TVS Apache RTR 160 4V

In terms of design, not much. The most prominent change in the updated 160 4V and the 200 4V compared to their BS4 counterparts is the new LED headlamp unit. To make things easier for you, here’s what’s new: The seat cover on the RTR 160 4V now gets a dual-tone treatment, in addition to which it gets new decals and a faux carbon-fibre finish on the mirrors. The 200 4V also gets new stickers and the same faux carbon-fibre finish on the mirrors as seen on its smaller sibling… and that’s about it. We feel TVS could have introduced new paint options or even opted for new decals to help the motorcycles stand apart from their BS4 versions.

TVS engineers have added some cool new segment-first features to the BS6-compliant motorcycles. For instance, the updated bikes now come with a feature called ‘Glide Through Traffic’ or GTT. Behind this marketing term lays a simple yet effective piece of engineering. This feature kind of works like torque-assist (as seen on some high-end motorcycles) where the rider doesn’t have to twist the throttle or use the clutch at low speeds and all that the rider has to do is roll off the throttle in a nice and smooth manner. This system worked brilliantly at TVS’ test track in Hosur where we could do about 7kmph in first gear, 12kmph in second and around 17kmph in third gear… without even touching the throttle. It even works with a pillion on board and on mildly steep inclines! However, we will have to wait and see how well this feature works in stop-and-go traffic situations. 

From the outside, the BS6-compliant version of the 160 4V looks largely identical to the outgoing model. But TVS has heavily revised some components to make it adhere to the new emission norms. For instance, TVS’ engineers claim they have thoroughly tweaked the internals of the exhaust system. TVS has also redesigned the pistons and piston rings, in addition to which it gets a new intake, and even the valve timing has been changed. The 159.7cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine with an oil cooler produces 17.63PS and 14.73Nm. TVS had hiked the power output as part of its update in 2021 and the new bike is more powerful than the BS4 engine. 

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. TVS has equipped the Apache RTR 160 4V with single-channel ABS which they are calling it as Supermoto ABS.

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. Additionally, the bike now features the safety net of single-channel ABS.