Shootout: TVS Apache 160 4V vs Suzuki Gixxer SP
Shootout No. 173
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 96,620/- (TVS Apache 160 4V), Rs. 95,860/- (Suzuki Gixxer SP)
The Apache 160 looks just like the Apache 200 while the Suzuki Gixxer continues to look the same but gets new graphics
In the commuter motorcycle segment, the fight between the Indian and Japanese motorcycles has been crazy. The performance-oriented commuter segment has been booming in the last few years too and the Japanese have been dominating it. However, we have a Japanese with us, the Suzuki Gixxer, that has not had the best sales but has been the leader in the segment. This year, TVS has brought the competition to a whole new level with the Apache 160 4V. We now have the oldie Gixxer with a slight update against the newest contender, the Apache 160 4V.
Motor Quest: The Suzuki Gixxer entered the Indian market in 2014 while the TVS Apache 160 had a hold since 2008. While it had got a facelift in between, in 2018 the Apache 160 makes a comeback with an all-new platform based on the new Apache 200, sporting a 4-valve engine, new chassis and a completely new design. Meanwhile, the Gixxer gets an SP edition which adds a rear disc and new graphics.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/41273603294/[/flickr]
The Gixxer looks sweeter and meaner while the Apache looks sleek and aggressive
Styling – The Gixxer is the older motorcycle in this comparison and that by any standards doesn’t mean that the Suzuki looks boring or even dated for that matter. The heavily sculpted fuel tank, fatter front forks and rear tyre and the classic-looking triangular LED tail-light, now with clear lens make the Gixxer look like a proper sports commuter. Having said this, the chrome on the exhaust does look exaggerating and so do the graphics on this SP edition. The Y-split alloys, in comparison to the Apache 160’s, look way better.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/40185794720/[/flickr]
Fully digital but clumsy and smaller console does the job on the Gixxer
The Apache is vibrant and a head-turner, the Gixxer is more stealth and calm
Borrowing its design cues from its elder sibling i.e. the Apache 200, the Apache 160 4V is also a nice looker. Visually, it is the TVS that looks larger than the Suzuki. Being the latest entrant to the 160cc sports commuter segment, the TVS Apache 160 looks more modern with its LED DRL (snake fangs-inspired) headlight, sportier front fender and the double barrel exhaust. The chequered flag decal on the fuel tank silently tells you that this is no ordinary 160cc bike. Both the bikes get a single-piece handlebar, single-piece seat, split grab rails and LED tail lamps.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/40185794830/[/flickr]
Coming from the elder Apache, the console here looks free and easily readable
Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – Both the contenders in this comparison get a fully digital instrument cluster. Both the consoles pack in the necessary information like speedometer, odometer, tachometer, two trip meters, fuel level indicator and a clock. The Gixxer’s console additionally gets a gear position indicator (only the FI variant of the Apache 160 gets it). The Gixxer and the Apache 160 carb variant’s console gets orange backlight while the Apache 160 FI’s unit gets a more classy-looking white backlight. In terms of switchgear, quality is on par on both the bikes, however, the Apache 160 switches look and feel better-finished.
