The Hindu Business Line : TVS Apache RTR 160 — The tribe’s new symbol of speed

The new Apache RTR 160 is both enjoyable to ride and pleasing to look at. The attention to detail and racetrack inspired engineering should keep riders happy.

— S. Muralidhar

Should set your pulse racing.

The TVS Apache has managed to build a reputation for itself amongst young bike buyers. If the TVS Victor and the Star City were clearly targeted at the older generation of two-wheeler owners looking for a reliable, no-frills commuter bike, the Apachewas designed to appease the young, aggressive bike buyer.

Everything about the Apache, the bike itself, its design, its advertising and sales promos were all youth-oriented. It is this that has enabled the Apache to take on the might of the Bajaj Pulsar and carve out a share of the performance bike market for itself.

In the meanwhile, however, the expectations and maturity levels of buyers in this premium bike segment moved up. The Pulsar was refreshed with new hi-tech features and it also got bigger-engine variants that joined the existing 150 and 180. Market demand and the competition’s moves meant that the Apache was also due for an upgrade.

In comes the Apache RTR 160, which is not just a cosmetic makeover of the existing Apache, but a completely new package.

God is in the detail

— S. Muralidhar

Should set your pulse racing.

The new Apache sibling from a distance is almost indistinguishable from the existing smaller-engine version. But walk up to the new RTR 160 and the amazing level of attention to detail that TVS engineers have lavished on the bike becomes evident.

It is almost hard to believe that the company that designed and developed the TVS 50 moped is behind the newly launched Apache RTR 160 — a testimony of the level of maturity that the company has attained. The original Apache’s design and concept was inspired by TVS’ racing instincts and experience. That has been taken one step further in the new RTR 160.

TVS has collated its experience from the successful track record in racing that the company has had for the past few years. The engineering skills in the engine and suspension departments acquired from racing have been put to good use in the new Apache. While at it, TVS has also managed to infuse some excitement into the Apache RTR 160 by adopting a number of racing inspired aesthetics that will leave an indelible impression in the minds of aspiring young buyers.

Step up to the 160

— S. Muralidhar

Should set your pulse racing.

So, how good is the Apache RTR 160 in flesh and blood, or should it be steel and rubber?

Like we said, from a distance the new RTR 160 and the original Apache 150 almost look like identical twins. But, as you walk up to the new bike, you realise that the Apache RTR 160 is pretty much an all-new bike which is just set in the same mould as the original.

TVS has retained the headlamp configuration, with its pointing down arrow format, for the new, bigger engine variant too. The only difference here is the turn indicators that now feature clear-lens glass.

Another very evident feature from up close is the number of die-cast alloy parts that have replaced the older steel units. So, there are alloy sub-frames, very neat alloy foot pegs, die-cast toe-shifting gear lever, alloy handle bar levers for the clutch and front disc brake and, of course, the matt-black alloy wheels. With these changes, the finish quality and refinement levels in the Apache RTR 160 have dramatically improved compared to the original variant.

The Bajaj Pulsar was the first bike in the segment to feature a digital speedometer, but TVS has ensured that the Apache is brought up to steam quickly.

Track the changes

The RTR 160 now sports a digital-cum-analog instrument cluster with the engine-rpm meter being the only analog bit there. The speedometer, trip-meter, fuel gauge and clock are all integrated into one digital display unit. The usual warning lights, high beam, neutral gear and turn indicators are all also featured alongside.

The Apache RTR 160’s pedigree and inspiration from racing comes through in the form of some of the new features that are sure to please bike enthusiasts. A thick, black stripe and accompanying pin stripes on either side go all the way from the front mudguard to the rear tail-lamp, broken only by the fairing, fuel cap and seat. The handle bar and triple clamp are again a first in India. The handlebar features two independent alloy units with scooped out ends that are clamped on. They offer an easy two-way adjustment for getting an individualised riding position. The alloy triple clamp features a racing-inspired logo with the checkered flag and RTR 160 symbols.

Also emblazoned on the body side panel is the TVS Racing logo. Painted rear suspension coil springs, a new factory-fitted engine cowl and the red stripe around the TVS Srichakra tyres give the new bike more panache.

The Apache RTR 160 also comes with the country’s first rotor petal disc brake. The front disc brake in the bike features a 270mm petal shaped disc and caliper, which not only dramatically enhances the braking power of the bike, but also oozes style.

The wavy petal shape and perforations enable this disc brake to dissipate heat much faster than the conventional circular disc. The rear brake continues to be the same 130mm drum that is offered with the original Apache.

Another new feature in the RTR 160 is the tail lamp. Though the original Apache’s overall tail-lamp design has been carried forward, the configuration has been changed and the brake lights are now a twin strip of LEDs that have been angled to offer better visibility. One more snazzy feature that is also very practical is the new split rear grab rail that has been shaped like a pair of bull horns.

Unlike the split grab rails in the Pulsar and the CBZ X-Treme, which are too close to the rear body panel and are therefore relatively more difficult to hold, the Apache RTR’s is much easier to hold and also enhance the macho image of this TVS bike.

Burly new engine

The Apache RTR 160 also gets a big change of heart. The step up in terms of size for the new bike may be only about 12cc, but TVS engineers have not done the predictable job of just scooping out the same block that has been used for the Apache 150.

Instead, TVS has gone ahead and built an all-new mill with its own, new bore and stroke configuration of 62mmx52.9mm. The 159.7cc engine manages to generate 15.2bhp of peak power at 8,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 13.1 Nm at 6,000 rpm. The rubber-mounted engine breathes through a Mikuni BS-26 carburettor and both kick-start and electric options are offered.

Engine refinement is high and power delivery is urgent and smooth. Wringing the throttle all the way in the Apache RTR 160 will most definitely have to be done with caution by bikers who have been used to the more lazy four-stroke engines in the commuter class.

TVS has also endowed the Apache RTR 160 with a retuned silencer set-up and considerable effort has put in to remove the harsh noises from the exhaust note, while retaining and considerably raising the growling, throaty notes that could give other road users the impression of a bigger bike approaching.

The new engine is teamed with the same five speed gearbox that the original Apache comes with. The gearbox is the most refined that TVS has ever come up with. False neutrals in this first down, rest up shift pattern transmission was extremely rare during our test rise in the bike.

Jarring vibes

Despite good engine refinement and a sturdy chassis set-up, the only issue we faced with the Apache RTR 160 was vibration at high speeds. Once past the 85-90-kmph mark, vibration levels at the foot pegs and handle bar start to rise. It almost feels like TVS could have come up with a six-speed gearbox for lowering the vibes, after all the engine seems to have enough juice to handle one more slot.

The dual cradle chassis layout has been retained from the original Apache. The only difference is that the box section swing arm has been lengthened and, consequently, the wheelbase has been increased to 1,300mm. Thankfully, the increased wheelbase has not made the Apache RTR 160 unwieldy and tiring to handle. The extra length has evidently gone on to improve straight line and in-turn stability, but at the same time the enjoyable manoeuvrability and impulsive ‘flick-ability’ of the Apache has been protected.

Rev up the engine and take it all the way to 110 kmph, brake hard and even as you get to about 50 kmph , obstacles on the road can be avoided without the risk of losing control. Not too many bikes in the country can manage that.

The new Apache RTR 160 is both enjoyable to ride and pleasing to look. The minute attention to detail and racetrack inspired engineering and design will keep owners delighted for years to come. At about Rs 58,000 (ex-showroom), the RTR 160 will surely eat into the market for the original Apche, which continues to be available.

But, TVS wouldn’t be worried, as long as buyers remain within the tribe.

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