TVS is going to launch a new motorcycle in India on 14 March. Going by a teaser, we expect the new model to be the 2018 Apache RTR 160.
TVS has won six Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship titles with race-spec Apache RTR 160 motorcycles so far, and the company is capitalising on this legacy for the new model. For 2018, the Apache RTR 160 will feature a major overhaul for the chassis and styling borrowed from the RTR 200 4V. Previous spy shots have shown that the new Apache RTR 160 will look identical to its bigger sibling. It gets the same edgy headlamp, sculpted fuel tank, muscular body design and the twin-outlet exhaust. The alloy wheel design, however, is different. It also gets a single-piece seat in place of the step seats. The rear disc brake has been replaced with a drum unit.
It is not clear whether the new RTR 160 engine will adopt the four-valve head from the RTR 200. The Apache RTR 160 is currently in its second generation and continues to enjoy a good demand in specific parts of the country. The generation update should further boost its sales. The Apache RTR 160 will compete against the Bajaj Pulsar NS160, Suzuki Gixxer, Honda CB Hornet 160R and the Yamaha FZ-S Version 2.0.
