TVS Apache RTR 160

The commuter performance motorcycle market in India saw significant growth starting in the early 2000s, with a major surge in the mid-2000s and continuing into the early 2010s. This growth was fueled by the launch of technologically superior and competitively priced models from Bajaj and TVS which made these bikes more accessible to a wider range of consumers.

When it comes to 150 -160cc naked motorcycles in the Indian market, the RTR series from TVS has always been a force to be reckoned with. These motorcycles have a good mix of performance, frugality, and ride and handling dynamics. The TVS Apache RTR 160 2V, which started off as a sporty looking commuter, saw plenty of upgrades over the years. And the most recent one adds a host of feature and design changes to the mix. The question is, does it still have what it takes to be competitive in the thriving 150 -160cc naked motorcycles segment?

The latest updates for the Apache 160 2-valve features a new refreshed look up front with a new LED headlight design, DRLs, and a tinted fly screen that sits right above it. 

Yes, it does look new and refreshing, of course, but then again, not as radical once you look at the more aggressively styled, better looking 4-valve variant of this same motorcycle. In fact, all of the 2- valve RTR 160 models look a lot more docile overall in comparison to the 4-valve variants. Still, for the price it comes in at, it’s a handsome bike. 

More on the design front, the bike retains its sporty looking graphics which pairs in well with the red alloy wheels. Let’s not forget the sleek engine cowl and black mechanicals that have also been retained from the previous version. It's all tied together by the subtle but neat red stitching on the single-piece seat, a familiar tail section with a new distinct LED tail lamp design and the short rear fender, which TVS has perfected over the years. The little tricolor on the headlamp cowl is a nice touch.

Colours

You have 7 different colourways to choose from – Matt Black, Pearl White, Glossy Black, Gloss Black, Racing Red, Matte Blue and T-Grey. I personally like Gloss Black and Pearl White. They really make the bike stand out without screaming for attention. 

Wheels

The design of the 6-spoke 17-inch wheels hasn’t changed but it now gets a fresh racing red paint scheme which goes with the sporty appeal of the bike. The front gets a 110/80-section tubeless tyre, while the rear comes shod with a 120/70-section rubber.. 

Quality

With TVS adhering to BMW's quality parameters, I can't really fault its build quality. The paint quality, panel gaps, and feel of the switchgear on the products are all top-notch. 

Safety features

The latest update involves the addition of an OBD-2B, which helps it comply with the latest emission norms. Other than that, TVS has also equipped the bike with dual-channel ABS – a rare feature in this segment. For entry-level bikes, dual-channel ABS isn’t just a premium touch; it’s a crucial safety upgrade.

Unlike single-channel systems that only control the front wheel, dual-channel ABS monitors both wheels, significantly reducing the risk of wheel lock-ups during hard braking, especially on slippery or uneven roads. And the ABS unit on the Apache is well tuned. In my experience, it did not feel intrusive while hard braking and did not let the wheels lock even on wet surfaces. It gives new riders more control, more confidence, and can be the difference between a close call and a crash.

Convenience features

Now, the test bike we received is the top-end 160 2-valve model, so it comes equipped with TVS's Smart Connect feature, which offers call and message alerts along with turn-by-turn navigation functions. The display is all digital, carried over from its sportier sibling, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V,  and reads out information like time, trip, fuel level, tachometer, and speedometer. The display is clear to read and remains legible even under direct sunlight. However, I found it difficult to pair the bike to their application at times. 

The race-themed display also comes with a 0-60 kph stop clock and a lap timer thrown in for
good measure. The bike also gets three ride modes, rain, urban, and sport, where ABS involvement as well as the power output is dialled down a bit depending on which mode you've selected. Moving back to the tank, you have a 12-litre reservoir with tank scoops designed to channel air towards the engine.

Rider Comfort

When it comes to riding comfort, I feel, the taller you are, the more uncomfortable you might feel. That’s because the handlebar is fairly flat, but your legs are tucked in a slightly sporty position. It’s not a big deal for short rides around town – the bike feels easy to handle. But on longer rides, your legs can start to feel cramped. The single-piece seat has good padding, though.

The TVS Apache RTR 160 2V offers a good mix of comfort and approachability. With a seat height of 790mm, it’s accessible for most riders. I’m 5'10", and I could easily flat-foot both sides, which adds confidence whether you're weaving through city traffic or riding at a steady pace on the highway. The seat itself feels well-cushioned and should keep you comfortable on everyday rides.

However, the step-up seat design and slightly cramped riding posture limit how much you can move around in the saddle, making it harder to stretch out on longer journeys. Overall, it’s comfortable for daily use according to me, but taller riders, or anyone planning longer rides, might feel the strain in their legs.

Pillion Comfort

I rode the bike extensively in the city with a pillion, and the seat is actually decent for short rides or city commutes. The cushion feels alright, not too soft but not rock hard either, and the footpeg positioning is comfortable enough for everyday use. That said, I did notice some vibrations creeping in through the footpegs, especially when the revs climb past 5000 rpm. It is nothing too dramatic, but you do feel it. For quick runs around town, it is perfectly manageable. But stretch that ride out, and those little vibrations, along with the slightly firm rear suspension, can start to wear you down. If you have got a pillion along for the ride, they will definitely be wishing for a softer seat after a while.

Engine

Powering the Apache 162-valve is a 159.7cc air-cooled single-cylinder motor that puts down a little over 16PS of max power and a little under 14Nm of max torque in sport mode. Now, these figures are dialled down to around 10PS and 13Nm with the rev limiter kicking in at 8,000rpm in Urban and Rain modes, respectively. This also limits the bike's top speed. 

City performance

I believe the power delivery on the older-gen 2-valve RTR 160 is smooth, but it doesn’t feel as refined or sharp as the newer 4-valve model, where the engine pulls cleanly all the way to 9000rpm. As a result, the 2-valve version feels a bit rough around the edges, but that’s expected given it isn’t as modern as its 4-valve sibling.

That said, the engine feels very easygoing and comfortable anywhere above 3,000rpm in city traffic thanks to Urban mode and TVS' Glide Through Technology, or GTT. You can comfortably ride at low speeds in 4th or even 5th gear without the bike complaining. It picks up speed effortlessly up to around 60kmph, and at that pace, the engine feels relaxed, like it could keep going all day without breaking a sweat.

Highway performance

Need to overtake? Just roll on the throttle and the Apache responds instantly. The power starts coming in cleanly post 4,000rpm, and keeps pulling strong right up to 9,000rpm before gently tapering off. On the highway, it cruises effortlessly at around 80kmph in 6th gear with the engine ticking over at 6,000rpm. During our tests, the speedometer showed a top speed of 125kmph, though it’s worth noting that this figure is slightly optimistic due to the typical speedo error. TVS claims a true top speed of 107kmph in Sport mode.

As good as the engine is, it still isn’t as refined as some of the other bikes in this segment. I could hear and feel a noticeable buzz through the footpegs, handlebars, and even the headlight cowl. That said, this model is definitely an improvement over the older one. But this buzzing is still the clearest reminder that this bike has been around for a while.

Gearbox

Like many other TVS bikes, the RTR 160 gets a smooth-shifting 5-speed gearbox. Gear changes feel crisp and precise, making every shift reassuringly positive.

Mileage

Our fuel efficiency tests weren’t far off the mark from what TVS themselves claimed. I managed to extract 45kmpl in the city and about 47kmpl out on the highway which is quite good for a 160cc engine. Considering its 12-litre fuel capacity, that should be good enough for about 540km on a full tank.

Underpinnings

What really works in the Apache’s favor in the city is its short 1,300mm wheelbase and its double Cradle Synchro frame; it makes the bike incredibly nimble and agile. 

Brakes

But I must say, one of the things working in the RTR's favor is its braking setup. The top-end variant we’re riding came with single-petal disc brakes at both ends, and they do a great job of bringing the RTR to a stop. Braking feels smooth and composed, even at higher speeds, thanks to the single-channel ABS. You can even opt for the top-spec dual-channel ABS variant, which should give you better control while braking. 

City handling

Squeezing through traffic on the RTR 160 becomes second nature, and it's actually fun to ride in congested streets.

Highway handling

At higher speeds or over rough patches, the front end can feel a bit unsettled and twitchy, reminding you that this setup is more tuned for city comfort than long highway stints.

Cornering

While it's agile and nimble, I wouldn’t suggest trying to push the bike to its absolute limit or trying to get your knee down. The bike isn’t meant to do that. It’s a “sporty” commuter after all, and the rubber isn’t designed to offer that kind of grip. 

The TVS Apache RTR 160 2-valve is priced at ?1,34,320 (ex-showroom, Delhi). For that price, it still offers a solid package when it comes to performance, comfort, handling, and fuel efficiency. But keep in mind, this is the read disc variant.

Variants

There are also 5 more affordable versions of the 2-valve model. The top-end variant comes with better kit in the form of dual-channel ABS – a blessing for our Indian road conditions. That’s the one I’d pick.

But if you have a budget of around 1.35 lakh, it's also worth looking at what TVS' competitors also have to offer. Take the Pulsar NS160, for instance; it gets a rev-happy engine and handles corners with confidence, making it perfect for those who are looking for a bit of thrill on their commute. 

The Hero Xtreme 160R is another noteworthy contender. It's light, quick on its feet, and has the right amount of punch to make city commutes exciting. 

On the other side of the spectrum is the Yamaha FZ-S FI. Once a sporty, muscular bike now transformed into a proper slow commuter over the years. It's purpose-built for comfort and fuel efficiency, with a substantial drop in performance. That said, it's perfect for your everyday ride.

Then comes the Pulsar 150 -- a familiar name for a reason. It’s reliable, easy to maintain, and still holds its own in terms of value, even if it's not the most exciting option on this list.

As for the bike in question, the Apache RTR 160 2V, it strikes a solid middle ground. It's got that signature Apache grunt, decent performance, and a streetfighter look that still turns heads. If you want a bike that’s fun, dependable, and doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket, it’s one of the stronger all-rounders out there.