TVS Apache RTX 300 vs KTM 250 Adventure: Which One Wins?

TVS has launched the long-awaited Apache RTX 300 in India, a bike made for long-distance touring. Launched at an introductory price of Rs 1,99,000 (ex-showroom Delhi), it is extremely affordable. The top-spec BTO (Built To Order) variant is priced at Rs 2.29 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). According to the pricing of the BTO variant, this motorcycle directly competes with the KTM 250 Adventure. Let’s compare the specs of these two adventure bikes.

Engine 

In this comparison, the TVS Apache RTX 300 is clearly a much more powerful motorcycle than the 250 Adventure. The RTX 300 is expected to deliver some exciting performance as per the specifications. It uses the completely new RT-XD4 motor, which should eventually replace the 312cc motor that’s seen on the RR 310 and the RTR 310. 

The KTM 250 Adventure is almost 4PS down on power, which is quite a lot. However, the 250 Adventure still performs quite well for a 250cc bike, thanks to its linear but determined power delivery. Other factors which affect the performance of this 250cc adv is the fact that it weighs a bit lower than the new RTX 300.

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Underpinnings 

Both bikes use a split trellis frame along with similar suspension type however the RTX 300 comes with an adjustable  front fork which gives it a slight upper hand. That said, KTM 250 Adventure gets a lot more suspension travel than the RTX 300, which should help it better in off-road scenarios. That said, it will come down to the suspension tuning on which one performs better on the road and off it as well. =

Dimensions

This is where things get a bit interesting. The KTM is seemingly better in all aspects as compared to the TVS. Its lighter weight, a larger fuel tank, lower seat height, and a higher ground clearance should give it an upper hand in all riding scenarios. That said, the RTX isn’t that bad either, and has a very strong ace up its sleeve that puts things in its favour; but we will discuss that later in the story.

Features

The RTX 300 is a much more loaded motorcycle in terms of features. It gets LED lights all around. The full Google Maps navigation will make it  a lot more convenient in everyday  usage as well as touring. Along with this, the RTX 300 also gets essential rider aids which make it an apt touring motorcycle. 

The 250 Adventure also gets features like a bidirectional quickshifter and switchable dual channel, but misses out on traction control which can help in tricky situations.

Price And Verdict

All prices ex-showroom Delhi.

The pricing is the main differentiating factor between the two, apart from styling of course. The RTX is Rs 11,010 cheaper than the 250 Adventure, and offers more performance as well as features. That said, the KTM gets away with ease of use from its better dimensions. If you opt for the lower variants of the RTX, the price difference increases even more, however those come with lesser features and lower-spec components. 

While both are road-biased ADVs, the KTM will have slightly better off-roadbility with its longer wheel travel and higher ground clearance. On the contrary, the TVS aims to make on-road touring better with features like cruise control, full navigation, and more. The choice between the two then depends on what you seek from your bike – all out highway touring or highway touring with decent-enough off-roadability.