New Apache RTR 160 4V first ride review

It was a sweltering afternoon on NH45 on the outskirts of Chennai when I first rode the Apache RTR 160, back in 2009. Almost nine years hence, that ride still brings back fond memories of some zippy overtakes and the rev-counter dial tracing a glorious semicircle almost up till the redline.

Fast forward to a mercifully temperate day in 2018, in a controlled and thankfully much safer environment on TVS’ test track in Hosur, and much of that zippiness and handling is around, albeit with a lot else that has changed. The new Apache RTR 160 4V heralds changes, both under the skin and out.

The ‘Racing DNA’ that TVS insists is a part of their engineering on all Apache variants was highlighted on the new RTR 160 4V right from the launch event. The race-spec RTR 165, six-time Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship (INMRC) winner, was on prominent display. With good reason too, given that the latest Apache is ‘born of’ the same motorcycle and gets a four-valve, oil-cooled engine.

The motorcycle comes with both a carburetted and a fuel-injected (Fi) version and both were given to journalists for a few laps on the track. .

Racing-inspired looks

There’s something inexplicable about the raw appeal of a naked bike’s design. TVS brought it to the Apache RTR 200 and has now gone with a very similar look for its smaller-displacement sibling. In fact, there’s not a lot that tells the two apart.

The RTR 160 4V is built on a patented double cradle split chassis that the company claims improves stability during cornering and also general handling. It has a forward-biased stance, giving it an aggressive demeanour that is complimented by an imposing headlamp sans the cowl. The forward-biased stance also makes crouching at high speeds feel more natural. The fully digital instrument cluster sits atop the headlamp and juts out a little, which could look a little odd, initially. It is flanked by a single-piece handlebar.

The sporty, muscular fuel tank adorned with racing decals and TVS’ sprinting horse is wrapped in shrouds on either side and gives the motorcycle width, making it look heavier than it actually is. The bike tapers out at the rear with a sharp, raised tail with split hand rails. The sleek, double-exhaust muffler is like the one on the RTR 200.

The instrument cluster has a horizontal rev counter on the top, with speed, ODO, fuel indicator below. The Fi variant gets a gear indicator and a lap timing display, which is missing on the carburetted version. Although the latter could have done with a gear indicator too. Switchgear is of good quality and convenient to reach and operate. Both variants are being offered in three colours -- RR red, Racing Blue and Racing Black.

Engine and performance

The 159.7 cc mill on the Apache RTR 160 4V churns out a maximum power of 16.8 PS at 8,000rpm (Fi) and 16.5 PS (carb) with a maximum torque of 14.8 Nm at 6,500 rpm.

TVS claimed a 0-60kmph acceleration of 4.8 and 4.73 seconds for the FI and carburetted versions respectively and while the time couldn’t be measured, the bike launched forward and hit speeds of 60kmph plus with ease on the third gear itself, with a strained roar of the engine prompting an upshift to fourth. Power delivery is smooth and linear, but it was a tad better and well-distributed on the FI variant across the band.

As the 600m-long straight stretched out ahead, moving to fifth and pinning the throttle down saw the RTR 160 4V race to between 85 and 90 in no time. But triple-digit speeds take slightly longer to get to. Shifting from fourth to fifth gear, one realises that it is best done at over 6,000rpm to ensure gradual and well-paced power output. An upshift at slightly lower revs and one can feel a little bit of a lag even at speeds beyond 60kmph till the rpm gets to the so-called sweet spot between 7,000 and 8,000rpm, where there is maximum power delivery. Handling feels assured, with the bike well planted at high speeds. Cornering stability is also good enough to give the rider confidence to take them on at high speeds.

Anti-lock brakes are missing in both the Fi and carburetted versions. Considering its segment and pricing, ABS could have well been a game-changer. But the front and rear disc brakes (rear drum on the carburetted version) are assuring and offer good bite and feedback.

Suspension couldn’t really be tested on the track’s smooth tarmac. It consists of a rear monoshock by Japan’s Showa that is race-tuned. Telescopic forks take care of the front. This Apache’s rated top speed is 114kmph, although pushing it to 119kmph was managed under the track’s conditions. But how long the motorcycle can sustain high speeds when on a cruise remains to be seen. The same goes for how it manages temperatures too.

Bottom line

The changes have transformed the RTR 160 4V, making it more modern and aggressive. Also, given the features and specs on offer, this Apache is being offered at a competitive price (starting at Rs 81,490 for the carburetted, rear-drum brake variant, ex-showroom, Delhi). At its price and engine capacity segment, this Apache can take on the Honda Hornet and the X-Blade with gusto.

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