New bikes

Apache RTR 160 key highlights
Price ₹ 77,678
Top speed 118 Kmph
Mileage 50 kmpl
Colours
GreyWhiteRedMatte RedMatte BlueWhite and RedBlack
About Apache RTR 160
TVS Motors launched the Apache brand in India in 2007 and the 160cc Apache was the first bike from the Apache series that was introduced in the Indian market.

The ‘RTR’ stands for ‘Racing Throttle Response’ and the motorcycle is designed with a racing approach. The company has equipped the bike with a lap timer in the instrument console and provision for the last three 0 to 60kmph timings. It is also the first bike in India to feature a petal disc brake.
The bike gets 17-inch alloy wheels in the front and rear with 90 mm section tyres at the front and 110 mm section tyres at the rear. The front forks have a travel of 105mm and the rear has a two-shock approach rather than a monoshock.
The Apache RTR 160 is powered by a single-cylinder four-stroke 160cc engine which produces 15.2bhp of power at 8,500rpm and 13.1Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. This motor comes mated to a five-speed gearbox. It is available in seven different paint schemes, some of which are matte schemes. The latest update has been the ‘Race Edition’ which offers a fetching scarlet stripe over a white background. It essentially reflects the new look TVS has developed, with the 3D logo on the tank etc.

The Apache competes with the Honda CB Hornet 160R, Suzuki Gixxer and the Bajaj Pulsar NS160. There is also its own sibling, the Apache RTR 160 4V. The Apache has been priced at Rs 79,000 onward (ex-showroom).

TVS motors needed a premium brand to keep the clientele of the Fiero interested – and thus the Apache was launched in 2006. Originally a 150cc motorcycle, the E-surge 150 was updated to the ‘RTR’ 150. That acronym stands for ‘Racing Throttle Response’; a nod to TVS Motors’ involvement in motorsport, which is quite a few decades old.
Keeping up with the times precipitated the 160cc engine, and the Apache RTR 160 is still sold in updated form today, to compete in the premium commuter segment. Two successive generations of the RTR 160 are available today; the RTR 160 and the RTR 160 4V. The latter has been launched as of March 2018, and sports a number of changes over the older 160 like a 4-valve head and the option of fuel injection. A Showa-tuned rear shock and chassis that has had input from their racing RTR 160 make up the Apache RTR 160 4V. The RTR 180 was the flagship motorcycle at the time of its launch, and competed against with the likes of the Bajaj Pulsar 180 – but it also boasted the best handling at the price. The RTR 180 also offered ABS, one of the first motorcycles in the segment to do so.

The Apache 200 builds on its heritage to offer even more performance than the 180. The engine is a fuel-injected, four-valve unit that doesn’t chase big horsepower figures, choosing to be rideable instead. As such, it can perform the dual role of commuter, and double up as a fun weekend bike for your favourite twisty stretch of road.

The Apache RR 310 is an all-new design that has been developed in conjunction with BMW Motorrad. It sports features like a reverse-sloped engine, liquid cooling, upside down forks, a trellis frame and a full fairing, all firsts for the Apache range. It also has twin LED projector headlamps, which are a first for the segment. Despite all of TVS’s racing know- how being put into it, the company claims it will also make for a comfortable tourer, thanks to the seating ergonomics and engine characteristics. The Apache range remains TVS’s premium

• The BS6-compliant TVS Apache RR 310 was recently spotted at a commercial shoot at the Madras Motor Race Track.
• It will come with a host of new geek-friendly features embedded into the new instrument console.
• The upcoming bike will feature different tyres too.

TVS is set to start the new year with a bang as it is likely to launch the BS6-compliant Apache RR 310 in January. Expect the deliveries to commence soon after the launch. The motorcycle was recently spotted at a commercial shoot at the Madras Motor Race Track near Chennai. Going by the spy shots, the bike comes with an all-new TFT instrument console, presumably with smartphone connectivity too. To make navigation easier, the motorcycle also gets directional buttons on the left switchgear. Check this out for a more detailed analysis of what the upcoming motorcycle will pack.

The motorcycle also rolls on new tyres, likely from TVS. These replace the existing Michelin Pilot Street rubber. The bike gets a new dual-tone grey and black colour scheme with red highlights. Expect the BS6-compliant motor to witness a small decline in output figures thanks to strict emission norms. At present, the motorcycle makes 34PS at 9700rpm and 27.3Nm at 7700rpm. Apart from these changes, the motorcycle is likely to remain the same as its predecessor.

The upcoming BS6-compliant Apache RR 310 is likely to command a price hike of about Rs 15,000 over the current bike. The motorcycle sold at present retails for Rs 2.28 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Once launched, it will go up against the KTM RC