2018 TVS Apache RTR 160 Ride Review
TVS Motors has been making the Apache since 2006, this motorcycle has been regarded as one of the best in its segment and highly rated by enthusiasts alike. Recently TVS Motors have gone all out to the competition with a string of new product offensive and the 2018 Apache RTR 160 comes at a very crucial time when the Hossur based motorcycle make is looking to go all guns blazing. We got our hands on this latest TVS on the test track and here is our all out experience for this performance 160cc machine.
Looks
Well, the Draken concept did not make it to the production, but the DNA surely has. Tvs first launched the Apache200, which was derived from the Draken concept and carried forward the same design and aggression on the 160v4 sibling as well. With the best drag coefficient in its class, Apache is the best in terms of Ergonomics. Both the Carb and EFI versions look exactly the same, and will surely attract a lot of customers with its modern and aggressive styling. The fit and finish looks impressive throughout the body work, and there is no rattling felt, even with a complete plastic fiber body. The 160v4 carried forward the same Console, Headlight and Tail light and signal light setup from its elder sibling, the 200v4.
Features
Even though both the motorcycles get the same looking digital console, both are different in terms of features. The EFI model comes with an additional Gear Indicator and Lap time indicator feature which the Carb model does not. The console provides enough information necessary for daily riding and you can have a look at them in the specs sheet above/below.
Powertrain
The New 4 Valve 160cc engine is derived directly from TVS’s 5 Time National Championship Winner Bike, the RTR165cc Track Spec bike developed by TVS Racing. It comes with a counterbalance shaft now; simply put, the engine runs butter smooth till 9k rpm with no vibration felt anywhere throughout the bike. TVS is offering the new 4v 160cc model in both Carb and EFI fueled options, very cleverly catering to both the Cost conscious and the Performance conscious segment of customers at the same time.
Power figures don’t differ much in both variants, though the EFI variant is very crisp in terms of power delivery throughout the rev band, while the Carb model feels a little sluggish, though both touch the approx same top speed of 120kmph. Any model you buy, you’ll get access to the most powerful 160cc bike in the market, with a whopping 16.5bhp of power. Gear shifts are smooth and slick, again something you’d see only on Japanese engines. Now, read carefully, the most powerful engine does not mean that it has the maximum top speed, it depends on how the gear ratios are set, and how the power distribution has been done.
Apaches traditionally are Track Spec bikes, built to offer the best performance in the initial and mid rev bands, like no other in the segment. The engine comes with a Oil cooler to manage the cooling part, so it delivers consistent power even on long runs. Also RAM AIR INTAKE valves are placed on the Tank shrouds, one of which directs wind on the engine head of Cooling, while the other RAM is directly used as inlet for the Air filter box. Amazingly fast, amazingly refined and amazing power delivery from this 160v4V Engine, such that it manages to pull a Wide 130 profile tyre on the rear, and a 90 profile tyre on the front, and still cruise easily at 90-100kmph without any stress felt.
Ride Dynamics
Both the models share the same Race-Derived chassis design, which makes the Apache160v4 a complete track ready machine, built to perfection with agility and control, like all the previously launched Apache models. Apaches have traditionally been agile with friendly handling. The new Apache160v4 now comes with beefier 33mm forks which offer good damping, stability and precise feedback from the front end, while on the Rear, the Apache 160v4 is the only bike in the segment to feature a Race-Tuned SHOWA Mono-shock absorber on the Rear, which performs amazingly well and delivers good damping.
This race-tuned suspension actually works, and we were able to corner at the tracks at speeds as high as 95-100kmph. It is so stable that we actually managed to scrape the Double barrel exhaust many a times on a deep right hander corner. The TVS tyres and the Dual disk brakes too deliver precise traction and braking power on Tarmac. The riding position is pretty comfortable, and does not demand a aggressive stance from the rider. But, TVS still hasn’t launched it with ABS, which was kind of a turn off. But nothing to worry about, you’ll have to wait as the ABS model will be available within the next few months, once it becomes mandatory by law.
Verdict
Priced at 84990/- and 89490/- for the Carb and EFI Dual Disk variants, the new 160v4 is a complete evolution with features, refinement, power and comfort, like none other in its segment. A perfect update to tale the Apache lineage ahead keeping all its known virtues very-much alive an in fact a very polished Apache.
Worthy read – TVS Motors
Well, TVS Motor Company is certainly working with 1 defined goal, to transform the Indian Motorcycling industry offerings with Top of the line features directly drawn from Race Spec & World Class machines, downgraded and tuned to offer better performance in Entry level motorcycles. Not very long ago, TVS wasn’t very active in the Indian Motorcycling scenario with no major launches or upgrades being offered. But everyone knew that it was that Silent night before things take a 360 degree for TVS. In the past 2 months, TVS motorcycle sales have grown by more than 30-35%, racing ahead high on good consumer market, perfect launch timings and World class products. May it be the RR310, the NTORQ or the Apache 2004v FI, TVS updated and launched all new generation of bikes, built with technology derived directly from the track & WC machines, which has helped TVS to reach at the lead of India’s fastest growing motorcycling brand with 37% jump in their sales figures.
TVS Motors used all its 35 years of experience into Track and Rally racing, developed practical, accessible motorcycles & scooters with best in class features meant for real world motorcycling. TVS is one company born out of the racetrack, with actual first-hand experience of working on Race spec machines, which they have managed to integrate into their Entry Level motorcycle offerings. TVS wants to take the Apache Brand Global with sales currently in 60 countries worldwide.
Review – Suraj Sawant
Photography – Smruti Gaimukhe