maneuverability. Lightweight and responsive engines make them as easy as accessible to navigate through congested streets.
Are 160cc Bikes Suitable for Long Rides?
Although meant to be used in the city, many 160cc bikes can be used some on the highway. If you don’t plan on making these long distance tours too often, then you can go for bikes with smaller engine capacities.
Average Fuel Efficiency of 160cc Bikes
Depending on riding conditions and maintenance, most 160cc bikes will offer a mileage in the range of 45 to 55 kmpl. These are more fuel efficient than larger bikes and more performance than the smaller bikes.
How Frequently Does It Take Servicing 160cc Bikes?
Usually, the servicing of 160cc bikes is done every 3000-5000 km or after every 3-4 months whichever is earlier. Keeping an air conditioning unit well maintained will ensure optimal performance and longevity.
What is the future of the 160cc segment in India?
In India, the 160cc segment is expected to grow further as manufacturers keep introducing new models and updating the existing ones. In the years to come we can, of course, expect more advanced features, better performance, and who knows — even hybrid technology.
Key Takeaways
Bikes with 160cc are a mix of both power and efficiency and economical as well.
TVS Apache RTR 160, Bajaj Pulsar N160, Hero Xtreme 160R, Honda Unicorn, Bajaj Avenger Street 160 are top affordable options.
These bikes usually come with digital display, LED lighting and ABS.
City riding and occasional highway use are the best uses of 160cc motorcycles.
It is expected that the segment will grow further as more advanced features are included in future models.
To conclude, the 160cc segment has a lot of options for riders who want to buy a motorcycle that is capable and yet reasonably priced. I will try to find a sporty ride [or] maybe a comfortable commuter [or] a relaxed cruiser (whatever you prefer), but whatever it may be, I will be able to pay from it.
