TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Track Ride Review

How does it ride?

TVS knows a thing or two about developing a race bike, if you go by their record in racing in recent times. The new RTR 160’s brief was to be the sportiest premium 150, so it has got the riding position for it (sporty but not overtly aggressive) the engine for it (159.7cc, 16.1/16.3bhp and 14.8Nm), a rear shock tuned by suspension experts Showa, and a disc brake at both ends is possible in either variant. We had an opportunity to ride the RTR 160 4V at the company’s own test track in their manufacturing facility, so the jury still is out on how it is in the real world. On the track, it is a willing participant in tipping into turns, and when leaned over, it holds its line well. Even with the two-for-the-price-of-one weight of our test rider, the Apache 160 4V bobbed and weaved over some bumps but never left its line. Increasing the preload corrected this untoward behaviour to a large extent. The brakes are progressive, and the feedback from the tyres is good. 

The engine is one of the highlights of the product – it is the only premium 150cc commuter other than the Bajaj NS160 to get a 4-valve head. Just like the Bajaj, it is air-cooled but gets a radiator for the oil as well. The carburetted engine develops 16.1bhp and the FI version, 16.3bhp. Both generate 14.8Nm of torque. Both versions pull crisply from almost idle in the bottom three gears, and pull cleanly to their redlines. The FI feels more responsive and smoother, and the harsh vibrations that the carburetted engine exhibits at the very top of its rev range are absent on the FI. It is strongest in its midrange, but its ability to haul itself off from almost-idle is one of its most impressive qualities. The gearshift is light and positive.

Anything else I should know?

The instrument cluster is an all-digital one, and displays a wealth of information. There is a top speed recorder, a lap time recorder, two trip meters, a 0-60kmph time recorder and a clock. ABS isn’t present even as an option. The carburetted version can be had either with a rear disc brake or a drum brake. If you opt for the latter, you get a narrower rear tyre (110mm wide, compared to 130mm width). TVS claims that this is the most powerful bike in class, and it is – by 0.1bhp.

Should I buy one?

If you want a sporty commuter, there are quite a few choices to be had. But the new Apache RTR 160 4V makes a good case for itself. The only downside to it seems to be its name: imagine saying “TVS Apache RTR 160 FI 4V” every time you’re asked what motorcycle you ride.

Where does it fit in?

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and FI compete directly with the Yamaha FZ-S FI, Honda XBlade, Honda CB Hornet 160R, Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and Suzuki Gixxer. In an oblique way, it competes with the Bajaj Avenger Street 180. And in a very awkward coincidence, it is exactly the same price as the Apache RTR 180.

Photos: Abhishek Nigam