EXCLUSIVE: TVS Apache RTR 165 RP Trademark Filed, What Could It Be?

This upcoming Apache model is likely to be sold from a new sub-brand called TVS ‘Race Performance’

• The names are currently under examination at the trademark office.
• It is likely to draw inspiration from its race bike.
• Changes could include sportier ergonomics and adjustable suspension.

The mantra of “Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday” is deeply rooted into TVS’s philosophy. The company doesn’t shy away from showing off its racing pedigree with the Apache series. Now, the Hosur-based company seems to be working on a sub-brand, ‘TVS Race Performance,’ and a motorcycle, Apache RTR 165RP, from this new subsidiary.

Trademarks for these two names have been filed on August 16 and are currently under examination. If these names do get sanctioned, expect TVS to make an announcement on this new avenue next year.

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Think of the TVS Race Performance sub-brand as Mercedes’ AMG division or the M-division at BMW. The bikes made under the Race Performance sub-brand will be sportier and pack several tech and performance upgrades over the stock bike.

And to kick things off with the Apache RTR 165 RP is a great idea, we think. Why? That’s because TVS has won numerous national championships with the RTR 165 race bike. The machine has been worked upon and perfected every year so that its riders -- Jagan Kumar and KY Ahmed -- remain favourites for title contention.

So, what exactly will the RTR 165 RP be? For starters, we think using the RTR 160 4V instead of the RTR 160 2V would be better. The latter is used for racing and its engine has been bored out to meet the national championship regulations. However, the RTR 160 4V’s more advanced mill could serve well to extract more performance.

After its last update, the RTR 160 4V’s 159.7cc engine was tuned to put out 17.63PS and 14.73Nm. With a few more cee cees to play with, TVS could easily extract 1-1.5PS and 1Nm more. The extra displacement could also be assisted with a higher rev ceiling and sharper throttle response.

Currently, the foundations of the RTR 160 4V offer a good balance between commuting and sport riding. For the RTR 165, though, TVS could offer a sportier setup and might even throw in a preload-adjustable front fork like the one on the RTR 200 4V. 

Furthermore, a few tweaks to the riding position (to make it a bit aggressive) and a stickier set of rubber could also be on the cards.