TVS Apache RTR 160: In the churned-up world of Indian motorcycles, not many machines have been able to hold its head up high over generations, quite like the TVS Apache RTR 160.
Ever since this street fighter made its debut, it’s managed to fit itself nicely in a slot between the practical and sensible motorcycle that one uses every day and a weekend tool to hurl around corners.
The closer the bike gets to its latest versions at 2025, the more its evolution remains faithful to its ideal of opening up the doors to a high-end performance to all riders.
TVS Apache RTR 160: Evolution In Design: Sporty And Functional
The RTR 160 Apache projects its racing stance in every style and appearance. The whole current styling is more aggressive with sharp lines that stream from the sharp headlamp cluster to the muscular fuel tank, while the tail section is short, chopped and neat.
And that’s what lends the motorcycle its sporty profile while ensuring it is practical too—maintaining a philosophy that TVS has lived with all through its cycle.
You can have the Apache in multiple color options like Racing Red, Matte Blue, Gloss Black, Pearl White and T Grey to suit difference tastes, aesthetically.
Special editions like the Racing Edition, as we have here, offer up matte black paint work finished with red alloy wheels and race inspired graphics, to add more visual flair to this already stunning looking machine.
In the new model, even the turn indicators are now LEDs, except for the halogen bulbs to reduce cost. The dual-tone seat of the motorcycle with the split grab rails adds to the sporty character and doesn’t give the pillion passenger a sore buttock on long rides.
Heart of the Machine: Performance Background
Underpinning the TVS Apache RTR 160 is the 159.7cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that churns out good power of 15.82 bhp at 8,750 rpm along with peak torque of 13.85 Nm at 7,000 rpm.
This engine is connected to an excellent five-speed manual gearbox which provides clean and precise shifts – a much-admired feature among enthusiasts.
The motorcycle gets 3 riding modes (Sport, Urban, and Rain) for 2025 that enables riders to adjust the engine response according to different road conditions.
In Sport mode, the engine spits and spits its power, whilst Urban and Rain modes bring the power delivery to a more palatable level for a traffic or wet throttle opening.
RT-Fi (Race Tuned Fuel injection) technology provides best-in-class performance in all kinds of weather conditions with the best-in-class fuel efficiency which is an important aspect for Indian consumers.
Real world figures from owners range from about 45-50 km/lt, ensuring that it is efficient for commute even though it is on the performance oriented side.
Chassis and Suspension: Born on the Race Circuit
The Apache RTR 160 stands for “Racing Throttle Response” as this bike comes from TVS’s racing DNA. The machine is built around a double-cradle frame which offers a perfect mix between stability and agility.
The suspension is managed by telescopic front forks and gas-charged rear shock absorbers that provides a ride that is pliant for city jaunts but firm enough for weekend blasts.
The Apache RTR 160, which is lighter with 137 kg of kerb weight, handles well and is friendly to ride through crowded city traffic.
The 1,300mm wheelbase and 180mm ground clearance of the motorcycle provides confident handling and practicality on Indian roads.
Braking is handled by a 270mm disc at the front, the rear gets a choice of 130mm drum or 200mm disc based on the variant. Up-spec trims get single-channel ABS to make you feel secure during panic braking.
The motorcycle is equipped with 17” alloy wheels fitted with 90/90 front and 110/80 rear tires, though the higher Disc BT model gets a wider 120/70 rear tire for better grip.
Despite its competitive pricing, though, the TVS Apache RTR 160 doesn’t cut too many product features. Upper versions are offered with a link type digital instrument cluster that show a lot on information like speed, trip meters, fuel guage, and service reminders.
The Bluetooth-equipped edition (Disc BT) goes a step ahead in connectivity by being able to connect with smartphones through the TVS SmartXonnect app.
The suite of connectivity offers functions such as navigation aids, call and message notifications or even ride telemetry, with which it is possible to examine the riding behaviour of the rider.
The app also has a crash alert system which will alert designated people if you’ve been in an accident — a nice safety option.
Then there is the Glide Through Technology (GTT) where in epangling through traffic is made easy with the motorcycle being able to crawl pace up ahead with just clutch modulation, without any throttle inputs. This is a handy feature in typical bumper to bumper traffic in Indian cities.
Variations and Cost: There’s Something for Everyone
The TVS Apache RTR 160 is available in various models and to suit every pocket, these models are the ones that vary according to the set of features each comes with.
Going up to the three variants, the RM Drum is priced from about ₹1,18,142 and the RM Disc second from the base is from ₹1,26,324.
The premium for the range-topping RM Disc Bluetooth trim is ₹1,29,624, while the limited Racing Edition will set you back ₹1,31,102 (both prices ex-showroom as of 2025).
This strategic variant positioning enables TVS to spread their net wider in the cut-throat 160cc category – attract value-oriented customers into the Apache’s performance orbit without cleaning out their bank accounts.
The progressive feature introduction, variant after variant, makes the Apache RTR 160 available for all types of riders and budgets.
Real-World Performance: What Owners Tell Us
The TVS Apache RTR 160’s owners rave about the bike’s sharp handling and punchy performance. Some emphasise its manoeuvrability in traffic—a useful attribute in India’s crowded cities.
Performance-wise, the bike is more than sufficient for everyday runs, you’ve enough in the tank to get the better of the odd motorway blast.
The engine unit being smooth and reliable is much loved by long term owners who have experienced hassle free motoring even after many years of use.
With the bike’s low service expenses and its wide range of service availability, it just becomes even more lovable as a practical daily rider.
Some users will complain about a tad bit of vibration on certain cabs at highway speeds but generally this isn’t a deal breaker.
The riding position is sporty but, comfortable for city rides, though the position of the foot pegs is in a bit of a tight spot for taller riders on longer jaunts.
Competition & Market Position
For reference, the 160cc two-wheeler segment is populated with rivals such as the Bajaj Pulsar N160, Yamaha FZ-S FI, and Honda SP 160 so the competition is quite tough enough.
All three rivals bring their own strengths to the showdown – the Pulsar its grunting power, the Yamaha its polished feel and the Honda its strong reputation for reliability.
The apache sets itself apart with its racing lineage and sporty dynamics, without the rider having to cut his or her teeth while adapting to it.
Its combination of performance, features & value have kept it competitive in a world where the competition has become fiercer.
For those wanting more out of their Apache, TVS has the Apache RTR 160 4V model, which sports a four-valve set-up dedicated towards better top-end performance.
This version caters to the needs of the performance loving lot, while the common RTR 160 still serves as a product that is a good middle of the road.
TVS Apache RTR 160: The People’s Performance Miotorcycle
For a motorcycle that’s been around in the market for years now, the TVS Apache RTR 160 still remains the embodiment of affordable performance in the Indian motorcycle sphere.
What’s made it such a resounding success is a combination of sporty styling, practicality, and value—a mix that targets the heart and wallet of the young student and entry-level rider crowd.
Through the years, the motorcycle has evolved, becoming more modern and featuring top-notch technology, while it continues to keep an eye on the core values. This versatility has helped the Apache RTR 160 to keep up with the ever crowded segment.
The Apache RTR 160 is the universal Indian warrior, this is what TVS is constantly trying to perfect and update and this is the motorcycle which forms the cornerstone of their understanding of the Indian motorcycle market—
the kind of market which expects a decent amount of power to be accompanied by a pinch of practicality, and a lot of excitement to be had without losing jaw-dropping amounts of cash.
For numerous novice riders entering the performance motorcycling sphere, the Apache RTR 160 is the stepping stone that serves a slice of TVS racing legacy on a platter without burdening them with ridiculous compromises or expenditure.
In spirit, the TVS Apache RTR 160 is more than just a 160cc motorcycle, its entire design is derived from the racing machine of TVS Racing which is pure throttle for the senses.This base model comes with 110/80X17 front tyre and 130/70X17 rear tyre options to choose from.