The TVS Apache RTR 160 recently got an update and how! Not only does the bike get 2 extra valves that reflect in its name but also completely new bodywork. However, the Japanese also have a competitor in this segment; the Honda X-Blade. How do the rivals stack up against each other on paper? We find out-
Design
The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V gets new bodywork which looks familiar. It borrows its styling from its bigger sibling, the Apache RTR 200 4V like the eyebrows-like LED DRLs, sculpted fuel tank, dual barrel exhaust and the engine cowl. However, the single-piece seat and the narrower tyres give it away.
The Honda X-Blade is based on the same platform as the CB Hornet. However, the bike sports a sharper design language as compared to the latter. The bike sports a full-LED headlamp, a first for the segment. The rear section is slightly-raised and the tail lamp is redesigned that lends the bike a sporty appeal. It also gets a muscular tank, edgy tank shrouds, taller fly screen and an underbelly cowl.
Features
Similar to other TVS motorcycles, the Apache RTR 160 4V’s LCD instrument cluster displays a top speed recorder, a lap time recorder, two trip meters, a 0-60kmph time recorder and a clock apart from basic information like speedometer, fuel gauge and odometer.
The X-Blade also gets a fully-digital instrument cluster, which displays lesser information as compared to the Apache RTR 160 4V. It gets a gear-position indicator and service due indicator in addition to all the basic information. The bike misses out on an engine kill switch which has been replaced by a hazard light switch.
With a fuel tank capacity of 12 litres, the X-Blade gets a kerb weight of 140kgs. It is lighter than the Apache RTR 160 4V by 3kgs which has a kerb weight of 143kgs and a fuel tank capacity of 12 litres.
Cycle Parts
The Apache RTR 160 4V uses 17-inch tubeless tyres. The Carburettor with rear drum version uses narrower 110/80 section tyres for the rear. However, the Carb with rear disc and the fuel injected version get bigger 130/70 section rear tyres. The front end makes do with 90/90 section tyres on all variants. The X-Blade rides on 17-inch alloy wheels that are shod with 80/110 and 130/70 section tyres for the front and rear respectively.
Braking duties on the Apache RTR 160 4V are taken care of by a 270mm front disc and a 130mm drum brake on the standard version. On the other hand, the other two variants get a 200mm rear disc. The Honda X-Blade’s braking setup consists of a 276mm disc brake and a 130mm rear drum brake for the rear. Both bikes do not offer ABS even as option. Suspension duties on both bikes are handled by telescopic front forks and a preload adjustable monoshock at the rear.
Engine
The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is powered by a 159.7cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine mated to a five-speed gearbox with an option of a carburettor or fuel-injection system. While the carb variant produces 16.1bhp of power at 8000rpm, the Fi version delivers 16.3bhp. Both bikes put out 14.8Nm of torque at 6500rpm. The bike is more powerful as compared to the Honda X-Blade.
The X-Blade is powered by Honda’s 162cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine that produces 13.93bhp at 8500rpm and peak torque of 13.9Nm at 6000rpm. This engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox.
Pricing
While Honda only offers one variant for the X-Blade priced at Rs 78,500, TVS offers three variants. The Apache RTR 160 4V Carb is priced at Rs 81,490, the Carb with rear disc brake retails at Rs 84,490 and the Fi version gets a Rs 89,990 price tag.
