TVS Apache RTR 165 RP Review: Likes And Dislikes

Was TVS’ first homologation special really worth all the hype?

TVS has been nurturing motorsports in India for close to four decades, and recently the company decided to give the Indian buyer a taste of what a race-bred motorcycle could be like with the Apache RTR 165 RP. We have had the chance to spend some time with the bike and here’s what we liked and disliked about the new TVS Apache RTR 165 RP. And while you may be enticed to book one, you are a little too late, for all the 200 units of the bike have already been spoken for!

LIKES

Performance
The TVS Apache RTR 165 RP is the most powerful motorcycle in the 160cc segment, and the difference is visible in the real world and not just on the spec sheet.

Race Performance – that’s what the “RP” stands for, and that’s how the engine is tuned. The 164.9cc single-cylinder engine wakes up after 7000rpm and surges towards the 11,000rpm mark with urgency. While the peaky nature highlights the sporty intent of the machine, it doesn’t compromise on everyday usability. So, you don’t really have to be on full throttle to utilise its power to cut through the traffic. You will need to be in a gear lower than what you would on the RTR 160 4V for commutes but that shouldn’t really be bothersome.

Brakes
Braking hasn’t been the RTR series’ strongest suite but with the RTR 165 RP, things are surprisingly different. In our braking test, the bike shows considerable difference in stopping distances compared to the standard Apache RTR 160 4V. However, though both the brake feel and predictability have improved, it’s still not up to the levels we would’ve liked.

Handling
TVS hasn’t fiddled with its tried-and-tested double cradle chassis, and with the extra performance on offer, things get even better. The TVS Apache RTR 165 RP continues to be a light-footed machine like the RTR 160 4V that will help new riders hone their skills. The extra 2kg heft barely makes any difference here, as the RP’s chassis remains highly communicative through all of your cornering endeavours.

Meh

Suspension
While the extra performance and nimble handling urge you to push the bike, you’ll be robbed of confidence at times because of the suspension tune. When attacking corners, the front end tends to dive a bit, which can be unnerving if you aren’t prepared. Even the supple rear monoshock tune does tend to limit your cornering fun, something that you don’t want on a sporty machine. The commuter genes of the RTR come to the fore and that’s something which will dishearten you on those days when you decide to go hooning.

Tyres
Another limiting component to a rather impressive package are the tyres. The TVS Protorq tyres are well suited to handle everyday duties and even some spirited riding. However, when you start pushing the bike’s limits, the tyres feel underqualified for the job. In fact, under hard acceleration, you can feel the rear lose traction. The rear tyre, in particular, was eager to leave traction at extreme lean angles as well, so expectations will have to be kept in check.

DISLIKES

Price
At Rs 1.45 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), this is undoubtedly a pricey proposition. It is about Rs 25,000 more expensive than the Bluetooth and riding modes-equipped RTR 160 4V. In fact, it demands Rs 4000 more than the Apache RTR 200 4V which packs more performance, features and even gets adjustable suspension.

Design
The TVS Apache RTR 165 RP gets a fresh livery and paint job which gel with its race-y intent. The matte finish is so prone to scratches that even slight friction with our riding suit managed to damage the finish.

VERDICT
The limited-run TVS Apache RTR 165 RP definitely showed the bikemaker’s racing prowess. While the performance enhancements to the motorcycle gives it an edge over its competition and helps you extract more from the chassis, better tyres and perhaps adjustable suspension would have gone a long way. After all, it demands a hefty sum over the 160cc variant, and is even more expensive than the RTR 200 4V which, apart from some additional performance and superior hardware, also flaunts more features, including a lap timer, something that the RP misses out on. So, while the RP is off the market, the RTR 200 4V continues to be a good learning tool to hone your riding skills.