New TVS Bike Spotted Testing

The bike looks visually similar to the Apache RTR 200 4V though a close look reveals it to carry a smaller heart

The 160cc market is currently enjoying sweet success in terms of sales. The segment gained momentum as the bikes offer everyday riding practicality while also being usable for highway cruising. TVS Motor was the first manufacturer to offer the Apache RTR 160 in the 160cc segment, much before the segment came into the limelight. However, the bike had not seen any major updates since it was launched. We expect this test bike to be the new Apache RTR 160 as the update for the motorcycle was long overdue.

The bike looks similar to the Apache RTR 200 4V on the design front, the only big differentiator being the big silver-coloured side panel. Other components like the single monoshock unit at the rear, fuel tank, tail section and exhaust unit are shared with the RTR 200. From the side angle, the headlamp panel also looks similar to the RTR 200. As the bike carries over almost all the components from the 200, we also expect the bike to get the same instrumental cluster. A closer look at the bike reveals the bike also carries a few changes from the RTR 200, like the drum brake setup at the rear, narrow tyres, incorporation of kick starter, six-spoke alloys and an air-cooled engine. The engine block also looks smaller in size. All the changes made to the bike points towards a smaller motorcycle, probably the RTR 160.

The RTR 160 which is currently on sale makes 15.4PS @ 8,500rpm and a peak torque of 13.1Nm @ 4,000rpm, mated to a five-speed gearbox. The new motor might be more refined than its predecessor while carrying the same architecture. The bike is expected to be priced roughly around Rs 85,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Once on sale, it will face competition from other, already established bikes like the Suzuki Gixxer, Yamaha FZ V2.0, Honda Hornet 160 and the recently launched Pulsar 160NS.

Video Courtesy: The Gearhead Bureau on YouTube