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TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Review — A True Entry-Level Race Machine
The Apache RTR 160 4V's engine has been developed on the same platform as the 6-time INMRC winner, RTR 165 Prototype.
The TVS Apache has been in the Indian market for over a decade now. The RTR 160 was the first ever model from the Apache line-up.
The TVS Apache was also the first motorcycle in India to come equipped with a lap timer, 0 – 60km/h timings and petal disc brake. This was considered a big deal back then.
The 'RTR' badge stands for Racing Throttle Response. Outlined with a racing outlook, the motorcycle's maker, TVS, dedicated itself to improving the performance of the Apache RTR. The result of that — six National Championships in a row!
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Last year, the company launched their flagship motorcycle — the RR 310 and this year, TVS has launched yet another race machine — the Apache RTR 160 4V.
DriveSpark was invited to test ride the bike at TVS' Hosur plant and here are our thoughts on the Apache RTR 160 4V.Design & Features
At first glance, you might confuse the new RTR 160 4V with the RTR 200 4V. This is because the motorcycle borrows its design from it's elder sibling.
The engine has been developed on the same platform as the RTR 165 Prototype, that earned six Indian National Motor Racing Championships. The RTR 160 4V also gets the double-cradle split synchro stiff frame, which increases the stiffness for some tight cornering.
At the front, the motorcycle features an aggressive headlamp cluster, which comes with LED DRLs and a halogen bulb for the headlight. The Apache RTR 160 also comes with the Auto Headlight On (AHO) as a standard feature.
Seated on top of the headlight is a fully-digital racing console that displays the top speed, 0 to 60km/h time and a gear shift indicator (only on the Fuel injected variant). The carburettor variant gets a dull yellow backlight, while the EFI gets a white option (one of the ways to differentiate the variants).
The Apache RTR 160 4V also features a streamlined muscular fuel tank, which has been aerodynamically modelled to cut through the wind. The design also provides excellent thigh support while cornering. The fuel tank also gets a chequered flag graphic, which accentuates the dominance of the motorcycle on the track.
The saddle (800mm high) is long, wide, well-cushioned and neatly integrated with the tank. Moreover, the pillion also gets enough space for comfortable seating and split grab rails for better hold. Long rides might not feel stressful owing to the saddle.
At the rear, the RTR 160 4V gets a sleek and sharp tail light cluster with LEDs. It also gets the same racing double-barrel exhaust as seen on the RTR 200 4V.
The exhaust has been tuned for performance, with the trademark grunt increasing in volume as the revs build up, producing the signature Apache racing sound.
Overall, the motorcycle looks appealing to the eyes, with a special mention of the RR Red colour. Other colour options available are: Metallic Blue and Knight Black.
Power & Handling
The Apache RTR 160 4V is available in two variants: carburettor and Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI). Both variants are powered by a 159.7cc, oil-cooled, 4-valve single-cylinder engine.
However, we noticed a minimal difference between both the motorcycles' power output. The carburettor variant produces 16.3bhp while the EFI produces 16.6bhp. Torque figures remain the same for both at 14.8Nm. The engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox, which provides smooth shifts for better performance.
Suspension duties are handled by telescopic front forks and a monoshock at the rear. The most interesting part is the fact that the suspension compression and rebound damping have been tuned by experts from SHOWA-Japan.
This kind of setup will help the rider throw the bike in some tight corners, while carrying higher cornering speeds. It also ensures increased comfort during daily commute.
The braking is taken care of by a 200mm petal disc at the front and a 130mm at the rear (only for the EFI), providing good initial brake bite; the carburettor variant gets a disc and drum setup.
The motorcycles (both variants) are catapulted from a standstill to 60km/h in under five seconds, which is quite an impressive feat in its segment. The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V has a top speed of around 114km/h for the carburetted variant, and 116km/h for the EFI.
The new Apache RTR 160 gets a 90/90–17 tubeless tyre at the front. At the rear, the drum version gets a 110/80–17 57P tubeless tyre, while the disc variant gets a 130/70–17 M/C 62P tubeless tyre. These stock tyres provide excellent grip at high speeds and during hard cornering.
The Apache RTR 160 4V feels smooth until it hits the 85km/h mark. After that, some vibrations are felt through the footpegs. Still, TVS has done a pretty good job in reducing the vibrations and making it as smooth as possible for the rider.
The motorcycle's fuel tank capacity is 12-litres. Of the 12, 2.5-litres is the reserve capacity. Since this was a first ride, we could not test the mileage figures accurately, but we expect it to deliver between 40 – 45km/L
DriveSpark Thinks!
The Apache RTR 160 4V is priced between Rs. 81,490 to 89,990, depending on the variant. In this price range, the sheer number of features you get in a motorcycle of this segment is quite amazing.
All in all, if someone is looking to buying an entry-level performance motorcycle, we would definitely recommend the RTR 160 4V. After all, it isn't just another sports bike, it's a Race Machine.