Hi,

Go for TVS Apache 180.
It's entirely your call if you want ABS or NOT.
But in my opinion you should consider Avenger once as you said that your roomie will be bringing bike home from showroom, and there is a high chance (given that your roomie doesnt likes Hunk or CB Unicorn or Dazzler) that he would love Avenger.

Will address your points one by one, replies in bold.

In any case, here is my advice. If you are getting a hefty discount in loyalty program then buying the RTR makes complete sense.

Do not listen to everything that people say. People keep saying that the new RTR isn't good and all that but that is bullshit and I will tell you why. I have no idea what people were expecting when the new RTR came out, whether they were expecting 250cc or higher HP I dont know, but the main reason people said the new RTR was just 'meh' was because it did not live upto their expectation of more performance and the "Ready to Race" tag. A similar story had happened when R15 v2.0 was realeased, people wanted more horse power but that did not happen. People were complaining then also. Had Yamaha not heeded to the vox populi and given the masses the fatter rear tyre people would have cried themselves hoarse abusing Yamaha. Yet the R15 is an awesome bike. Similarly the RTR was an awesome bike to start with. And so it is even now. Sure it had and still has vibrations, but so does the old pulsar family, I dont hear people making a ruckus over why the P150 rattles so much!! And the RTR has the most awesome sounding stock exhaust note.

If you are going to be putting in a lot of highway miles, go for RTR180. If you are going to be commuting a lot AND are getting a hefty discount then go for RTR160.

Finally, as a dazzler owner I will tell you this, the dazzler might not set your pants on fire, but be it anything, commuting or highway, there is no way you can go wrong with the dazzler. That is my bike's best as well as the worst quality.

^^^ Awesome to-the-point explanation Sid.

The only point against the OP is his height. He's almost 6 ft and the bike (RTR) is the smallest and meanest machine out there. Take a TR first. And rather a loooong one at that!

in this 2 bikes, Dazzler will be better due to almost equal performance & top speed as Apache 160 & much better handling & refinement levels....

For these 2 reasons alone Dazzler/Uni is perfect . Its Mono-shock is quite comfortable and gives better kmpl than the rest.

Dazzler has a good performance also compared to other 150ccs except R15. Never ridden RTR so no idea and Dazzler blows Hunk away in performance coz of weight and a little tuned engine.
And this comes from an Xtreme owner.

any idea which TVS dealer is good to buy from in bangalore? Around Old Airport road?

Dazzler - RTR? Definitely RTR. Be it the 180 or the 160, definitely the RTR. Vibes - overhyped. Gearbox - same. Maybe people who're reporting this are comparing the old bikes and the new ones. Its a new bike lol. The gearbox WILL be smooth compared to an older bike. Acceleration... Umm come again? lesser compared to the old one? I recorded a 4sec 0-60 run. My friend with an older one recorded a 4.8sec 0-60.
So NO question of it being an underperformer compared to anything. Its a bulletproof bike. Get it!

Hey bro just wait one or two months before buying rtr160 heard rumours that new rtr has stopped production and they want to bring back the old version of rtr, dont worry its just the old facelift. If you like the current looks then buy it or if you want old look wait for some confirmation, I think mods can clear the doubt here....and if you want comfort and manage with looks then their comes only two option cb unicorn or gs150r(spares may be a problem) and regarding rtr, i am 6 ft and i didnt like the comfort level of it IMO. one more thing if you dont like the looks of unicorn you can buy the dazzler also....

Having recently checked both bikes - Dazzler & Apache 160, the dazzler's price & feature set still didn't impress me that much
Dazzler
+ Buttery smooth engine & gearbox
+ Good pickup but nothing really exciting
+ Definitely a good power commuter with highest FE approx 60kmpl
+ really comfortable to ride as it is light & mostly maintenance free
+ Good Re-sale value
- Electric start only with Rear-Disc only( though RD is definitely safer but judgement is also necessary )
- Honda parts are not cheap sometimes though in this case Dazzler relatively shares alot of spares with Unicorn now
- despite the premium feel on Dazzler, the plastics seem kinda avg. so just the fear of seeing them break
- Dazzler's looks are not so great ( considering Twister/ personal opinion )
- Not so good SVC though other brands also have a some what similar issue depending on area & other factors

Apache 160 [Old/New]
+ New is relatively smooth while old is just as good but slight notch y
+ Both have relatively almost similar pick-ups
+ New/old both give 50-55+ if you ride well as FE depends on various factors as well
+ New is definitely comfortable being slightly big but if you are 5'4-5'8 then old is also comfortable though Apache has more maintenance but if you maintain them from start then maintenance is also low
+ TVS also has good Re-sale value
+ not a issue here as both (kick/electric) are available
+ TVS is relatively cheaper in spare parts as per Apache owner's list link
- New Apache's DTLR don't turn off & friend's tank felt wobbly though Old one had/has slight Vibs issue
+ Both New & Old look great

Dazzler is more of a all-rounder if you dnt mind the looks & value FE more, but i am still going with Apache 160 as TVS isnt so bad (considering i have a Scooty pep for 9years ) & Apache itself being a good bike and gives the Dazzler a good fight [ Dazzler - great FE/ Apache - great pickup], i still have my heart set on Apache besides the new model & old model are both available, i checked with a TVS center in Pune to book one, to which the person at the TVS Sales (Yash TVS) said

1. New Apache RTR 160 (red) & RD will take 3-4 days to come while

2. New Apache RTR (previous gen) - Grey/Black RD will take 15 days though i would be choosing Grey

My doubt is that has anyone checked the old gen Apache that is been offered again now as some-one said in Apache 180 owner's thread previously that there seems to be some changes like new switch gears, key, side panels and rear disc cover, 110/80-17 tubeless tyres(Same as the beast eyed 160s/all 180s) & anything extra ? though prices are same besides Both Apache bikes definitely look cool though if any new owners can help answer my doubts by telling about their experience on the new versions (new/old), it will be awesome & i would also love to get feedback from Pune Apache owners about Century TVS,wakhdewadi which is said to be the best