TVS recently launched the Apache RTR 160 Race Edition in the Indian market. It faces direct competition from the Honda CB Hornet 160R and the Suzuki Gixxer. How do the bikes stack up against each other? We find out in this competition check-
Design and features
The Apache RTR 160 Race Edition sports a design language that is similar to that of the standard model. However, it gets a white paint scheme with red graphics. The Honda CB Hornet 160R gets sharp styling cues and a muscular fuel tank with edgy tank shrouds. The Suzuki Gixxer sports a uniquely designed, muscular tank and a distinctive dual-outlet exhaust.
While the Honda CB Hornet 160R offers a full-LED headlamp, the Apache RTR 160 Race Edition gets eyebrow-like LED DRLs, the Gixxer misses out on both. The Honda CB Hornet 160R is the only bike in this list that gets ABS as an option. Meanwhile, all three bikes get an LCD instrument cluster that displays speed, tachometer, odometer and fuel gauge. However, the Apache RTR 160 Final Edition’s unit comes equipped with a lap timer and 0 to 60kmph timer.
Cycle parts
Braking power on the TVS Apache RTR 160 Race Edition is taken care of by a 270mm disc at the front and a 130mm drum brake at the rear as standard. The rear disc variant gets a 200mm unit for the rear.
Stopping power for the Honda CB Hornet comes from a 276mm front disc and a 130mm drum unit for the rear on the standard variant. The DLX version gets a 220mm rear disc. The Suzuki Gixxer uses a 266mm front disc and a 130mm rear drum unit. The manufacturer also offers a rear disc variant with a 220mm unit. All three bikes ride on 17-inch wheels with a telescopic front suspension and a monoshock at the rear.
Engine
Powering the Apache RTR 160 Race Edition is a 160cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 15bhp and 13Nm of torque. This unit is mated to a five-speed gearbox and final chain drive. The Gixxer uses a 155cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine. This engine delivers 14.6bhp and 14Nm of torque through a five-speed transmission.
The CB Hornet 160R is powered by a 163cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produces 15.7bhp and 14.76Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox and is the most powerful of the lot thanks to its slightly higher displacement.
Pricing
The Honda CB Hornet is available in four variants and is the most expensive bike in this list. The standard variant is priced at Rs 84,675 while the CBS (Combi-brake system) costs Rs 89,175. On the other hand, the ABS standard variant is priced at Rs 90,175 and the top spec, ABS DLX version is priced at Rs 92,675.
The Apache RTR 160 Race Edition is available in two variants. The drum brake version is priced at Rs 79,715 while the rear disc version is priced at Rs 82,044.
The Suzuki Gixxer is the most affordable bike in this list. It offered in three variants with the rear drum variant priced at Rs 77,015. The rear disc variant with dual-tone colours costs Rs 80,929 and the SP with rear disc version gets a Rs 81,926 price tag.
