TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
The new 160 is a great update to TVS’s longest-running Apache model
Hot on the heels of their new flagship motorcycle, tVs have now rebooted the other end of the Apache spectrum with the all-new Apache RtR 160 4V. As the “4V” in the name suggests, the entry-level Apache now gets a four-valve head, similar to the sohC unit first seen on the 200-cc variant introduced two years ago. the new bike also shares more than a passing resemblance with its 200-cc cousin, as both bikes take strong visual cues from the tVs Draken concept that was showcased in 2016.
this is the first comprehensive update for a motorcycle that has been around for over a decade and tVs have reworked just about everything on the bike. the headlamp, tank, rear monoshock, blacked-out exhaust and full-digital dash look just like those on the RtR 200, and although the new RtR 160 gets a one-piece seat rather than the split unit from its larger sibling, both bikes share the same 800-mm saddle height. the engine, too, has been modernised and is similar in architecture to
that of the RtR 200 4V, as both units feature a counter-balancer shaft to keep vibrations in check, an oil-cooler and that four-valve head. the old RtR 160’s bore and stroke dimensions of 62 x 52.9 mm have, however, been retained for an unchanged displacement of 159.7 cc. this new powerplant now makes 14.8 nm of twist at 6,500 rpm, up from the 13.1 nm in the outgoing model, and 16.5 Ps at 8,000 rpm, which is up from 15.4 Ps, while the optional Keihin fuelinjection system adds another 0.3 Ps peak power. the fuel-injected variant comes with disc brakes at both ends, while buyers of the carburetted version can opt for either a disc or a drum at the rear.
After revealing the new bike to us at a gala event in Chennai, tVs Motor took a bunch of us journos to their private test track in hosur to throw a leg over the new machine. I was immediately at home staring at that familiar digital dash and the engine fired up with the rorty exhaust note that has been typical of the Apache family of bikes for years. the motor loves being revved and, although it does start feeling harsh beyond 7,500 rpm, it still continues to pull strongly for another 1,000 revs. Buyers who aren’t always looking to rev the pants off this bike and desire an attractive urban commuter won’t be disappointed either, for the engine is flexible enough to pull smoothly from 3,000 rpm without knocking and a large portion of torque is available from 4,000 rpm onwards. the engine is mated to a smooth-shifting five-speed
gearbox that never missed a beat during my short ride, although shifts do sometimes feel a little vague. throttle response is smooth and predictable on both the carburetted and fuel-injected variants, although the fI bike did seem a little less harsh as revs rose.
tVs Motor are extremely proud of their racing heritage and their motor sport arm, tVs Racing, has won the last six national championships in the premier 165-cc Group B class. the company has always incorporated lessons learnt at the track into the development of their road bikes and the RtR 160 4V is no exception. the bike gets the stiff double-cradle split chassis that, on the RtR 200, has proved itself on road as well as track and tVs have enlisted Japanese suspension giant showa to develop the fork and the monoshock. Consequently, handling is spot on; the bike turns in extremely fast, accurately holds its line and wasn’t one bit bothered by the small bumps and undulations on the track, even at extreme lean angles. the 270-mm petal disc up front does a great job of hauling the bike down from speed. the rear wheel is taken care of by a smaller 200-mm disc or a 130-mm drum, depending on the variant. As a package, the bike felt extremely sharp and confidence-inspiring on the track. I would have loved to spend more time exploring its limits and even experiencing it in urban and highway conditions.
the Apache RtR 160 4V is a great update to tVs’s longest-running Apache model and gives prospective buyers a feature-packed and modern motorcycle at the entry-point of the growing Apache brand. highlights for me were the precise handling and strong engine, and I am eagerly looking forward to spending more time with this motorcycle to bring you real-world riding impressions and performance facts and figures in a comprehensive road test. stay tuned.
The Apache RTR 160 4V is a great update to TVS’s longest-running Apache model and gives prospective buyers a feature-packed and modern motorcycle