TVS Apache RTR 160 2V: All You Need To Know

From design to performance, here’s everything you need to know about one of TVS’ most popular sporty commuter motorcycles

The TVS Apache RTR 160 2V was the Hosur-based brand’s befitting response to the popular Bajaj Pulsar 150. TVS was already known for its racing expertise and the brand implemented some of its learnings into the Apache. Over the years, the Apache RTR 160 has received a couple of major updates. Here’s everything you need to know about TVS’ popular sporty commuter motorcycle:

Features performance-packed powertrain:

The TVS Apache RTR 160 comes with a 159.7cc single-cylinder air-cooled oversquare motor with a short-stroke setup for quicker acceleration and faster rev build-up. Thanks to this, it produces 15.11PS at 8000rpm and 13.03Nm at 6500rpm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed transmission. TVS claims a top speed of 110kmph for this motorcycle.

Sporty genes in the underpinnings too:

TVS has built this motorcycle on a double cradle Synchro Stiff frame. Up front, it uses conventional forks whereas the rear gets twin gas-charged shock absorbers with 5-step preload adjustability. For better braking performance, the bike gets petal disc up front. This offers a greater surface area than conventional discs, which, in turn, facilitates better heat dissipation. The front wheel is anchored by a 270mm unit whereas the rear gets either a 130mm drum or a 200mm petal disc. 

To comply with the safety norms, TVS offers Super Moto ABS as standard across both the rear disc and rear drum variants. It is essentially TVS’ jargon for single-channel ABS, which acts only on the front wheel. The motorcycle rides on 17-inch alloys on both ends with a 90-section front and 110-section rear tubeless tyres.

Gets aerodynamic design & sporty yet comfortable ergonomics:

The TVS Apache RTR 160’s bodywork not only looks stylish but is purpose-built for better aerodynamics too. The tank cowl has been designed in a way to direct air to the engine fins. TVS claims the cowl is capable of reducing the engine heat by as much as 10-degree celsius. The headlight cowl houses a halogen unit with LED DRLs on both sides. For an added dose of sportiness, the bike also comes with an engine cowl, carbon fibre texture on the body panel, and a chiselled tail section with split grab rails. Interestingly, the seat is a single-piece unit for better comfort and the clip-on handlebars are raised to ensure the ergonomics are sporty yet comfortable enough. 

Loaded with essential features:

The motorcycle comes with an analogue-digital combo cluster. It shows all the necessary information like speed, fuel level, tachometer, odometer and trip meter readings. The lighting system features a halogen headlamp, LED tail lamp and DRLs. The indicators are bulb type though. The fuel tank capacity stands at 12 litres, which is pretty much the norm for a bike of its class.

Pricing & rivals:

TVS offers the Apache RTR 160 in two variants: rear drum and rear disc. The entry-level drum variant costs Rs 87,778 whereas the rear disc version will set you back by Rs 90,857 (both ex-showroom Delhi). We’d recommend the disc variant as it offers superior bite at the rear compared to its drum counterpart. The Apache RTR 160 competes with the Bajaj Pulsar 150 and Honda Xblade, which cost Rs 85,958 and Rs 89,136 respectively. All prices are ex-showroom Delhi.