TVS Apache RTR 160

TVS Apache RTR 160 has been around for a long time in the Indian motorcycle market. It's one of the most loved bikes in the entry-level performance segment. What makes this bike stand out is its balance of performance, looks, and features.

The 2023 update brings a new LED headlamp, a fully digital instrument cluster, ride modes, and Bluetooth connectivity. While it still has its familiar silhouette, it now feels much more modern and ready to compete with bikes like the Bajaj Pulsar N160. Let’s now look at the updated Apache RTR 160 in detail.

• The new LED headlamp with twin DRLs not only looks sharp but really lights up the road well.

• We love how it still carries the muscular tank and bold graphics. It feels classic yet modern.
• That 3D logo on the tank shrouds adds a nice premium touch when you’re up close.
• The digital cluster, borrowed from the RTR 160 4V, is easy to read and quite informative.
• Paint quality is impressive; it holds up well even after rough city commutes.
• Switchgear feels good to use, though we wish the plastics around it felt a bit more premium.
• The carbon-fibre texture on the side panels gives it that extra sporty edge we enjoy noticing.
• Among all colours, Racing Red really stands out. It grabs attention wherever you go.

• The 159.7cc engine feels lively and responsive, especially once you cross the 4,000rpm mark.
• In Sport mode, we could enjoy the full 15.31 hp and 13.85 Nm, which is great for quick overtakes.

• We also found Urban and Rain modes smoother and ideal for traffic, with the revs capped at 8,000rpm.
• Cruising at 80kmph in Sport mode felt effortless. The engine stays calm around 6,000rpm.
• The throttle is gentle, and power delivery is linear, which gives new riders more confidence.
• On open roads, we hit a top speed of around 120kmph, which is decent for its segment.
• Gearshifts are slick and precise; we never had to fight the gearbox, even during spirited riding.
• In city use, we consistently got around 47 kmpl, which is impressive for a performance commuter.
• Riding in Sport mode on highways, we noticed the mileage dropped slightly to around 42 kmpl.
• Urban mode combined with GTT (Glide Through Traffic) really helped save fuel in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
• With a 12-litre fuel tank, we comfortably rode over 550+ Km without needing a fuel stop.

• With a 790mm seat height, we found it to be really accessible, even for newer or shorter riders.

• The clip-on bars and high-set pegs give it a sporty stance, which we enjoyed around corners.
• As a shorter rider, we felt confident at a standstill, though taller folks might feel a bit cramped.
• The seat feels wide and nicely cushioned. We rode for over an hour straight without any discomfort.
• The soft suspension handles daily road bumps well, offering a relaxed ride through city traffic.

• However, sharper potholes do send a jolt, especially if you’re on the heavier side like me.
• Weighing just 138kg with a full tank, this bike feels super nimble and responsive in city rides.
• Its lightweight really shines when weaving through tight traffic. This makes it very beginner-friendly too.

• The lightweight chassis made quick direction changes feel effortless, especially while weaving through traffic.
• Its short wheelbase gave us a nimble and flickable feel, perfect for city commuting.
• We had a lot of fun leaning it into corners. The handling feels confident and precise.
• On regular roads, the suspension performed decently, but sharp bumps were a bit jarring.
• The new TVS Remora rear tyre gave better grip, but it still lacked full confidence in fast corners.

• We wish the tyres offered more feedback when pushing the bike hard through twisties.
• The GTT (Glide Through Traffic) feature really helped during slow traffic, allowing smooth crawling in low gears.
• Braking felt sharp with the petal discs, offering strong bite and decent feedback at the lever.
• In emergency stops, the brakes responded well and gave us confidence even at higher speeds.

• The single-channel ABS works smartly; you can feel the difference across ride modes.
• We noticed ABS interference was least in Sport mode and most intrusive in Rain mode.
• While brake feedback was generally good, we felt the front brake could have had a bit more initial bite.

• The fully digital cluster felt easy to read and displayed everything from speed to trip meters clearly.

• We loved checking out the lap timer and 0–60 timer after quick sprints.
• Adjusting the console's brightness was a handy feature for different lighting conditions.
• The Glide Through Technology was a real lifesaver in bumper-to-bumper traffic, no throttle needed, just smooth crawling.
• It works smartly in the first three gears with capped speeds, which helps in tight jams.
• The top variant’s Bluetooth feature kept me updated with calls, SMS alerts, and even turn-by-turn navigation.

• We felt safer knowing there’s an emergency alert system that notifies contacts if there’s an accident.
• The dedicated Mode switch on the handlebar made it super convenient to change riding modes while riding.
• Riding at night, we found the LED headlamp’s low beam gave a wide and even spread.
• The high beam lit up far down the road, giving us more confidence at highway speeds in the dark.
• The sharp twin DRLs not only look great but also boost visibility during daytime riding.

• If you're after a sporty commuter with a trusted brand and punchy engine, the RTR 160 delivers.
• It may feel slightly old-school, especially with its suspension and mild vibrations, but it still holds its charm.
• The bike offers solid value for money, especially with its features and daily usability.
• If budget allows, the Apache RTR 160 4V is a better pick for smoother refinement and extra performance.
• Still, for those wanting a reliable, stylish, and easy-to-handle bike, the RTR 160 2V is a strong contender.