In a bold move set to shake up the competitive 160cc motorcycle market, TVS Motor Company has unveiled its latest iteration of the popular Apache RTR 160.
This 2024 update brings a host of changes that promise to elevate the riding experience while maintaining the model’s reputation for performance and value.
Design Evolution: Sharper and More Aggressive
The 2024 Apache RTR 160 showcases a significant design overhaul, building on its racing pedigree.
The front fascia now sports a more angular LED headlamp cluster, giving the bike a more aggressive look. The tank shrouds have been redesigned with sharper lines, enhancing the bike’s muscular stance.
New color schemes have been introduced, including a striking “Racing Red” with white accents, appealing to enthusiasts looking for a head-turning machine.
The rear section has also been tweaked, featuring a sleeker LED tail lamp and a redesigned grab rail that integrates more seamlessly with the overall design.
Performance: Power Meets Refinement
At the heart of the Apache RTR 160 lies its refined 159.7cc, oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine. TVS engineers have worked their magic to squeeze out more performance while improving refinement.
The engine now produces 17.63 PS at 9,250 rpm, a modest but noticeable increase from its predecessor. Peak torque stands at 14.73 Nm at 7,250 rpm, ensuring punchy mid-range performance.
The five-speed gearbox has been refined for smoother shifts, addressing a common critique of the previous model. TVS claims a top speed of 114 km/h, making the Apache RTR 160 one of the most potent bikes in its segment.
Fuel efficiency has been improved thanks to the integration of TVS’s proprietary RT-Fi (Race Tuned Fuel injection) technology.
The company claims a real-world fuel economy of 45 kmpl, a significant improvement over the outgoing model.
Chassis and Suspension: Handling Prowess
The Apache RTR 160 continues to use its split cradle frame, which offers an excellent balance of rigidity and flexibility.
The suspension setup, consisting of telescopic forks at the front and a mono-shock at the rear, has been retuned for better stability at high speeds without compromising ride comfort.
The bike now comes standard with wider 90/90-17 front and 120/80-17 rear tires, improving grip and cornering confidence. Braking duties are handled by a 270mm petal disc at the front and a 200mm petal disc at the rear, both equipped with single-channel ABS for added safety.
Features: Tech-Forward Approach
TVS has significantly upped the ante in terms of features, bringing the Apache RTR 160 in line with more premium offerings:
- Full-LED Lighting: The bike now features LED headlamps, DRLs, turn indicators, and tail lamp, improving visibility and giving it a more premium look.
- Fully Digital Instrument Cluster: A new fully-digital instrument cluster replaces the old semi-digital unit. It displays a wealth of information including gear position indicator, lap timer, and a side-stand engine cut-off warning.
- TVS SmartXonnect: For the first time in the Apache 160 series, TVS has introduced Bluetooth connectivity. When paired with a smartphone, it enables features like turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts, and ride telemetry.
- Glide Through Technology (GTT): This feature allows the bike to move forward in slow-moving traffic without throttle input, reducing rider fatigue in city conditions.
- Riding Modes: Another segment-first feature, the Apache RTR 160 now offers two riding modes – Urban and Sport, allowing riders to tailor the bike’s performance to their needs.
Riding Experience: Urban Warrior with a Racing Spirit
The 2024 Apache RTR 160 continues to excel in urban environments. The upright riding position, coupled with the wide handlebar, offers excellent control in city traffic.
The refined engine and improved gearbox make for a smoother riding experience, especially during stop-and-go traffic situations.
On the highways, the Apache RTR 160 feels more planted than ever, thanks to its retuned suspension and wider tires.
The increased power output is noticeable when overtaking, giving riders more confidence during high-speed maneuvers.
Market Positioning and Competition
Priced at ₹1,17,790 (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the base variant, the 2024 Apache RTR 160 positions itself as a value-for-money proposition in the 160cc segment.
It goes head-to-head with competitors like the Bajaj Pulsar NS160, Honda X-Blade, and the Yamaha FZ-S FI V3.
TVS is banking on the Apache RTR 160’s combination of racing-inspired styling, improved performance, and new features to attract buyers.
The inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity and riding modes gives it an edge over some of its competitors in terms of features.
Impact on the Indian Motorcycle Market
The launch of the updated Apache RTR 160 is likely to shake up the 160cc segment, which has seen growing interest from Indian consumers looking for a step up from 150cc commuters.
TVS’s aggressive pricing strategy, coupled with the bike’s improved features, could potentially force competitors to revisit their offerings.
Moreover, the introduction of connected features and riding modes in this segment signals a broader trend in the Indian motorcycle market.
We might see other manufacturers scrambling to incorporate similar technology in their 160cc offerings, ultimately benefiting the end consumer.
Future Prospects: The Road Ahead for Apache
The 2024 update to the Apache RTR 160 is part of TVS’s larger strategy to strengthen its position in the premium commuter segment.
Industry insiders suggest that this could be the beginning of a series of updates across the Apache range, with the possibility of new models in both lower and higher displacement categories.
There are also rumors of TVS working on an adventure-touring version of the Apache RTR 160, potentially called the ADV 160, to cater to the growing adventure motorcycle segment in India. If true, this would mark TVS’s entry into a new and exciting market segment.
TVS Apache RTR 160 : A Worthy Evolution
The 2024 TVS Apache RTR 160 represents a significant step forward for the popular sports commuter.
By addressing key areas like performance, features, and styling, TVS has ensured that the Apache RTR 160 remains a compelling choice in the highly competitive 160cc segment.
As the bike hits the streets across India, it will be interesting to see how consumers respond to this evolved Apache.
Will it be able to capture the imagination of young riders as its predecessors did? Can it fend off the increasing competition from both domestic and international brands?
One thing is certain – the 2024 Apache RTR 160 is a testament to TVS’s commitment to innovation and its ability to read the pulse of the Indian motorcycle market.
As the Apache brand continues to grow, the RTR 160 stands as a fitting symbol of how far it has come and the exciting road that lies ahead in the world of Indian motorcycling.