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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.
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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.
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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.
