The score can never be settled between these two. The TVS Apache and the Bajaj Pulsar have been arch rivals of the highest order ever since they've existed. Spot these two bikes at a signal or in traffic, you are bound to witness tension brewing between the two, which leads to a showdown. And this is exactly what was happening between me and Keshav. I am astride the updated TVS Apache RTR 160 2V, while Keshav is all ducked down on the new generation Bajaj Pulsar P150.
The throttles on both the bikes are pinned open, as we make our way through traffic, just to find out who reaches the next intersection first and has the ability to brag about it. I am sure there was a solid temptation within both of us to nudge each other to get ahead. But that wouldn't be right, now would it? So, to keep matters civilised, we thought it would be perfect to put these two brawlers in the box once again, and see if we could have a winner this time, maybe?
Okay, But Why These Two?
It is an old rivalry, a face-off or a street fight that you just can't avoid even if you wanted. These two motorcycles were born to execute dominance over anyone who tries to get in their path. And it is just not possible to talk about one without mentioning the other in the same sentence. Both bikes were, and are, close on paper even today. Talk about their displacements or the power figures, they all are strikingly close. Heck, even the difference in their sticker prices is just 2000. This is why the only way to settle it is by letting them have a proper go at each other. Both Indian brands, both red.
Roads And No Roads
This story is from the March 2023 edition of Motoring World.
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This story is from the March 2023 edition of Motoring World.
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