TVS Apache RTR 160 4V

In terms of design, the RTR 160 4V looks heavily inspired by its elder sibling, the RTR 200 4V, which makes it look sportier and more aggressive. Up front, the motorcycle features a sharp and sleek halogen headlamp with LED DRLs. The beefed up fuel tank and aggressive shrouds add to the masculinity of the bike. They’re also functional as the air duct on the right cowl is designed to act as a ram-air assist, which reduces the engine heat map by 10 degree Celsius, claims TVS. Moving towards the side, the new Apache RTR 160 4V features side panels finished in silver with “Apache” branding. The sides of the fuel tank get a chequered flag decal and the new TVS emblem that lend a premium touch to the bike. The engine belly pan is all sharp and edgy, adding to the racing character of the bike. At the rear, the RTR 160 4V features an LED tail lamp, sporty split grab rail, a short fender and a double-barrel exhaust muffler as seen on the RTR 200 4V. 

The Apache RTR 160 4V features a new single-piece handlebar and a fully digital instrument cluster which includes a tachometer, odometer, tripmeter, service reminder, lap timer, top speed and acceleration recorder, gear position indicator and a clock. All these features are available in the FI variant, whereas the Carb version gets the same console minus the additional details, with amber backlight. It has the regular trove of readouts like speedometer, tachometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge, odometer and the likes.

Following the footsteps of its elder sibling, the RTR 200 4V, the smaller RTR comes with a new four-valve engine platform, featuring a 159.7cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, OHC air-cooled motor with oil cooling. The fuel-injected variant produces a max power of 16.8PS @ 8000rpm, while the carburetted variant churns out max power of 16.5PS @ 8000rpm. The engine produces peak torque of 14.8Nm @ 6500rpm and comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox. With the help of a counterbalancer, the updated engine is much quieter than the existing one, especially at idle. Even the transmission unit is tractable enough to pull from 30kmph in the fifth gear. The fuel tank capacity of the bike is 12 litres. Though the fuel injected variant offers crisper throttle response, the carburetted version has a more punchy power delivery, and is more engaging to ride.

Built on a synchronous stiff frame, the RTR 160 4V offers a comfortable ride for both the rider and the pillion. Suspension setup comprises of telescopic front forks and a Showa monoshock at the rear. It’s equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels shod with a 90/90 tubeless tyre up front and a 130/70 tubeless tyre at the rear. Braking is handled by a 270mm petal front disc and 130mm drum brake at the rear in the base variant, while the dual disc variants feature a 200mm rear disc brake. Surprisingly, the RTR 160 4V doesn’t feature ABS (Anti-lock Braking system), not even as an option.

The RTR 160 4V is equipped with dual disc brakes in the Carburetor Dual Disc and Fi Dual Disc variants to efficiently handle braking at high speeds. The tyres are wide enough to provide better grip on slippery roads and instil confidence on corners. It also features Automatic Headlamp On (AHO), which keeps the headlamp turned on at all times. There is no combined braking system nor Anti-lock Braking System, even as an option.