2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6: First Ride Review

The Apache RTR 160 4V is an entry-level premium segment motorcycle that has won the hearts of many at BikeWale. So much, that the long-term bike found itself a buyer within the team. It is a motorcycle that has sporty yet comfortable ergonomics and suspension setup. And as a cherry on the cake, the RTR 160 4V boasts of a motor that is reportedly more powerful than its segment rivals with quality levels that validate a solid purchase.

Now, TVS has introduced a newer version of it. This 2020 edition of the Apache RTR 160 4V is more of a mid-life facelift than a generation change and is equipped with a BS6 compliant engine. That said, we were invited by TVS to test ride the updated RTR 160 4V at the company’s test track in Hosur. Here’s what we have to say in our first ride review.

In terms of looks, the most significant update the RTR 160 4V has received is for the headlamp unit and the bikini fairing surrounding it. The conventional headlamp unit has made way for an all-new full-LED assembly that is flanked by claw-shaped LED DRLs on either side. The LED headlamp unit has been designed to offer long-range light penetration along with a wide spread. Also, the light emitted by the lamps has a warm LED tone that's claimed to offer daylight simulation for better visibility at night. We can confirm that once we have the bike for a detailed road test. 

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V

• 159.7 cc
• 45 kmpl
• 17.31 bhp
• 144 kg
;

Avg. Ex-showroom price

₹ 1,23,608

4 more TVS Apache bikes - ₹ 1,19,137 onwards

The LED headlamp is enclosed in a matte black plastic casing with body-coloured panels on each side. While the new front end gives the bike a more aggressive look, the quality and finish of the black plastic, especially around the edges don't appear to be up to the mark. The overall finish and feel of the material, too, seem to be a result of cutting costs. However, the company officials have claimed that this concern will be resolved with the new motorcycles that roll out of the factory.

Besides that, the 2020 Apache RTR 160 4V gets a dual-tone seat cover, new race-inspired graphics and aerodynamically-designed claw side mirrors with a carbon-fibre like texture. Besides these upgrades, the motorcycle remains the same in terms of aesthetics.

As mentioned earlier, the 2020 edition of the RTR 160 4V is more of a mid-life update. Hence, a majority of the underpinnings and cycle parts remain unchanged.

Sporting the same double cradle split chassis borrowed from its elder sibling, the RTR 160 4V continues to be suspended by telescopic forks up front and a monoshock at the rear. As for braking, the motorcycle comes with the same setup featuring disc brakes at both ends for the top-spec version seen here. The standard variant gets a drum brake for the rear. Single-channel ABS remains standard for both variants. TVS offers the same Remora Series tyres on the motorcycle that are grippy and light in construction. 

Heading to the motor, it continues to be the 159.7cc single-pot unit with oil-cooling. However, the motor is now BS6 compliant as it features a larger catalytic converter and fuel-injection for both variants. In order to compensate for the new emission norms, TVS has increased the peak rpm for power and torque figures in order to keep the difference negligible. While the BS4 variant is already available with a fuel-injection option, TVS has revised the power and torque curve from its race-derived technology for the BS6 model, calling it ‘RT-Fi’ which stands for Race-Tuned Fuel Injection. Besides that, the NanofriKS coated piston now has an asymmetric light-weight construction which when paired with the PVD coated piston rings results in an improved refinement.

In terms of features, besides the all-LED headlamp, TVS has also included a new feature called Glide through Technology (GTT). This new feature allows the rider to get the bike rolling in bumper to bumper traffic without opening the throttle. According to TVS, this helps in reducing the jerks felt while riding in lower gears, thus offering a smoother ride.

When it comes to overall ride quality, thanks to the underpinning from its 200cc sibling, the Apache RTR 160 4V is a sweet bike to ride. Be it on the track or squeezing through traffic in the city, the motorcycle has excelled without any fuss.

Taking into account the change carried out to make the motor BS6 compliant along with few other changes to the internal components, the motor felt smoother and happier at the higher revs. Even the vibrations when the rpm neared the redline were not at all intrusive. There was a slight buzz at the footpegs and the handlebar but it wasn’t bothersome. 

Compared to the carburetted version, what the fuel-injected version added to the experience is the linear power delivery across the rev band. On opening the throttle at different rolling speeds, the motor was prompt at building speed faster without any hesitation.

On the test track, the motorcycle remained planted around corners inspiring confidence to carry more speed and lean. And to go with it were the brakes that offer a sufficient amount of bite and progression which is ideal for a motorcycle of this segment.

For an asking price of Rs 99,950 for the drum version and Rs 1.03 lakhs for the disc version, the existing Apache RTR 160 4V is already a good product that has been further improved. With a premium of Rs 3000 over the current fuel-injected disc version and Rs 8000 over the out-going carburetted drum version, the 2020 edition of the Apache RTR 160 4V is a 150cc segment premium motorcycle worth considering. And with the addition of features like an LED headlamp and GTT along with better internal components, the premium is well justified.

Photography by Kapil Angane