Honda CB Hornet 160R vs TVS Apache RTR 180 Comparison

CB Hornet 160R vs Apache RTR 180 Comparison
Verdict: Hornet 160R is better than RTR 180
Refinement & Build Quality: There is an immense difference in the refinement of the Hornet & the RTR, no two ways about it. The Hornet revs with a supreme smoothness that belies its performance potential and makes it feel slower than it actually is. While the RTR 180 sounds raucous, coarse and so harsh that even hardcore petrolheads tend to get tired of listening to it after a while. The sheer buttery, positive and precise gearshift of the Hornet just cannot be matched by RTR’s notchy and slightly imprecise gearbox.

Performance & Tractability: The Apache is quicker than the Hornet by a fair margin and feels even quicker courtesy of the racquet it makes. Both bikes are well matched in terms of low-end torque, but once the road opens up, the Apache can leave the Hornet biting dust in its wake. We wish Honda had taken the effort to tune its engine to an angrier state of tune for the Hornet 160R, but they decided not to do it or else it would have been really difficult to justify the exorbitant asking price of the CBR150R.

Power to Weight Ratio (PS/ton): CB Hornet 160R – 113, Apache RTR 180 – 122.5 (Δ8%)
Torque to Weight Ratio (Nm/ton): CB Hornet 160R – 105.4, Apache RTR 180 – 111.5 (Δ5%)
Power (PS@rpm): CB Hornet 160R – 15.88@8500, Apache RTR 180 – 17.02@8500
Torque (Nm@rpm): CB Hornet 160R – 14.76@6500, Apache RTR 180 – 15.5@6500
Displacement (cc): CB Hornet 160R – 162.71, Apache RTR 180 – 177.4
Kerb Weight (kg): CB Hornet 160R – 140, Apache RTR 180 – 139

Handling & Ride Quality: The CB Hornet 160R is a more forgiving bike than the Apache RTR160. Hornet has a longer wheelbase and wider tyres giving it better mechanical grip and stability around corners. The RTR on the other hand is more agile than the Hornet, but its tyres are just not up to the task spoiling its cornering capability. Hornet also has a much more comfortable ride than the RTR thanks to a slightly softer suspension setup and also better stability over a series of undulations at speed.

Tyre - Front: CB Hornet 160R – 100/80R17, Apache RTR 180 – 90/90R17
Tyre - Rear: CB Hornet 160R – 140/70R17, Apache RTR 180 – 110/80R17
Wheelbase (mm): CB Hornet 160R – 1345, Apache RTR 180 – 1300

Comfort & Ergonomics: The Apache RTR 180 has slightly sportier ergonomics than the Hornet 160R, thanks to lower handlebars and significantly rear-set footpegs. However, the ergonomics do feel a bit cramped for taller riders. The Hornet’s riding position feels immensely comfortable thanks to a slightly more commuterish riding position and a long and well-cushioned seat.

Pricing: The CB Hornet 160R (STD) retails for 79,900 Rs. ex-showroom, Delhi, which makes it 3400 Rs. more expensive than the Apache RTR 180  having a sticker price of 76,500 Rs.
Fuel Efficiency: The CB Hornet 160R has an ARAI certified mileage of 62 kmpl, which is 6.3 kmpl more than the Apache RTR 180’s mileage of 55.7 kmpl. In our back to back tests The Hornet was consistently 5 kmpl more efficient than the Apache RTR 180. Assuming the real-world mileage to two thirds of ARAI mileage, the Hornet will require 11,000 Rs. less in petrol cost compared to the RTR 180 over a usage of 60,000 km. So even if the Hornet is expensive to buy than the RTR 180, it is around 7500 Rs. cheaper to buy and run.

Reliability & After Sales Service: Honda has undoubtedly proven to be much better than TVS at providing hassle free service support in our country. Honda’s products themselves have proven to be more reliable than TVS’ and thus do not require as much maintenance as TVS products in the first place. CB Hornet 160R is also bound to have better resale value than the Apache RTR 180 after 5 to 7 years of usage. Firstly because the Apache RTR 180 is about to be overshadowed by the RTR 200 and secondly due to superior build quality and reliability of Honda, expect the CB Hornet 160R to depreciate at least 5000 Rs. less than the RTR 180.  Overall, the Total Cost of Ownership of the CB Hornet 160R turns out to be 12,500 Rs. (9%) cheaper than the RTR 180. The Hornet delivers a perfect balance between comfort and performance, has bullet-proof reliability and fantastic dynamics, which more than makes up for the marginal disadvantage in performance.

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