OVERVIEW
Performance and Engine
The TVS Apache RTR 160 features a BS-VI-compliant 159.7cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine with Race Tuned Fuel Injection (RT-Fi). It delivers 16.04 PS at 8,750 rpm and 13.85 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. The engine’s short-stroke design delivers lightning-fast acceleration and intense torque, translating to dynamic and responsive performance on city roads and highways.
With a 5-speed manual transmission and a slipper clutch, it ensures smooth gear shifts and better control. Glide Through Technology (GTT) allows for clutch operation without throttle input for easier city riding. In terms of speed, the Apache RTR 160 can reach approximately 107 km/h in sport mode and around 97 km/h in urban or rain modes, offering versatile riding options.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
The Apache RTR 160 offers impressive fuel efficiency, with an ARAI-certified mileage of 47 to 61 km per litre, depending on the variant. Owners report real-world mileage of around 45 kmpl under typical riding conditions in India. With a 12-litre fuel tank, it provides a solid range for daily use.
While user mileage usually reflects practical factors such as road conditions and riding habits, it consistently hovers around 45 kmpl. The official ARAI figures may be higher, but the Apache combines power and economy effectively, making it an excellent choice for riders.
Features and Technology
- Dual Channel ABS for Enhanced Safety: The Apache RTR 160 features dual-channel ABS, improving braking control and stability on various road conditions.
- Ride Modes for Adaptable Performance: With Sport, Urban, and Rain modes, the bike optimises engine performance and ABS response for different environments, ensuring smooth city riding and enhanced control in wet conditions.
- TVS SmartXonnect Technology: This system offers Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, call and SMS alerts, fuel station notifications, and a crash alert feature to notify emergency contacts.
- Fully Digital Instrument Console: The digital console displays essential telemetry such as gear position, speed, and lap times, with a backlit design for clear visibility.
- Glide Through Technology (GTT): This feature allows smooth starts and low-speed riding without throttle input, making it easier to navigate city traffic.
- LED Lighting Design: Bright LED headlamps and tail lamps with ‘Beast Eyes’ design enhance visibility and aesthetics.
- Advanced Suspension Setup: A balanced suspension with a telescopic front fork and mono-shock rear provides comfort and agility, ensuring sharp handling.
- Wide Rear Tyres and Roto Petal Disc Brakes: The wider rear tyre offers better grip, while Roto Petal disc brakes enhance braking performance.
- Aerodynamic Styling: The bike features a flared tank and angular design for reduced drag and improved engine cooling.
- Fuel Tank and Ergonomics: A 12-litre fuel tank and ergonomic design provide a commanding riding position for performance and commuting.
- Convenience Features: The SmartXonnect system guides riders to essential stops and includes a fuel warning system for low fuel alerts.
- Colour Options: Available in race-inspired colours like Matte Black and Pearl White with sporty red alloy wheels.
Build Quality
The bike features a sturdy double cradle frame that provides excellent durability for rough Indian terrains. Its solid build reflects TVS’s attention to detail in fitment and finish.
The sporty design includes a sculpted fuel tank, aerodynamic shrouds, and a sharp tail section, finished in Matte Black and Pearl White with distinctive red alloy wheels. Overall, the Apache RTR 160 offers above-average build quality, making it suitable for both daily commuting and spirited riding.
Handling
The Apache RTR 160 excels in handling, featuring telescopic front forks and gas-charged rear shock absorbers for a balanced ride. Its chassis and suspension allow for confident cornering and easy navigation through urban traffic.
The wide 17-inch wheels enhance grip and road stability. For the latest model, dual-channel ABS improves safety and brake control, especially in sudden stops or on slippery roads. The split clip-on handlebars provide a commanding riding posture, ensuring precise control at various speeds.
Comfort
The Apache RTR 160 offers a sporty comfort level. Its single-piece seat has adequate padding for daily use and short to medium rides, with a 790mm seat height that allows most riders to flat-foot the bike, enhancing confidence in city traffic.
However, the riding position is sporty, with a slightly tucked leg and flat handlebars, which might feel cramped for taller riders on long trips. The suspension effectively handles urban road irregularities but prioritises engagement and agility over plush comfort, making it suited for those seeking performance without sacrificing everyday usability.
Styling
The motorcycle’s design features sharp, aerodynamic lines with muscular tank extensions and a sculpted engine cowl that not only enhances the bike’s sporty look but also reduces drag and aids engine cooling. The front is dominated by an updated LED headlamp with a distinct “Beast Eyes” design, providing a contemporary and intimidating presence on the road.
The LED tail lamp complements this aggressive styling with a sharp and imposing design. The overall muscular stance is accentuated by sleek black mechanics and subtle red stitching on the single-piece seat. The compact rear fender and sculpted tail cowl add to the bike’s dynamic profile, balancing aesthetics and functionality.
Colour Options and Variants
The TVS Apache RTR 160 is available in sophisticated and race-derived colour schemes tailored for the Indian market:
- Matte Black (Top)
- Pearl White (Top)
- Glossy Black
- Gloss Black
- Racing Red
- Matte Blue
- T Grey
- Black Champagne Gold Livery
These colour options emphasise a premium and sporty look, suitable for riders seeking both style and performance.
The Apache RTR 160 is offered in several variants, and they are
- RM Drum (Black Edition)
- RM Drum
- RM Disc
- RM Disc BT
- Racing Edition
- Dual Channel ABS
Value for Money and Pricing
The TVS Apache RTR 160 is priced from ₹ 1,21,420 (Ex-Showroom Delhi) for the base model, positioning it at the premium end of the 160cc segment. Key updates include OBD-2B emission compliance and dual-channel ABS, enhancing its value for money. Despite a recent price increase of ₹4,000 compared to the previous generation, features like ride modes and the SmartXonnect digital console with Bluetooth keep it appealing.
Owners appreciate its powerful performance, well-balanced build, improved safety, and modern features. The bike gets high marks for real-world mileage, a strong service network, and good resale value. Users often refer to it as the best deal in its price range, perfect for daily commuting and spirited rides.
In the Indian market, it competes with:
- Bajaj Pulsar NS160
- Yamaha FZ-S Fi
- Hero Xtreme 160R
- Suzuki Gixxer 155
- Honda X-Blade 160
VERDICT
The TVS Apache RTR 160 excels in India’s 160cc segment, combining reliability, sturdy build quality, and sporty performance with modern features like multiple ride modes, dual-channel ABS, and Bluetooth connectivity. Its compact design and sharp handling make it attractive for urban riders and younger enthusiasts looking for a practical commuter.
However, those seeking superior comfort, a smoother ride at high speeds, or more contemporary styling should consider these limitations. While it has some dated elements and minor ergonomic issues, the RTR 160 remains a solid value in the mid-capacity bike market, ideal for city and semi-urban use. If you prioritise tech features, agility, and proven reliability—and can overlook slight comfort drawbacks—the TVS Apache RTR 160 is a strong choice in its class.
PROS
- Strong Build Quality: The TVS Apache RTR 160 features a sturdy double-cradle chassis and quality materials that withstand Indian roads, offering impressive durability and fit.
- Performance-Oriented Engine: Equipped with a race-derived 159.7cc engine and Race Tuned Fuel Injection, the Apache RTR 160 delivers responsive power and good torque, with a chassis designed for sharp handling.
- Feature-Rich for the Segment: Innovative features like ride modes (Urban, Rain, Sport), dual-channel ABS, and the Bluetooth-enabled SmartXonnect app with voice assist position the RTR 160 as a tech-savvy commuter.
- Fuel Economy: Real-world mileage of 42-47kmpl is reported, balancing performance and efficiency for cost-effective urban commuting.
- Urban-Friendly Ergonomics: Lightweight and compact, the bike navigates city traffic easily, with Glide Through Technology (GTT) enhancing comfort in stop-and-go situations.
- Wide Service Network: TVS’s extensive service network and affordable maintenance ensure easy ownership and reliability.
CONS
- Aggressive Riding Position: The front-biased posture can lead to discomfort and fatigue during longer urban commutes.
- Refinement at High RPM: While powerful, the engine becomes noisy and vibrates significantly at high speeds, reducing comfort on highways.
- Brake Feel: Despite dual-channel ABS, the brake lever feels spongy and lacks crisp feedback, affecting rider confidence.
- Ageing Design Elements: The latest update adds features, but the overall design feels outdated compared to competitors, especially the 2-valve variant.
- Stiff Suspension for City Use: The stiffer suspension enables sharp handling but can be uncomfortable on rough Indian roads.
OTHER RELATED LINKS FROM BIKELEAGUE INDIA
ABOUT TVS BIKES
TVS Motor Company, a prominent player in the Indian two-wheeler industry, has a rich innovation and strategic growth history. TVS Motor manufactures a wide range of two-wheelers, including mopeds, scooters, commuter motorcycles, and racing-inspired bikes like the TVS Apache series and the TVS Apache RR310. The company’s diverse product portfolio caters to various segments, ensuring options for different customer preferences and needs.
History
TVS Motor Company, part of the TVS Group, was founded in 1911 by T.V. Sundaram Iyengar, starting with Madurai’s first bus service. In the 1970s, the group entered the automotive sector, launching Sundaram Clayton and opening a moped manufacturing facility in Hosur in 1976.
In 1980, they released TVS 50, India’s first two-seater moped, revolutionising the two-wheeler market. The company rapidly expanded, introducing motorcycles and scooters, and formed a joint venture with Suzuki before becoming independent again in 2001.
Timeline & Milestones
- 980: Launch of TVS 50, the first Indian moped.
- 1987: Collaboration with Suzuki, introducing advanced products and manufacturing expertise.
- 2001: JV with Suzuki ends; TVS becomes an independent entity.
- 2005: Introduction of the Apache series, marking entry into high-performance bikes.
- 2013: Alliance with BMW Motorrad for co-development of high-end motorcycles.
- 2020: Launch of TVS iQube Electric, signalling robust entry into electric mobility.
- 2024: Over 50 million vehicles on the road; TVS reaches record revenue and expands its EV portfolio.
Manufacturing Facilities
TVS Motor Company operates three state-of-the-art factories in India:
- Hosur, Tamil Nadu: The primary and oldest plant, central to TVS’s manufacturing capacity.
- Mysuru, Karnataka: Supports production for southern and western markets.
- Nalagarh, Himachal Pradesh: Caters to northern and eastern India.
The company has also entered into contract manufacturing partnerships to optimise logistics and expand service in eastern India.
Market Position
- TVS is India’s third-largest two-wheeler manufacturer.
- In the first half of 2025, TVS grew its market share to 18.71%, up from 17.08% in 2024, outpacing competitors like Hero, Honda, and Bajaj. This was driven by robust performance in the electric scooter segment and premium motorcycles.
- The company continues to innovate, leading with connected vehicles, advanced safety features, and a wide product portfolio from commuter mopeds to high-end racing bikes.
Achievements
- Financial Strength: In FY2023-24, TVS posted record revenue of ₹31,776 crore and Profit Before Tax of ₹2,781 crore, with EBITDA margins exceeding 11%.
- Global Presence: TVS exports to over 80 countries and is strengthening its position in international markets with partnerships and homologated products for Europe and other regions.
- Innovation: Pioneer of several firsts, including India’s first catalytic converter in a 100cc bike and connected scooters.
- Recognition: Consistently awarded for quality, performance, and customer satisfaction, reflecting industry trust in the brand.
Future Outlook
- Growth Forecasts: Analysts expect TVS’s earnings to grow at 20.2% annually, with revenue growth projected at 5.8% per annum and return on equity at 26.3% over the next three years.
- EV & Sustainability: TVS is intensifying its EV push, aiming for leadership in sustainable urban mobility. The company is investing in R&D and roping in partnerships to strengthen its EV lineup.
- Premiumisation & Expansion: Continued focus on premium models, expansion of the dealer network, customer-centric campaigns, and a strategic push into Europe, Africa, Latin America, and ASEAN regions.
- Innovation Commitment: TVS will keep innovating, both in product offerings and technology, to match evolving consumer preferences and to remain a trendsetter in the Indian mobility space.
TVS Motor Company embodies Indian manufacturing excellence and adaptability. Starting from modest beginnings, it has become a global leader, driving India’s mobility revolution with a focus on quality, sustainability, and innovation.
