The 150-160cc department, often known as the sporty commuter motorbike segment, is in high demand. It’s a welcome change from the monotonous commuter motorcycles. With on-road costs rising to approximately Rs 1.1–1.15 Lakhs, they are affordable for middle-class buyers. These bikes have a nice appearance, provide respectable performance, and monitor mileage.
We intended to choose the model with the highest sales volume from this well-liked segment. They must have all made their predictions by now. When TVS introduced the Apache in the early 2000s, it quickly gained popularity.
The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V has increased the brand’s sales. To help you decide whether to buy this bike or not, we have listed five reasons for you to think over.
The Engine is Polished and Quiet
The Apache RTR 160 4V has four valves in addition to the 159.7cc engine found on the standard RTR. The machine has undergone a significant redesign to perform better, and it does. The engine is smooth and refined, with no hiccups. Although the engine runs at triple digits, there are no noticeable vibrations.
You rarely notice any pulsations, even when left idle. Advantageously, power is distributed evenly over the whole RPM range. The resulting acceleration power is excellent. The acceleration was good, even when I picked up the bike in third gear at a speed of about 20 km/h. The low and middle ranges appear to deliver most of the torque, which is suitable for city riding. However, it began to feel a little out of breath after reaching 5500–6000 RPM. Even yet, there isn’t much to be upset over. The 5-speed transmission, which is easy to shift, also helps with acceleration.
We received the carburetor version with a max torque output of 14.8 Nm and 16.3 BHP. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 kilometers per hour in 5.09 seconds, comparable to other 160cc motorcycles.
Nimble Handling and Comfortable Riding
The Apache RTR 160 4V can quickly eat up potholes and broken roads thanks to its Showa-tuned suspension. The suspension is balanced; it is neither too firm for abrupt jerks nor too soft for poor corners.
The TVS Remora tyres aren’t particularly grippy, though, which may make cornering less confident. RTR 200 4V presented the same issue for us.
The Apache RTR 160 4V has a slightly dedicated riding posture for a naked street bike. Thanks to the footpegs’ slight rearward setting, you may easily transition from a relaxed position to a somewhat crouching role.
High On Features
Another quality of the TVs that I enjoy. Despite being more inexpensive than its rivals, the manufacturer’s two-wheelers are noted for having a tonne of features. In essence, the world of four wheels has Hyundais.
A fully computerized panel, LED pilot lamps, ABS, a single step-up seat, and a dual-barrel exhaust outlet are the characteristics of the RTR 160 4V. In addition, the console shows data such as the fuel level, RPM, trip meter, odometer, and time. Sadly, the RTR 200’s gear position indicator would have been helpful in this situation. Undoubtedly, the RTR 160 4V is the motorcycle in its class with the most excellent features. Although alternative motorcycles may offer some or more significant features, this list is still impressive.
Mile Muncher
Compared to their rivals, TVS motorbikes and scooters seem to have lower mileage. It is because they put more emphasis on performance, which explains this. It’s a very different scene over here. We obtained 45 km/l in the city and nearly 51 km/l on the roads while putting our simple tests to the test. The Apache RTR 160 4V provides 48 km/l on average. The bike’s 12-litre petrol tank can give a riding range of around 550 kilometers. We attempted both aggressive and relaxed riding, but the differences in the results were minimal.
If you ask anyone, the RTR 160 4V looks considerably better, sportier, and more intimidating than the standard RTR 160. Some commuter bike style elements are present on the previous model but not on the 4V.
The sculpted headlight with the side-mounted DRLs is where it all begins. Although not as acute as the RTR 200 4V, the tank shrouds are nonetheless sharp. The chrome under-seat panel was not a feature that particularly appealed to me. TVS is renowned for creating sporty, sleek, and imposing-looking luxury motorbikes and scooters. Well, all of these components pass through the 4V’s body panels.
Excellent Braking and Pricing
We found the brakes to be excellent. However, the front brake’s first bite on our media bike fell short of expectations. Because the rear disc brake locks up so readily, I felt less confident. In addition, the highest-spec type offers disc brakes on both ends, whereas the lower-spec variant has a front disc as standard.
Recently, TVS added a single-channel ABS to the Apache RTR 160 4V. Although we could not test the ABS-equipped motorcycle, it should function well.
The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V with ABS in Delhi is between Rs 90,133 and Rs 99,133 (ex-showroom). It is the most expensive motorcycle at this price, but it is also the most popular. The price range is more significant, as was already mentioned, but given its features and improved performance, the extra money shouldn’t matter.
Regarding competitors, the RTR 160 4V faces off against the Honda CB Hornet 160R, Suzuki Gixxer, Yamaha FZ V3, Hero Xtreme 200R, and Bajaj Pulsar NS160.
