TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Long Term Review
Long Term Test No. 161
Bike Tested: TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
Kms Done: 1682 kms
Test Started at: 3003 kms
Test Concluded at: 4685 kms
Mileage: 35 km/l, 38 km/l (best), 32 km/l (worst)
Fuel Consumed: 48-litres
Fuel Cost: Rs. 3845/-
Rs. per km: Rs. 2.28/-
The Apache 160 is one of the fastest motorcycles in its segment
After the TVS Apache RR 310 long term, I ended up purchasing the motorcycle. It was that brilliant of a machine and it took some while for the Apache 160 to be ready for the long term. I got the bike right after the first race of the FMSCI INMRC TVS One Make Media Race but the bike had to go back because of insurance renewal and a small service. It came back to me right before the second race and it had started raining heavily in Mumbai. We had the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V for almost a month and it impressed just as much as the RR did.
With the red colour scheme, the Apache is a looker
Although there were a few bits which needed a check. The first week with the Apache 160 went pretty brilliant. It had then gone for a service and when it came back, the oil was changed and the insurance was renewed. This meant I could take the 160 for longer distances as well as keep it going for office commutes. Out of the 1700 kms, almost 1200 kms was more of city riding and small highway commutes. The motorcycle impressed me a lot with the punchy nature of the engine.
Once astride, the dynamics are very engaging
The exhaust of the Apache 160 had a mellifluent bassy note
The Apache 160 would get up to triple-digit speeds in no time on the open roads. Getting around traffic and being the first one to leave the traffic signal felt really good too. After the RR I had a feeling no motorcycle could take its place as a primary mode of transport but the Apache 160 packed in a surprise! The motorcycle was in a bright red colour scheme while the RR was matte black. The 160 grabbed as much attention as the RR did and it kinda felt nice.
The brakes are sharp while our test bike was a non-ABS varaint
The ergonomics were comfortable and upright, aiding to a perfect city motorcycle. The posture felt rather upright and comfortable than the Apache 200 because of the handlebar setup. The mirrors were wide and gave a good view of what’s behind but hindered quite a bit when filtering through traffic. The Apache 160 also came in handy when I had a pillion along. As the pillion would sit very comfortably on the single-piece seat setup. Even if the rider-pillion weight added up a lot, the 160 had enough grunt to keep a good pace going.
The fully digital console looks good but misses out on a lot of information
With bright glossy colours, the Apache 160 also comes in dual-tone shades
The Apache 160 we had was the carb variant and as we know TVS offers FI variant as well. The FI variant gets a better instrument cluster with a gear position indicator and some more details too. The carb variant which I was riding didn’t have an informative cluster but displayed the necessary information properly even with the orange backlight. The motorcycle didn’t have any LEDs except for the pilot lamp and the taillight. But the halogen headlight did a decent job at night as the spread and illumination are focused and direct.
The Apache 160 has enough punch to lift a wheel
The engine was impressive and so were the brakes. However, the long-term motorcycle we had didn’t have ABS but the dual disc setup provided amazing feedback. I have always been a fan of the brakes from TVS and the Apache didn’t disappoint. There were times when the tyres would lose grip because of muck or sand on road, other than that the grip from the tyres was also adequate enough. The bike would nosedive under hard braking and would do an intentional slide too but it felt very agile all the time.
The motor is powerful and quick, yet it feels smooth and subtle
Apache 160 has the TVS Racing DNA, stable in a straight line while agile in corners
The Apache 160 would tip into corners like a child’s play and would hold the line well too. The lightweight nature of the motorcycle helped a lot. It also turned out to be quite flickable as well as frugal. The nature of the engine was happy-to-be even on the redline. Hence, it made it a little difficult to get the best fuel economy. However, the Apache 160 managed to impress with the best 38 km/l. This was the best as I was always a little sharp on the throttle. Anyone with a sane throttle control would take out 40 km/l without breaking a sweat.
This Apache doesn’t feel shy to burn some rubber
The best cruising speed was slightly above 85 km/hr while the comfortable ergonomics made it a perfect city-highway motorcycle. With the single-channel ABS also coming into the picture, the motorcycle feels even more worth the price. After the end of the term, I do miss the 160 but not as much as the RR. If anyone is looking for a motorcycle in the 150-200cc category, then the Apache 200 gives you dual-channel ABS too but if there is a slight budget constraint, the Apache 160 is the one to get. However, if you are any taller than 6 feet, the Apache would make you feel cramped and that is the only gripe I have had about the TVS’s Apache series.
It is an explorer outside its own territory
What’s Cool
* The motor produces the most power in the segment
* Dynamics are sharp and well suited for Indian roads
* Braking feedback is brilliant while tyres offer decent grip
What’s Not So Cool
* Not suitable for tall riders
* No LEDs on offer, misses out on hardware
* Instrument cluster does not provide all the information in the carb variant