TVS Apache RTX 300 vs Suzuki V-Strom SX: 2 Very NICE ADVs

When the TVS Apache RTX 300 was launched in India, one of its competitors was also the perennially nice Suzuki V-Strom SX. We say ‘nice’ because head online and everywhere you’ll see people calling this Suzuki 250cc adventure bike a very nice, underrated bike. And after riding the Apache RTX 300, we realised it too was a very nice bike. So let’s put these 2 nice adventure bikes against each other and see which is the one you should put your hard-earned money down for: 

Price & Variants

• Both bikes’ starting price is competitive but you can’t help but think of the TVS Apache RTX 300 as a bit more value for money, since you’re getting a bigger bike for pretty much the same money.

• Also given that for just Rs 15,000 more, you’re getting a wonderful quickshifter on the RTX 300, it sounds like the better deal of the two. 

• Both bikes have some beautiful colour schemes on offer. Both have blue colour schemes (Metallic Blue on the RTX 300 and the Pearl Fresh Blue on the V-Strom SX) which strike a nice balance between being attractive and yet not too flashy. 

• Both also have white colour schemes (Pearl White, in both cases) which look really good too and we all believe that more bikes need to come in an all-white colour scheme.

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Dimensions & Design 

• Ignore what the spec sheet says, for both the RTX 300 and the Suzuki V-Strom SX are tall, narrow and approachable bikes. 

• Yes, the V-Strom’s 835mm seat height sounds intimidating on paper but it’s an incredibly slim motorcycle and even shorter riders can place at least one foot very firmly on the ground. 

• While the Apache RTX 300 hides its 180kg kerb weight quite well, the V-Strom SX is actually light as well (167kg kerb weight). This means even if you can’t place both feet on the ground firmly, the V-Strom is still very easy to maneuver in the city. 

• Even if you’re a bit late to plant your foot on the ground and the bike ends up tipping over a little too much, its low weight means you’ll be able to prevent a little fall quite easily. 

Features & Safety

• The Suzuki bike has a relatively basic features set, especially compared against the RTX. 

• While it has a fully-digital console, it’s still an LCD console, and a very cluttered one. A lot of information is crammed onto a not-so-spacious screen. It’s not the easiest to use, especially on the go. 

• In comparison, the RTX feels tech-laden. Think of a feature at this price point, and the RTX 300 has it. 

• We’ve mentioned before that the RTX 300’s optional quickshifter is very nice to use, and if you’re thinking of splurging the extra Rs 15,000, we’d advise you to definitely save up for it. 

Engines

• Looking at the spec sheet, the TVS Apache bike seems to be the clear winner, for it has the bigger engine, more power and more torque, right? Well, it depends on what sort of flavour you like. 

• The RTX 300 makes more power and torque but it’s an extremely easy-going engine. Now, while beginners will love that, it can come across as a bit too plain- or even boring. It’s a bit too linear, and you might feel like you would’ve wanted a bit more punch out of a 300cc adventure bike. 

• While the Suzuki V-Strom SX’s engine is no hooligan like a KTM bike, it still has a bit of that low-end punch that you expect from an ADV. It has plenty of torque at low revs and actually enjoys being ridden hard. Wind it up and you’ll realise this little 250cc engine loves that. And, being a relatively small engine, you can feel like you’re going fast without actually going really fast, making it very usable as well. 

• Where the RTX 300 beats the V-Strom SX comprehensively is with its suspension. The RTX feels plush and absorbs most of our road’s imperfections very well. The Suzuki, on the other hand, feels a lot firmer, and while it’s not uncomfortable, you can’t help but wish it was just a bit more pliant, keeping in mind our bad roads. 

Verdict 

For most people, the TVS Apache RTX 300 will be the better deal. For a similar price, you get more power, more torque, more features and a bike that just looks a bit more premium. That’s enough to sway most people in its favour, and that’s fair. 

But if you’re upgrading from say a humble commuter and want your ‘bigger’ bike to have a bit of punch, something that’s a bit more exciting when you wind it up, the Suzuki V-Strom SX might be your thing. Yes, its low sales and Suzuki’s inconsistent after-sales service and support don’t paint a very nice picture. That said, the Suzuki V-Strom is still a genuinely nice bike which will put a smile on your face - if you enjoy riding your bikes in a slightly spirited manner.

Comparisons With Other Rivals:

• If you are looking for a simple and easy-to-ride bike, the Honda NX200 is a cheaper alternative to the RTX.
• In terms of electronics and rider aids, the RTX is more advanced than the Ultraviolette X-47 base variant.
• If you want a balanced machine for touring and light off-roading, the RTX is more sensible compared to the Dominar.
• For riders wanting a practical and modern ADV without stretching your budget, the RTX is a smarter choice than the Versys 300.
• Both the RTX and XPulse 210 come with good safety features, though their focus areas are quite different.
• Between the RTX and Yezdi Adventure, the Yezdi offers better low-end grunt for slow-speed off-road riding.
• If standing out with modern styling and better value matters to you, the RTX makes a stronger case than the 250 Adventure.
• Those who aren't impressed by the RTX will be glad to know that there are many other options that cost as much as the RTX.