2018 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Review – The Champion Rises

We had just about returned form Chennai after riding the TVS Ntorq, at their Hosur plant and in a few days we already had an invite to ride another new motorcycle from the Indian manufacturer. This time it is the 2018 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V. It now comes in an all new avatar and gets a lot of upgrades as well. We ride this bike and tell you whether it is worth it. Keep reading further.

2018 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Design

The design of the Apache RTR 160 is all new now. It is now inspired from the Draken concept and it resembles the Apache RTS 200. This is a good thing as the bike now looks more premium and also a part of the family. The headlamp is aggressive looking and has LED daytime running lamps. The front mudguard is also stylish and gets a TVS Racing sticker. The  fuel tank also looks aggressive and has the same appeal of the RTR 200. It now gets a chequered flag decals. This is a 12-litre tank. The handlebar is a flatish one and adds to the overall handling of the bike. It does not get clip-ons. What we also liked was the excellent fit-finish and the paint quality. It does look premium.

The RTR 160 get a fully digital instrument pod. This is a detailed one. Apart from the Speedo, Tacho and trip meters it also has a gear indicator and gets three modes. These include a Lap timer mode, Top speed mode and a Shortest Time mode. These modes calculate the runs and accordingly provide the information. However the riding modes and the gear indicator is not available on the carbureted version. This is exclusive to the FI version. The seat is a single piece one and quite comfortable too. The taillamp is a clear lens unit. Over all this bike now looks much more appealing.

2018 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Performance

The Apache RTR 160 has a 160cc engine. This is derived from the race spec RTR 165 engine. This is an oil-cooled unit, which now develops 16bhp of power @ 8000rpm which is more than the outgoing version. The torque is now 14.8 Nm @ 6500rpm. This is a smooth engine and while on the run, one hardly feels any vibrations. The only time you can feel a little is beyond 8000rpm.The bike is available with a carburetor and also a fuel injection version. We rode both the bikes and came to the conclusion that the carburetor one has a better initial throttle response, however in terms of refinement and top-end performance, it is the FI that is better.

The Apache RTR 160 4V has a claimed top speed of 115km/h. However, we think this can go beyond as we were able to cross 115km/h on the limited straight stretch on the track. This bike is now the most powerful one in its class and the fastest too.

2018 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Ride and Handling

The Apache range of bikes were always known for their handling characteristics. The new RTR 160 is now a much improved bike in this department. It gets a stiffer double cradle synchro chassis and the suspension setup is also tweaked.

The suspension is race tuned by Showa. Now this aspect certainly shows up once you ride the bike. The way it eases into corners and maintains its line, is a delight. The dynamics are such that they invite you to push the bike around.

There is hardly any hint of nervousness that the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V shows up. It is very confidence inspiring and the experience of TVS in racing is clearly depicted here.

Another aspect that impressed me was the braking. Seldom do we see this kind of braking performance on small capacity bikes. The front and rear disc brakes do a good job. However, the only glitch is of ABS being absent. We were expecting the FI version to offer one. Nevertheless, the brakes do not give any reason to complain.

2018 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Mileage

TVS does not claim any specific figure for this bike in terms of fuel efficiency. As per the company, they do not talk about fuel efficiency  for their performance motorcycles. Now, we have not yet done a road review or mileage run on this bike, however, we assume it to return between 35-40km/l, in everyday riding conditions.

Verdict

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V comes across as an accomplished entry-level performance bike. The last few years have seen the competition doing a lot of stuff in this category of 150-160cc. To counter them, TVS has upgraded the Apache 160 and that too with aplomb. It betters its competition in most areas, when it comes to performance. What more? The Apache RTR 160 is a very usable motorcycle for daily commutes as well. Priced between INR 81,500 and INR 89,900, ex-showroom Delhi, it does offer a lot that enthusiasts look for in a motorcycle. Yes, ABS would have been preferred. Barring that, this is a highly recommended bike, especially if you have that racing bug in you.