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.
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.
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.
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.
Overall comfort is better on the Gixxer which is more suitable for short as well as tall riders
Ergonomics – The ergonomics department is where both the Suzuki Gixxer SP and the TVS Apache 160 4V differ to a considerable extent. Seating posture on the Gixxer is more upright while it is slightly committed on the Apache 160. Footpegs are centre set on both the bikes however they are a little raised on the Apache. The single-piece seat setup ensures your ride is comfortable at all times. The Gixxer has a lower seat height at 780 mm while the Apache is slightly higher at 800 mm. The Apache is more suited for shorter riders as the distance between the footpegs is less making the knee cramped to the tank a little more.
The pillion however is more comfortable on the Apache, thanks to the wider seat
Shorter seat height and an upright seating posture make the Gixxer more appealing than the Apache
The Gixxer, however, has a higher step-up seat for the pillion, while the Apache is more comfortable for the pillion with the wider seat. Overall, both the Gixxer and the Apache 160 are comfortable motorcycles to live with. The latter will appeal more to the youth courtesy it’s slightly aggressive riding position while the former will be considered by those who are looking for a no-nonsense bike for regular commutes with occasional inter-state trips.
Performance – Powering the TVS Apache 160 4V is an all-new 159.7cc engine developed on the Apache 200 platform. While the same on the Gixxer is the crazy 155cc Japanese mill that produces 14 BHP of power and 14 Nm of torque. After the BS4 norms and addition of AHO, the power is slightly reduced in the Gixxer. However, the Apache produces 16.5 BHP making it the most powerful bike in this segment. The Apache surely is smoother then it’s elder sibling but it is not as smooth as the Gixxer’s powerplant. With 4-valves and a shorter stroke design, the Apache’s engine is more free revving while the Gixxer takes a little time to loosen up.
These engines are very refined, TVS actually competes well here
Better low-end of the Gixxer makes it apt for the city, the Apache is still quicker
The vibrations from the engine are drastically reduced, however, the noise from the engine is more evident on the Gixxer than on the Apache. There is no harshness what-so-ever, but both the engines lose out on their breath as they hit the redline. The Apache, however, has no limiter to it and revs its heart out on lower gears over 11,000 RPM. The gearbox on the Gixxer was an issue as the shifts were hard earlier, but Suzuki has worked it out well and the shifts are now slick and less hard. The clutch on the Gixxer too was the lightest, but the overall feel of the clutch and gearbox on the Apache 160 is better.
Thicker tyres make the Gixxer more stable around the corners
Riding Dynamics – When you ride a performance-oriented 160cc motorcycle in the city, the mindset is to look out for a bike that is quick, comfortable and yet easy to handle in traffic. Both these bikes offer optimum riding comfort while having spot-on dynamics. The Gixxer has a more comfortable ride and handles corners really well. It stays planted all the time. The Apache, however, feels more agile and is more nimble to take on traffic and it is very easy to flick it around the corners. The Gixxer wins here with comfort and stability; while the Apache is more eager and stays committed to the line.
Apache holds the line really well, thanks to the SyncroStiff chassis
The Apache feels sportier to ride even though it has a softer suspension
Apache 160 runs on thinner tyres, same as on the Apache 200. While the Gixxer has had the 140 section rear tyre from the very beginning and it rules in the matter of grip. The feedback from the suspension and the tyres are confidence inspiring on the Gixxer. Although the Apache is slightly stiffly sprung, it aids to its nimble and agile nature. The braking feedback on the Gixxer is better while the Apache stops quicker. The rear disc on the Apache feels wooden at times while the same on the Gixxer handles more than 30% of the braking. Although the Gixxer can’t match the feedback from the front petal discs of the Apache 160, it just stops!
At a mere difference of price, chosing one is the real challenge
Verdict – The Suzuki Gixxer has been in the market for quite some time and is ruling the performance-commuter segment. However, the limited service network as compared to the other Japanese brands is the reason for lower sale numbers. And this time TVS has got it right where it needed to be – a bike ready to take on the leadership in the 160cc category. The Apache as a package is much fresher and offers a lot at the same price, the Gixxer however, is slightly more practical for the commuter part. If taken into complete perspective there is a very thin line between these two bikes, while these motorcycles look and come from places poles apart. For the fun and looks, the Apache is the one to go for while for the mature and practical purpose, the Gixxer works it’s way through.
Oh man! These 160s are really fun to ride
Testers’ Note: