There is a racer resting in each of us.
Some nurture it while some deny its existence but it is there, waiting for the
perfect opportunity to reveal itself, waiting for the perfect tool to act as
the launch pad. The new TVS Apache RTR 160 4v promises to be that catalyst to
set your inner racer free. It looks more like its elder sibling, the 200 4v and
also comes as a byproduct of TVS trying to bring their racing line RTR 165 DNA
onto the streets. But does it deliver?
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
|
Engine
|
159.7cc single
cylinder, 4 stroke, Oil cooled
|
Power
|
EFI
|
16.5hp@8,000rpm
16.3hp@8,000rpm
|
Carbureted
|
Torque
|
14.8Nm@6,500rpm
|
Dimesnsions (L x W x
H) (mm)
|
1990 x 725 x 1135
|
Wheelbase
|
1357mm
|
Transmission
|
5-Speed
|
Ground Clearance
|
180mm
|
Kerb
Weight
|
EFI
|
147kgs
145kgs (Disc) /
143kgs (Drum)
|
Carbureted
|
Suspension
|
Front
|
Telescopic Fork
|
Rear
|
Monoshock
|
Front Brakes
Rear Brakes
|
270mm Petal Disc
200mm Petal Disc /
130 Drum
|
Front Tyres
Rear Tyres
|
100/80 R17 Tubeless
140/70 R17 Radial
Tubeless
|
Fuel Tank
|
12 Litres
|
Price (ex-showroom
Delhi)
|
Rs 81,490 lakh
(ex-showroom Delhi)
|
Design, Styling and features of the TVS Apache RTR 160 4v
The moment you lay eyes on the new Apache
RTR 160 4v, you will recognise the familiar silhouette that is also seen on the
Apache 200 4v. The resemblance between the two bikes is uncanny and while it is
good news for people who will go for the 160, I am not sure if the Apache 200
owners will share the same opinion. Regardless, the new RTR 160 4v looks
stunning and I am glad that the old headlamp cluster is gone and TVS has used a
setup similar to the 4v.
Though you get smart looking DRLs on the
side, the main unit is still a halogen bulb. The whole front has a very
aggressive look but an all-LED headlamp would have been like icing on the cake.
Moving over to the side you can witness that the fuel tank has also changed its
appearance and the Apache logo has been replaced with the TVS badge. The Apache
logo now sits on the slightly less impressive grey coloured side panel. There
are some fake vents on the front and side of the fuel tank to give the bike
more appeal along with a chequred flag design. The seat is a single piece unit
keeping practicality in mind and even with a 6 feet tall person like me riding,
there seemed to be enough space for a person at the back. The handlebars are
also more conventional and not clip-ons like the one on the Apache 200 4v.
Combined with a seat height of 800m and an excellent ground clearance of 180mm,
this bike should be quite easy to ride daily.
Coming back to the handlebar, the switches
are simple and in reach. The finish is pretty good except for a few places but
altogether I have no major complaints. The new Apache RTR 160 4v gets a full
digital display this time around. The display shows you your speed, odometer,
tachometer, trip meter, time, 0-60 time and more. The EFI version of the bike
however gets a lap timer and even a gear position indicator, the latter of
which is sorely missed on the carbureted version.
Both bikes however, get a gear shift
indicator on the top right of the display panel. Something which I almost
missed was an ABS indicator on the meter console. While the current version of
the bike does not come equipped with ABS, the company does intend to do that in
the future. The indicator has been added to so that the company does not have
to manufacture an entirely new unit once the bike does come with ABS. One thing I must commend TVS for is the build of the
instrument panel which feels very sturdy and does not budge even on pressing
hard.
Engine and Performance of the TVS Apache RTR 160 4v
TVS is bringing out the new Apache RTR 160
4v in a total of three variants as of now – Carbureted with rear drum brake,
carbureted with rear disc and EFI. We got to ride the carb with disc and the
EFI, which comes only in a disc brake variant. The engine within the new bike
is a 159.7cc oil cooled, single cylinder that is capable of producing a maximum
power of 16.5hp @ 8000 rpm in the EFI version while it produces 16.3hp at the
same rpm on the carb version. The torque output on both the bikes remains the
same at 14.8Nm which can be felt at 6500 rpm. Both the bikes are spirited and
do not require you to rev them to the moon in order to get some result. This
means that these bikes while packing a lot of punch, will still be home in the
slow and crowded city streets. Surprisingly enough, the engine on both bikes
felt very refined and there was no sign of any major vibrations. The EFI is
definitely a bit more refined and delivers a more liner power delivery. While
the carb version is a lot more fun to ride and you can push it better at triple
digit speeds. I was actually surprised to find that the EFI seemed to struggle
a lot more at 111kmph when compared to the carb version. But then that is
natural as the company itself claims that the carb is faster from 0-60 kmph.
The 17 inch tubeless tyres on the new 160
4v do a praiseworthy job of maintaining a good grip at all times and are
possibly the best in the segment. There is a 100/80 at the front while at the
rear you get a 130/70 but if you opt for the base variant with drum brake then
you get a slimmer rear trye. This when combined with the Showa tuned suspension
makes for a very stable and confident outing on the bike. At the relatively
small track I was able to cross triple digit speeds on the bike and quickly
lean in for a long loop in a swift movement. Even while I was pushing the bike
on a curve, it stayed true to its line and not for once did I feel even a hint
of wobble. This is a handling dream come true in this segment. I would suggest
that you try and stay away from the base variant if you plan to buy this bike
as the dual discs are required to bring this bike to halt, considering the
speeds it can achieve.
There is no doubt that TVS has delivered a
true champion here and has priced it competitively as well. The new Apache
takes on a much sleeker and more impressive look from its elder brother, the
Apache 200 4v and also managed to impress me with its surefootedness. It is a
bike that is practical with its comfortable riding position and high ground
clearance and at the same time you can have the pleasure of riding a fast
motorcycle with a simple twist of the throttle.
Verdict
I
would suggest you to stay clear of the carbureted with drum brake variant that
costs Rs 81,490 (ex-showroom Delhi) as you can just put in three thousand more
and get the much more fun and safe carb with disc variant for Rs 84,490
(ex-showroom Delhi). But if you want a smoother ride and the handy gear shift
indicator the then EFI is the way to go and will cost you Rs 89,990
(ex-showroom Delhi)