TVS Apache RTR 160 : The TVS Apache RTR 160 has already made a name for itself in the highly competitive 150-160cc motorcycle segment in India.
Boasting a mean look, sporty character and a raft of impressive features, the RTR 160 is the everyday man’s ride with a lot of fun thrown in.
Advertised as one of the most well-rounded motorcycles in its segment, the Apache RTR 160 manages to find a sweet spot between an everyday street bike and an entry-level performance motorcycle.
Introduced more than ten years ago, the RTR 160 has come a long way since in terms of tech, style and handling.
It remains one of the most popular choices for college students, young professionals, and enthusiasts – a bike that appears to be speeding, rides like the wind, and maintains an economy of effort.
Muscular Styling Combined with Aggressive Design
The TVS Apache RTR 160 is designed keeping the racers in mind. It had a fierce streetfighter attitude with aggressive lines and bold shapes.
The beastly expression comes from its front end and the signature LED DRLs in the headlamp unit, while the tank is more muscularly chiselled than the SP125.
Sleek aerodynamic side panels with racing graphics that give the sporty look to the bike.
The dual barrel exhaust contributes to the powerful design and delivers a sonorous, bass-heavy rumble. There’s not much in the back, just a split grab rail and an attractive LED tail lamp.
Ergonomics that supports comfortable rides in the long term
Although it may look sporty, the Apache RTR 160 still provides rider-friendly ergos.
The more upright riding position, and the slightly rearward foot pegs and wide bars, they all add up to a nice, happy medium between comfort and control.
The seats are also fine for getting around town and brief highway trips.
Small size of the bike coupled with it’s extremely feather light frame lets you filter through city traffic with minimum fuss, seating position is also fatigue free on those long commutes. Pillion comfort is decent, but the rear seat is a bit cramped for bigger riders.
Engine and Performance
Power and torque are around 15.82 PS and 13.85 Nm respectively from the Apache RTR 160’s 159.7cc single-cylinder air-cooled motor.
The engine’s tuning is for quick low-end and mid-range performance and this makes city commutes breezy and fun.
The engine comes with TVS’s Glide Through Technology (GTT) that enables the motorcycle to crawl ahead at a constant speed without throttle inputs a boon in stop-go traffic.
The shifting is very smooth of the 5-gear box and throttle response is very good. Be it short overtakes in the city or rare weekend rides, the RTR 160 feels energetic and responsive. It has the capability of running mild highway as well, as top speed nears 110 km/h as well.
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Ride and Handling
Apache RTR 160 is based on the double cradle SynchroSTIFF chassis that offers a solid top speed at the highest speed.
The telescopic utensils at front and gas-filler dual rear shock absorbers provide a pleasant ride when you’re driving over bumps and potholes.
The suspension is on the sportier side — and a little firmer — to help the handling, but it’s not harsh.
With the bike being so light and the steering so quick, cornering is sharp and predictable. Whether carving through traffic or attacking a set of twisties, the Apache corners like it was born on the streets.
Features and Safety
The Apache RTR 160 features a semi-digital instrument console, LED headlamps and LED tail lamps. The console displays speed, rpm, fuel gauges, check lights and trip counters among others.
It isn’t full digital the way a few rivals are, but it’s still usable and easy to read.
Features include disc brakes at both ends (though dependent on the variant), a single-channel ABS for safety.
This configuration provides sufficient braking force and provides a degree of safety on full application of the brakes.
Pros of TVS Apache RTR 160
Sporty design with aggressive look and nice decals
Powerful motor with decent low-end and mid-range grunt for city duties
Riding position -10 comfortable for city and short trips
Light and nimble, perfect for navigating the city streets
Low cost with proven TVS reliability
Cons of TVS Apache RTR 160
Restricted top-end performance, not the best on the fast highway
No full on digital instrument cluster- feels a little old Timer.
Pillion seat could be more supportive for longer journeys
Stiff suspension, especially on choppy roads
Lacks modern features such as Bluetooth or navigation
TVS Apache RTR 160 : Final Verdict
The TVS Apache RTR 160 is a long serving vehicle that offers a good combination of looks, performance and daily usability.
It’s not only sporty in appearance, it is supported by race-inspired design and focused rider position.
For the occasional enthusiasts who want a solid all-rounder motorcycle that’s a pleasure to ride in the city, easy on the wallet and laden with racing genes, the Apache RTR 160 remains a wise and exciting proposition.