TVS started making the Apache series back in 2006, and since then, it has always seen an upgrade year after year. This is 2018, and TVS is offering an upgrade to the RTR 160, which comes with fuel injection.
To test the new TVS Apache, I head to Bengaluru at TVS’ Hosur track to find out whether fuel injection really makes any difference.
The fact that I was on a race track gave me the freedom to really test the new Apache RTR 160 4V's true power. But before we hit the track, let’s get the obvious out of the way: The new design of the 160cc Apache!
There are a lot of first-time additions in this two-wheeler, like the LCD instrument cluster, the headlights and even the turn indicators, and that just sweetens the deal. And all inspired by the RTR 200!
Oh, and how can I forget! It now comes with fuel injection!
The overall ergonomics screams sportiness, and it’s definitely capable of turning some heads on the streets. And the headlamp cluster, just WOW!
The 12-liter fuel tank is wide and intimidating and is decorated with racing stripe decals! The rear tapers out to a raised tail with split handrails and all LED tail lights. The double-exhaust muffler is the same we saw on the 200 RTR. Looks good no doubt.
The handlebar is a bit underwhelming and simple, robs the bike of that sporty demeanor. The horizontal instrument cluster offers a bevy of features like an odometer, fuel indicator while the FI variant adds a gear indicator and a lap timing display.
An odd addition to the panel is the ABS indicator! The bike doesn’t even have ABS, but TVS said that it’s been put there as an upgrade for future models.
Now let’s get to riding this machine.
Though I couldn’t really test the agility of the bike, the track did allow me to see how nimble the machine is. With a 160cc engine, the bike is capable of churning out maximum power of 16.8 PS on the Fi and 16.5 on the carb. Both offer the same torque at 14.8 Nm.
The initial burst to 60 kmph is fantastic and the transmission is smooth, but getting to 100 kmph does take its own sweet time. Also, the switch gear is also smooth to operate.
I felt the engine was a bit strained when shifting beyond the third gear. I could go as fast as 106 kmph on this one, but if I had more road, I definitely would have hit 114 kmph and thereabouts.
Heat management is well taken care of, thanks to an oil-cooled system. The forward biased stance does make the Apache well balanced and helps tackle challenging curves even at high speeds.
TVS is offering two variants, the carburetor and fuel injection. The Fi variant definitely has more power although both have the same torque at 14.8 Nm. So if one if to make the final buying choice, I’d recommend the Fi.
I really can’t say much about the suspension after riding on a flat racing track. While the front sports a telescopic suspension, the rear receives Showa monoshock for the first time.
Since TVS is also offering off-road tyres with the bike, it’s safe to assume the suspension will be good.
The abundant use of plastic gives away the lightweight structure of the bike as it’s just 147 kilograms (kerb weight).
Overall, I like what TVS is selling, but I would have preferred to test it on the roads because that’s where we will see it most. With a starting price tag of Rs 81,490 for the carburetor variant, seems some serious trouble is brewing for the competition.
This bike is direct competition with the likes of the Gixxer, the 160 NS (Bajaj Pulsar) and the recently launched X Blade (Hero Motocorp). I rode it and found it to be a good machine on the track. For TVS’ sake, it better be as good on the roads too.
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