TVS Apache RTR 165 RP Road Test Review: Image Gallery

Let’s find out if TVS’ special edition bike was worth the hype, via images

TVS launched the Apache RTR 165 RP in December 2021, a race focused iteration of its 160cc naked bike. The RTR 165 RP is by far the most powerful bike in the segment on paper and only 200 units of the bike were made, which are already sold out. We got our hands on the bike, and here is what we feel.

In terms of styling, the RTR 165 RP retains the body design as the standard model. However, it does get a loud race livery with bright red alloy wheels (albeit similar to those on the Special Edition variant of the RTR 160 4V). The livery looks great but the matte finish is prone to scuffing.

Powering the RTR 165 RP is a 164.9cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine. It produces 19.2PS and 14.2Nm, which is the best in class, even more powerful than the Yamaha R15 V4 by 0.8PS. In terms of performance, the RP takes things to another level. The engine is properly tuned for the track and beyond the 6000rpm mark, it goes berserk. Even with the rawness of the power, it does not compromise on the everyday usability of the bike.

The braking duties are handled by a 270mm disc up front and a first-in-segment 240mm rear petal disc brake. And while the braking performance on the standard Apache RTR hasn’t been that exceptional, on the RP the braking behaviour seems vastly improved. Stopping distances have reduced dramatically, improving the predictability of the bike. However, it still lacks a certain character.

One major thing on the RP that hampers its likeability is the suspension. It gets a telescopic fork up front and a monoshock at the rear that aren’t tuned well enough to match up to the performance of the bike. The suppleness of the suspension robs you of confidence and acts as an inconvenience during cornering, which is not something you would expect from a race-focused bike.

Adding to performance restrictions are the tyres which, though good enough for daily use, start to lose traction when the bike’s limits are pushed. The rear tyre, especially, loses traction under hard acceleration and extreme lean angles.

With a price tag of Rs 1.45 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the RP is really expensive and demands a premium of Rs 25,000 over the Bluetooth and riding modes-equipped RTR 160 4V. Moreover, it is also Rs 4000 more expensive than the Apache RTR 200 4V which packs more performance, features and even gets adjustable suspension.

The limited edition Apache RTR 165 RP gives us an idea of what the bike-maker’s racing DNA can offer for the streets. However, a large premium without the appropriate tyres and non adjustable suspension is where the bike takes a major hit, making the limited edition not really a very special one.