TVS Motor Company today launched the new 2018 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, claimed to be the most powerful 160cc motorcycle in the segment. The latest TVS on two wheels has a starting price tag of Rs 81,490 and Rs 89,990 for the EFI variant (both ex-showroom Delhi). The company is targeting sales of 500,000 units units under its Apache RTR brand this fiscal, and expects the Apache RTR 160 4V to be a strong contributor. 

The new TVS Apache RTR 160 4V has been developed on the RTR 165 and gets a four-valve, oil-cooled engine. Speaking at the product reveal in Chennai today, Sudarshan Venu, joint managing director, TVS Motor Company, said, “The TVS Apache series has always embodied pure racing performance. This racing DNA is seen across the entire range from RTR 160 to the RR 310. With the launch of the all-new TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, we have created an exciting product that will appeal to customers around the world.”

KN Radhakrishnan, president and CEO, TVS Motor Company (pictured above), said, “In over 10 years of its existence, the TVS Apache RTR series has created phenomenal customer delight. The new TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is an exciting addition to the TVS Apache RTR series. It is the most powerful 160cc motorcycle in India and embodies the latest racing technology with best-in-class performance. We are confident that the new TVS Apache RTR 160 4V will set the precedence with its superior performance and dynamic racing look.”

The RTR 160 uses a new frame paired to (for the first time) a Showa mono-shock, replacing the twin shock-absorbers seen on its predecessor. The new bike's 159.7cc, four-valve, air-cooled engine also gets oil cooling for better heat management. This motor develops 16.8hp on the fuel-injected model (16.5hp on the carburettor model) and 14.8Nm of torque (on both models), which is a decent increase from the older bike’s 15.1hp and 13Nm. The bike, which is mated to a five-speed gearbox, has a claimed top speed of 114kph (EFI), 113kph (Carb).

Transmission duties are handled by a 5-speed gearbox. The kerb weight for the motorcycle sits at 143kg for the drum variant and 145kg for the disc model. The RTR 160 has a seat height of 800mm and ground clearance of 180mm. 

TVS also claims the Apache RTR 160 4V comes with the best-in-class power-to-weight ratio, the motorcycle accelerates from 0-60kph in 4.8 seconds (EFI) and 4.73 seconds (Carb). The latest TVS  motorcycle comes with the patented double-cradle split synchro stiff frame design, which gives high-speed stability and handling on/off- track.

The mono-shock suspension is engineered and tuned by inputs from TVS Racing riders, which it says contributed to the sharp handling and agility through the corners. On the safety front, the TVS Apache RTR 160 Fi 4V gets both rear and front disc brakes while the carburetor version has disc and drum variants.

The new Apache comes with a fully-digital speedometer; the design offers sleek styling along with the race-spec aspects of the INMRC (Indian National Motor Racing Championships) – TVS RTR 165, and will be available in three colours namely, racing red, metallic blue and knight black.

Unlike the Apache RTR 200, which has a slightly sporty riding position owing to the clip-on handlebars, the RTR 160 features a conventional handlebar for a more comfortable riding position. It also features a single-piece seat, unlike split-seats, as seen on its 200cc sibling.

The RTR 160 used to be positioned at the lower end of the premium 160 segment, rivalling bikes like the Pulsar 150. However, with this update the lines are beginning to blur. It is now more of a direct competitor to the new Honda X-Blade but it also comes closer to machines like the Suzuki Gixxer, Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and Yamaha FZ FI in terms of specifications and numbers while having a lower price tag of Rs 81,490 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

As per the latest industry data released by SIAM on March 12, TVS has sold a total of 2,610,300 two-wheelers in the first 11 months of FY2018, which marks YoY growth of 14.84 percent. The company has, in this period, marginally grown its market share to 14.15 percent from 14.10 percent a year ago.

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