TVS Apache RTX 300 vs Suzuki V-Strom SX 250: Image Gallery Compared

The recently launched TVS Apache RTX 300 is the first adventure bike from the brand, and it sits in the highly competitive 250 to 300cc entry-level ADV segment. The base variant of the TVS Apache RTX 300 will go up against the Suzuki V-Strom SX 250, which, incidentally, is priced quite close. Here’s how the base variant of the Apache stacks up against the V-Strom visually: 

Design

The TVS Apache RTX 300 has an aggressive look, with the dual-LED headlight setup, muscular quarter fairing and tall windscreen. The minimalist tail-section, combined with the chunky-looking exhaust adds that aggressive ADV character to the bike overall. The smaller details, including the metallic badging on the tank and the gold-finished inverted fork, give the bike a premium look and feel.

The Suzuki V-Strom SX 250, on the other hand, feels like a scaled-down version of the higher capacity V-Strom range. That said, it doesn’t look as aggressive as the Apache RTX300. However, it’s not necessarily a bad thing as the V-Strom will appeal to those who like a premium yet understated look. The recent addition of new colours add a bit of flair to the bike. 

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Engine

There’s a massive difference in terms of power between both the bikes. The Apache RTX 300 has a 299.1cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine which produces 36PS at 9,000rpm and 28.5Nm at 7,000rpm.

The V-Strom SX 250 is powered by a 249cc, oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine which produces 26.5PS at 9,300rpm and 22.2Nm at 7,300 rpm. At first glance, the Apache RTX’s engine feels like a more premium and higher-capacity one. The elegant-looking bronze finish on the crankcase, along with the TVS racing logo, looks beautiful.

The Suzuki V-Strom SX’s engine, on the other hand, looks visually (and is) smaller, and the all-black treatment means it doesn’t really try to stand out.

Underpinnings

The Apache RTX is built on a trellis frame, whereas the Suzuki V-Strom is built on a single-cradle frame. The RTX feels like a higher capacity bike in our opinion, as the exposed, white-painted subframe gives it that sporty character. 

As we’d mentioned earlier, the gold finished fork also looks a lot more premium than the blacked-out telescopic fork on the V-Strom. The petal disc braking setup at both ends look quite sporty, and should provide better heat dissipation compared to regular discs. The bronze caliper colour also makes it look a bit more premium compared to the blacked out calipers which aren’t really meant to draw attention.

Features

The TVS Apache RTX 300 gets a 5-inch TFT console which looks quite upmarket. It displays speed, time, fuel-level, along with trip and odometer readouts. The console misses out on smartphone connectivity and related features such as turn-by-turn navigation and call/SMS alerts, but that’s only the case with the base variant. For a detailed explanation of the features, check out our features guide.

The Suzuki V-Strom SX 250, on the other hand, gets a rather simple looking LCD console with smartphone connectivity and related features such as turn-by-turn navigation and call/SMS alerts. Don’t get us wrong, it is pretty functional, but doesn’t look as cool as the Apache’s TFT console. 

Price & Verdict

Although both bikes are similarly priced, it is important to note that the Apache RTX 300’s price is introductory and is likely to increase post-festive season. But right now, when comparing both bikes it is clear that the TVS Apache RTX 300 manages to give a lot more performance, features, while at the same time looking like a proper premium bike. 

The Suzuki V-Strom SX 250 on the other hand, has not seen many changes over the years. Even the recent colour update doesn’t really do much to the dated motorcycle. If you’re someone who likes a ‘safe’ Japanese 250cc tourer, then the V-Strom will appeal to you.