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How to Improve Fuel Economy on a Bajaj Pulsar 150 or TVS Apache RTR 160

Learn how smooth riding, correct tyre pressure and model-specific maintenance can help your Bajaj Pulsar 150 or TVS Apache RTR 160 use fuel more efficiently.
Entry892 Date Time4 min MechanicCarCody Team
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To improve fuel economy, ride smoothly, keep tyres and drivetrain in good condition, and follow the maintenance schedule for your exact motorcycle. First identify its model year, variant, market and typical load: Apache RTR 160 versions include 2V and 4V models, and specifications can differ. Use that bike’s owner’s manual for tyre pressure, oil grade, service intervals and adjustment values; do not assume another year’s figures apply.

There is no reliable universal km/L promise for either model. Actual mileage changes with traffic, road, speed, fuel, load, maintenance and riding technique. Measure your own bike over repeated full-tank-to-full-tank runs to see whether a change helps.

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Start with the exact model and manual

Before adjusting or servicing anything, confirm the motorcycle’s model year, variant, country or market, and whether it is usually ridden solo or with a passenger and luggage. For the Apache, check whether it is an RTR 160 2V or 4V. Find the matching manual through the Bajaj Auto owner-manual portal or TVS Motor user-manual portal. The manual and any tyre-pressure label on the motorcycle take precedence over figures quoted for a different version.

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That distinction matters: Bajaj’s Pulsar 150 FAQ lists 25 PSI front and rear values attributed to CEAT, with 28 PSI rear for solo riding and 32 PSI with a pillion, while a May 2019 Bajaj manual gives 25 psi front and 28.5 psi rear solo, or 32 psi rear with a pillion. These are different published contexts, not a universal setting. Check your exact manual or vehicle label for the correct pressure and load.

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Ride smoothly and reduce avoidable fuel use

Anticipate traffic and make gradual changes in speed. Bajaj recommends steady riding, judicious gear changes and throttle use, avoiding harsh braking and excess payload; TVS warns that racing starts at full throttle, sudden acceleration, frequent braking and unnecessary idling waste fuel. These are manufacturer recommendations, not quantified guarantees of a particular percentage saving.

  • Accelerate progressively rather than opening the throttle abruptly.
  • Look ahead and ease off early when approaching traffic or a stop, instead of repeatedly accelerating and braking.
  • Use gears appropriately for speed and conditions; avoid lugging the engine or revving it unnecessarily.
  • Carry only the load you need. Extra payload increases the work the motorcycle must do.
  • Avoid leaving the engine running while parked. Bajaj’s cited Pulsar BS VI manual says to switch it off when a stop will exceed two minutes; TVS also advises against unnecessary idling.

Check tyre pressure regularly

Underinflated tyres increase rolling drag and can reduce fuel economy. TVS also warns that low pressure may affect handling. Check pressure regularly with a suitable gauge and set it to the exact manual’s value for your current load, rather than copying a number from another Pulsar or Apache variant.

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A gauge helps you measure pressure; it does not save fuel by itself. Check tyres when they are in the condition specified by your manual, and correct pressure loss rather than repeatedly topping up without finding a persistent leak.

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Keep up with maintenance that affects efficiency

Follow the service schedule and specifications in the correct manual. The cited Bajaj and TVS manuals both connect basic condition and maintenance with fuel use. Check these items at the stated intervals and have faults corrected:

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  • Engine oil: Check level and use the specified grade and quantity. TVS warns that dirty or low oil can increase friction and fuel consumption; replace it on schedule.
  • Air filter: Keep it serviceable and clean or replace it as directed. Do not substitute an interval from another year or variant.
  • Spark plugs: Inspect, clean or replace them according to the manual’s schedule and specifications.
  • Clutch: Confirm lever play is correctly adjusted. Incorrect adjustment can affect operation; use the model-specific value in the manual.
  • Wheels and brakes: The wheels should turn freely, and brakes should release without binding. A dragging brake or restricted wheel wastes energy and needs attention.
  • Fuel system: Look for fuel-line leaks during the checks specified by the manufacturer. TVS directs owners with a suspected fuel leak to authorized service.

Maintain the chain according to its manual

For chain-driven versions, inspect slack and lubricate the chain as the exact manual directs. Excessive slack is among the chain-related issues TVS flags, and an improperly maintained drivetrain can add avoidable resistance. Do not apply a chain slack figure, product or interval from a different model or year. For example, a May 2019 Bajaj manual specifies SAE 90 oil every 500 km for the version covered by that manual; that instruction should not be transferred to every Pulsar 150.

Measure actual mileage full tank to full tank

Bajaj calls the full-tank-to-full-tank method the best way to calculate mileage in its cited Pulsar manual. Repeating the measurement over more than one tank helps reduce the effect of inconsistent fill levels and route variation.

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  1. Fill the tank to a consistent level. If practical, use the same station and dispenser each time.
  2. Record the odometer reading, or reset a trip meter.
  3. Ride as usual, then refill to the same consistent level and record the litres added and distance travelled.
  4. Divide the kilometres travelled by the litres added. For example, 300 km divided by 10 litres is 30 km/L for that measured interval.
  5. Repeat over several tanks and note conditions such as city or highway use, passenger or luggage load, and unusual traffic. Treat the result as your observed use, not a guaranteed specification.
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Investigate a sudden or persistent mileage drop

If economy falls noticeably and stays low, inspect likely causes rather than assuming an additive will fix it. Check tyre pressure, maintenance due dates, chain condition and whether the brakes or wheels bind. Look for fuel leaks; if you suspect one, arrange authorized service as TVS advises. If routine checks do not explain the change, have the motorcycle inspected by a qualified service provider.

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Why mileage differs between riders

TVS states that Apache RTR 160 4V on-road mileage depends on road condition, fuel quality, riding speed, clutch and brake operation, tyre inflation, timely maintenance and load, and will differ from standard-test-condition mileage. Those variables also explain why rider anecdotes or showroom estimates should not be treated as a personal guarantee. A meaningful comparison between a Pulsar and an Apache requires the same kind of route, load, maintenance condition and full-tank measurement method.

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