TVS Apache RTR 160 Review, Price, Mileage, Specs Images

TVS Apache RTR 160 Overview

Way back when the Indian biker’s perspective toward motorcycling was changing radically, to a more recreational and adventure oriented exercise from the dreary old monotony of commuting TVS apache was in many ways the bike leading the revolution. Many claimed that Bajaj Pulsar contributed to the movement as well and right they are, but Apache with its Racing Throttle Response and track-bred design was clearly the leader amongst men.

Apache RTR has been around for over a decade and now there is a new BS IV avatar of the beloved motorcycle. Not Much has changed from the original as per the design is concerned and that is not a bad thing. The design, which was introduced in 2012 is still carried forward with the current rendition of the bike. The engine still sports cowls which are designed to regulate airflow and keep the motor ten degrees cooler. carbon fibre accents can be found all over the motorcycle and paired with the LED DRLs, these bestow the motorcycle with a very sporty and aggressive appeal.

The motorcycle continues to wear its racing stripes on the engine extensions and even though the silhouette of the bike is still that of a commuter, all the design elements give the bike a sporty appearance. Adding to the sporty and aggressive appeal of the bike are the iconic petal disc brakes which also help garner it a premium appeal.

The rider can comfortably sit in an upright position on the Apache RTR 160 and the well-placed foot pegs and clip-on handlebars assist in doing the same. The handlebars are comparatively shorter on this motorcycle which makes it a lot easier to manoeuvre through city traffic.

Price

Features 

The bike is very nimble to manoeuvre, thanks to its light-weight chassis which was designed by inputs from TVS racing team. Ironically this also hampers the breaking over the speeds of 100kmph. The suspension of the bike is comparatively softer than as compared to that of the KTM Duke 200 but is still relatively stiff to deliver better performance on the track.

Suspension duties are undertaken by telescopic forks up front and monotube inverted gas-filled shocks do manage to deliver an overall comfortable ride and with 165mm of ground clearance is ample to take on Indian roads.

The AHO headlamps, however, are not available on Apache RTR 160 and remain exclusive it’s big brother. Also, absent on the motorcycle is the option for ABS which is again only offered on Apache RTR 180. 

Engine and Specifications 

Powering the Apache 160 RTR is the 159.7 cc, now BS-IV compliant powerplant which delivers 15bhp of peak power output and 13.1 Nm of peak torque. In the past, it was argued that even though Apache RTR 160 has one of the most rev-happy engine in its class, the vibrations that come through the handlebars impede the overall experience. We hoped that with the BS-IV update this issue will be rectified, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.

Nevertheless, Apache RTR 160 is savage in its power delivery, every single time you go even close to the throttle, courtesy of its 111PS/ton power-to-weight ratio, which happens to be one of the best in its class. 

 Mileage

The 159.7cc powerplant still comes mated to a five-speed gearbox with a wet, multi-plate clutch and claims to deliver an ARAI certified fuel economy of 50 kmpl, which in tandem with its 16-litre fuel tank give the bike ample range between fuel stops.

Braking and Handling

The motorcycle gets a 270-mm petal disc brake at the front and 200 mm petal disc at the rear and there is also an optional 130 mm drum brake available. 

 Tyres and Wheels

The motorcycle continues to feature 17-inch tubeless tyres with a 90/90 tyre upfront and 110/80 tires at the back which manage to deliver decent grip.

 Colours

TVS Apache RTR 160 is available Matte Blue, Grey, Yellow, Red and Black colour schemes.

Competition

TVS Apache RTR 160 competes with the likes of Suzuki Gixxer, Yamaha FZ v2.0, Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 and Honda Hornet. It should be noted that even though all the motorcycles feature sporty designs, Yamaha FZ V2.0 happens to be the only contender the segment which gets fuel injection.

Pros

• Impressive power-to-weight ratio in its class
• Lightweight chassis
• Nimble handling

Cons

• Unfiltered vibrations continue to hamper the ride
• Poor high-speed breaking