BS6-compliant Apache RTR 160 Spotted Testing

Both the 2V and 4V versions have been spied

• Both updated models are expected to feature fuel injection as standard.
• They could be launched well before the April 1 2020 deadline.
• A price hike of around Rs 6,000 - 8,000 can be expected for the 2V variant.

With BS6 emission norms all set to take effect next year, manufacturers are in the process of updating their models to meet the updated regulations. TVS is on the ball as well, and has been spotted testing the BS6-compliant versions of the Apache RTR 160 and Apache RTR 160 4V models. 

The bikes appear to be almost identical to the current versions in terms of design, indicating that the only updates will be on the engine front. The RTR 160 is powered by a 159.7cc motor producing 15.12PS and 13.03Nm while the RTR 160 4V uses a 4-valve version of the same engine putting out 16.8PS and 14.8Nm in fuel injected form. 

The 2-valve RTR 160 is currently available only with a carburettor, but it is likely that TVS will equip the bike with fuel injection to help it meet BS6 standards. The brand might also discontinue the carburetted version of the RTR 160 4V since it will be difficult for it to meet the emission norms.

We expect output figures for both engines to remain largely similar. There is no word from TVS about when these BS6 models will be launched, but the bikes in the images seem to be quite close to completion, with no stray cables or data-loggers in sight. On the basis of this, we expect TVS to launch these BS6 models within the next couple of months, well before BS6 norms kick in on April 1 next year. The 2V RTR 160 could be accompanied by a price hike of around Rs 6,000 - 8,000 while the 4V will probably get a smaller increment.