TVS Apache RTR 160 is a powerful street bike made by India’s third-largest bike maker TVS Motor Company. The ‘RTR’, in the name, stands for ‘Racing Throttle Response.’
The first model of Apache RTR 160 rolled out in 2007. It was the first motorcycle in the country to have petal disc brakes, which allow better heat dispersion. It also became the maiden bike in the country to have a fuel-injection system.
The bike received a significant facelift in 2012 that equipped it with a redesigned LED headlamp featuring daytime running lights, accentuated fuel tank, and some other features.
The two-wheeler manufacturer announced an ABS-equipped variant of Apache RTR 160 4V in early 2019, and it rolled out on February 28.
The bike is presently available in two variants—Apache RTR 160 2V Drum priced at Rs. 1,03,315 and Apache RTR 160 2V Disc carrying a price tag of Rs. 1,06,315 (prices are ex-showroom in Mumbai).
A more efficient and powerful engine: The 159.7 cc engine is compliant with the BS-VI norms and makes the bike more powerful and fuel-efficient.
Lighter weight: The motorcycle has cut its kerb weight by at least a couple of kilos.
New seat: The step-up seat provides comfort to the rider and passenger and distributes the weight equally.
Powering the street bike is a 159.7 cc fuel-injected, air-cooled, single-cylinder, two-valve single overhead camshaft engine.
The engine can churn out a maximum power of 15.53 bhp at 8400rpm and a peak torque of 13.9Nm at 7000rpm. The BS6 model produces 0.42PS more power and 0.87Nm more torque compared to the BS4 model.
It can sprint from rest to 60kmph in just five seconds and attain the full speed of 114kmph.
The bike gets a five-speed gearbox. The fuel injection system gives TVS Apache RTR 160 a torque-assist feature known as ‘Glide Through Technology‘.
The bike gets built from a dual-cradle synchronised stiff chassis. The suspension system of the motorcycle remains the same as that of its predecessor—the BS4 model.
It comprises the telescopic fork with hydraulic dampeners in the front and monotube inverted gas-filled shock absorbers with spring aid in the rear.
Braking is through a 270mm petal disc in the front wheel and a 130mm rear drum in the rear wheel.
Both Apache RTR 160 variants get equipped with single-channel ABS. It has a 12-litre fuel tank, ground clearance of 180mm, and seat height of 790mm.
The TVS Apache RTR 160 retains the design of the upgraded 2012 model. The RTR 160 gets designed to look like a quintessential street bike with a racing approach.
At the front, a beast-inspired halogen headlight gives it an edgy appearance. In addition, it gets specially designed to reflect adequate light and provide maximum visibility.
The bike gets equipped with a black visor that provides better aerodynamics.
The muscular tank and its extended shrouds render a sporty look to the RTR 160. The TVS logo—the silhouette of a leaping horse—features on the shrouds.
The front mudguard is stylish, and just at its end, a chiselled engine cowl gets fitted to give added protection from mud and clag.
The step-up seat provides a more comfortable ride for both rider and passenger, and it helps in distributing their weight evenly for a better riding experience.
The stylish tail design and LED tail lamp give the street bike a sharp and sleek appearance. The racing graphics transfers on the shrouds, front mudguard, and tails show its racing character.
The grab rail at the rear gets designed to enable the pillion rider to hold it for support and safety on uneven surfaces or at a higher speed.
Passengers also sit and ride in comfort due to a pair of passenger footrests.
The motorcycle comes in two variants:
It comes in six colour options:
Fitted with an efficient and more powerful BS6 engine, TVS Apache RTR 160 offers performance and efficiency.
The mileage of 45-50 Kmpl in the city is better than most motorcycles in the 160cc segment. Moreover, the total fuel economy is high even when the Apache bike travels at a higher speed.
When it comes to braking and suspension, the petal disc brakes and single-channel ABS are as efficient as the best models in this class, and the telescopic suspension system makes the ride comfortable. However, the riding position is a bit forward biased, which may cause discomfort to riders on long journeys.
The design is also almost the same as the 2012 upgraded model, making it a bit dated. It would be nice if the bike comes with a fresh new design.
All in all, the bike has many features and specifications that make it at par with the best motorcycles available in the market segment.
The features and specifications of the TVS Apache RTR 160 give tough competition to the following bikes:
Let’s see how the motorcycle compares with the above four bikes:
The ex-showroom price of TVS Apache RTR 160 ranges between Rs. 1,06,365 and Rs. 1,09,365.
Bajaj Pulsar 150 carries an ex-showroom price tag of Rs. 98,291 to Rs. 1,07,000.
The Honda Unicorn B6 gets priced at Rs.98931 (ex-showroom).
The ex-showroom price of the Yamaha FZS-FI V3 ranges between Rs. 1,04,700 to Rs. 1,12,200.
Hero Xtreme 160R can be owned by paying a price of Rs 1,09,240 to Rs. 1,14,090 (ex-showroom).
TVS Apache RTR 160 mileage of 45kmpl and 50kmpl makes it one of the most fuel-efficient bikes in the 160 cc segment.
Bajaj Pulsar 150 gives a mileage of 50kmpl.
As per tests conducted by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the mileage of the Honda Unicorn BS6 is 62 Kmpl. But, in real-time, it travels a distance of 50-55 km per litre of fuel.
The mileage of the Yamaha FZS-FI V3 is around 49.2 Kmpl. Hero Xtreme 160R gives a mileage of 48-55 Kmpl.
TVS Apache RTR 160 can travel at a top speed of 110 to 114 Kmph. Likewise, Bajaj Pulsar 150 also gives the same maximum speed.
Honda Unicorn BS6 can clock 106 Kmph.
Yamaha FZS-FI V3 can attain a maximum speed of 103.3 Kmph.
Hero Xtreme 160R can achieve a top speed of 115 Kmph.
TVS Apache RTR 160 gets powered by a 159.7 cc fuel-injected Apache BS6 engine that gives 15.53 bhp of power and 13.9Nm of torque.
Powering the Bajaj Pulsar 150 is a 149.5cc BS6 engine that generates a maximum power of 13.8 bhp and a peak torque of 13.25 Nm.
Honda Unicorn BS6 gets powered by a 162.7 cc bs6 engine. The engine produces a maximum power of 12.91 PS and torque of 14 Nm @ 5500 rpm. apache 160
Yamaha FZS-FI V3 gets propelled by a 149cc four-stroke single-cylinder engine that gives a maximum power of 12.4 PS and a peak torque of 13.3 Nm.
Hero Xtreme 160R gets powered by a 163 cc engine that can produce a maximum power of 15.22 PS @ 8500 rpm and a peak torque of 14 Nm @ 6500 rpm.
TVS Apache RTR 160 has been in the Indian street bike space for the last 14 years. It possesses considerable popularity among youngsters and bike enthusiasts.
The new BS6 fuel-injected engine made the bike more powerful, fuel-efficient, and cleaner than all previous variants.
The motorcycle, however, could have benefited from a new design, bodywork, and some more in-built features. But having said that, the affordable price and the benefits the bike offers make it a strong contender in the 160cc segment.
So, if you are looking for a 160cc segment bike, you can pick TVS Apache RTR 160.
Apache RTR 160 price on road ranges between Rs. 1,23,705 and Rs. 1,26,959.
The motorcycle comes with a warranty of five years or 60,000 km, whichever comes first.
TVS Apache RTR 160 gets powered by a 159.7 cc engine that can produce 15.53 PS of max power and 13.9 Nm of peak torque. It can clock a top speed of 110 Kmph to 114 Kmph.
The bike can cover a distance between 45 km and 50 km per litre of petrol.
The Apache 160 street bike gets built from a dual-cradle synchronised stiff chassis.
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