Performance - This 159.7cc motor has been built on the same platform as its elder sibling, the Apache RTR 200. This engine also gets four valves and hence earns its Apache RTR 160 4V title. It is offered with a choice of both carb and fuel injection. We rode the carb version first and I must say, this motor feels quite refined right off the line. Once you get moving, you notice how eager this motor is to build revs. This motor makes 16.5 PS of power and packs a strong mid-range and low-end torque. The fuel injected variant, on the other hand, makes 16.8 PS of power and honestly felt comparatively more sluggish in its top end. However, the FI had much better throttle response on offer. The carb engine manages to keep its cool and controls vibrations well till 7000 RPM, once you’re past that the vibrations start to make their way through the footpegs and handlebar. I quite honestly prefer the carb over the FI, mostly because of how linear its power delivery is and it feels alive throughout the rev range.
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While the bore and stroke figures are identical to the earlier 160, the compression ratio has been bumped up
The Apache 160 4V has the best power-weight ratio in its segment; 114.28 PS/tonne (FI) and 113.79 PS/tonne (Carb)
The 5-speed gearbox on this machine is actually quite slick and gearshifts are effortless. Out on the track, I found myself entering corners much later and mostly relying on engine braking. As you’re banging down the gears, this motor will smoothly decelerate and the gearbox does your bidding in quite an impressive way. Start firing down a straight and you’ll notice the clutch does have some weight to it but it only helps deliver better feel and never feels bad to use. I’m actually quite impressed with this motor. The exhaust sounds sweet and especially sweet while you’re downshifting, I can’t believe how exciting this mere 160cc machine feels. Full marks to TVS for doing such a wonderful job and making a simple machine feel so exciting.
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The Showa tuned suspension setup makes the RTR 160 handle impressively especially around the corners
Riding Dynamics – Funny story, I was actually unaware of the weight of the motorcycle before I started riding it. To my surprise this bike felt so nimble and agile, it honestly wasn’t something I was expecting. As I dipped into the first corner after a long straight, I noticed I was getting much lower than I’d like on the first try and even almost scraped the stand. Eventually, I did end up scraping the stand and that was actually not something I was expecting. At 147 kgs of weight, the motorcycle is 10 kgs heavier than the Apache 180 yet feels so much agile. The weight is very well managed and properly centralized making this one a really balanced machine. The Apache 160 comes with 2 base variants and 1 sub-variant. The carb comes with a rear disc option or you can even go for the rear drum option, whereas the FI comes with a rear disc as standard. We didn’t get to test the carb with the rear drum but it comes with a slimmer 110-section rear tyre, unlike the disc variants that get a 130-section rear tyre. These soft compound TVS Remora tyres are standard on all variants and offer phenomenal grip.
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The RTR 160 masks its weight surprisingly well
The Apache 160 4V feels quite nimble and agile through the corners
The suspension on this machine is softly sprung but it doesn’t sacrifice on compliance. The front suspension does a wonderful job of eliminating nose dive on hard braking, especially if that’s what you’re doing right before a corner. It helps keep this bike balanced and lets the front feel accurate. As you dart in and out of corners, the rear suspension manages to squat quite well and helps keep its tail stable even through hard cornering. The brakes don’t feel spongy and offer good progression and bite. I saw myself entering corners much later and a little recklessly only because of how confidence inspiring these brakes are. The overall combination of the balance in weight, suspension, and braking is just beautiful. This is a machine that makes you appreciate its agility more than its outright speed.
