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Jul 6, 2007

30 TVS Apache RTR 160 Test Ride/ Review. [With Pics]

I take the test ride of the TVS Apache RTR 160 and come back impressed..!!

Impressive..!! That’s how I would describe my Test Ride experience on the TVS Apache RTR 160. But before I rave more about the new Apache RTR, let me narrate my previous experience on an Apache 150.


TVS Apache RTR 160 and the TVS Apache 150


Previous Apache 150 Experience:


>> The first impression of the Apache RTR 160 after my test ride was, “It’s gonna beat the CBZ Xtreme and the Pulsar DTSi 150..!!”

>> I could hardly find anything on the Apache RTR 160 that I did not like

I once rode an Apache 150 for about three hours in the congested bowels of Bangalore. The bike belonged to a friend of mine. It was a relatively new bike with just 2,000 odd kms on the odometer.


Apache 150: Positives

    Looks: The Apache 150 was always handsome looker.

    Build Quality: The build quality of the bike was in fact among the best in the country.

    Handling: Riding the Apache through the congested streets of Bangalore was a dream on the Apache 150. The bike was extremely flickable.


Apache 150: Negatives

    >> If you are tired of watching too many Pulsars

    >> Don't like the styling of the CBZ Xtreme

    >> Want goodies like digital speedo

    >> Need something more powerful than both the Pulsar 150 or the CBX Xtreme,

    think no further and get yourself the TVS Apache RTR 160

    Vibrations: The bike had decent power and got ahead of the traffic with ease. But in spite of being a relatively new bike, the engine was extremely unrefined. Vibrations crept in the Apache 150 at a very low rpm of around 2000-2500 and kept on increasing as the engine was revved more. The vibrations made me feel like I was driving an old and ill-maintained 2-stroke bike.

    Stupid Riding Position: The riding position on the Apache 150 was quite uncomfortable for me. I had to shift every time to get myself in a comfortable position. The handlebar on the Apache 150 was positioned low, mimicking the handlebar of the Pulsar but the foot pegs were set forward instead of what should have been slightly rear set. So in the end the riding position on the 150 was “Neither Commuter Friendly, nor Sporty”.


    My Friend Siva on the Apache 150


    Bike looked/felt small: The Apache 150 had the smallest wheelbase among the 150 CC’s. This made the bike an ideal choice for heavy traffic commute but it also made the bike look and feel small. The front of the bike also felt light especially with a pillion.


Apache 150 Verdict: After riding three hours in the streets of Bangalore on the Apache 150, I felt a sharp pain on my butt due to its stupid riding position. Moreover the vibrations from its unrefined engine had left me extremely unsatisfied.


Now let us come back to the latest RTR experience of mine…



If I had to sum up my RTR Test Ride experience it would be, “Impressive”..!! Most of the flaws of the Apache 150 have been ironed out. The RTR felt like an entirely new bike. It is definitely much better and improved than the Apache 150 (which now has been discontinued).


But also be prepared for a probable 5 km/litre less mileage than the Apache 150

RTR Looks: The RTR looks almost similar to the 150. The bike still retains the tank and body panels of the 150. But a few new features have been incorporated in the RTR, which has made an already handsome bike look even more gorgeous now. The RTR features..


Stripes on the RTR tank


  • A stripe on its body (a la Ford GT), which runs from the front mudguard to the tank and finally to the tailpiece

  • A 270 mm petal shaped front disc

  • The engine of the Apache has been also given an all black treatment along with the alloys and exhaust

  • A small engine guard finished in body colors is nestled at the bottom of the engine

  • The side panels have a matt black plastic finish instead of the earlier body colored ones

  • The RTR also sports a Digital Speedo like the Pulsar

  • The tail lamp now incorporates bright LEDs

  • A split grab rail

  • Clip on adjustable handlebars

  • Aluminium finish brake levers

  • Toe operated Gear Shifter





The wheelbase of the RTR has also been stretched to 1300 mm from its previous 1260 mm. The RTR now looks smashing and definitely is one of the best looking bikes in the country.

Riding Position: The RTR now has rear set foot pegs. Along with the low handle bars it translates into a very sporty riding position. After the Pulsar DTS-I 200, I would rate the riding position of the Apache RTR 160 as the sportiest. Compared to the “Stupid” riding position of the Apache 150, I found the riding position of the RTR very comfortable. I did not get the chance to adjust the handlebars of the RTR (it has two settings), but I just loved the sporty riding position of the RTR.


My friend Siva on the Apache RTR 160


The RTR has a Soul Soothing Bass to its exhaust note reminiscent of the first generation Pulsar

Engine/Performance: Smooth, powerful and definitely an improvement over the Apache 150. I did not get to rev the RTR much but the engine remained smooth with out any significant vibrations till 5000 rpm.

The engine of the RTR is now an oversquare 160 cc compared to the earlier 150 cc square engine. The spec sheets also claim an increase in max power from its earlier 13.5 Bhp to 15 Bhp ( the highest in the 150 cc segment in India). So does that makes the RTR the new king of Indian roads in the 150 cc class (or near about the 150 cc class)..??

The first impression of the Apache RTR 160 after my test ride was, “It’s gonna beat the CBZ Xtreme and the Pulsar DTSi 150..!!” I did not put the RTR on a drag strip, but the RTR did feel faster and a bit more powerful than the CBZ Xtreme or the Pulsar DTSi 150.

Exhaust Note: I have to make a special mention of the exhaust note of the Apache RTR 160 here. The matt black exhaust can of the RTR makes one of the most gorgeous two wheeler music in India. Unlike most of the present crop of bikes which sound slighty better than the "whirr" of the scooty pep, the RTR has a Soul Soothing "Bass" to its exhaust note reminiscent of the first generation Pulsar (but softer than the first gen Pulsar).

Gear Box: Slightly clunky, but ok.

Handling: The Apache RTR no longer feels or handles like a small bike anymore. The extra 40 mm on the wheelbase has done its trick. The bike now feels stable even with a pillion behind. Stability around corners was great.

Ride Quality: The ride quality of the RTR was a little bit hard. It was not exactly uncomfortable but wasn’t exactly plush either. But this actually aided in improving the handling of the bike.

Brakes: The front brakes did the job of bring the RTR to a stop pretty well. No complaints here.



Price: Rs. 66,250 (On Road Bangalore)

Apache RTR 160 Verdict:

    Positives:

    • Previous flaws of the apache 150 have been ironed out

    • Sporty riding position

    • Smooth and Powerful engine

    • Bike looks and feels and handles like a bigger bike now

    • Stable and predictable handling


    Negatives: I could hardly find anything on the Apache RTR 160 that I did not like. But then here are a few, which I think could have improved.

    • The Ride quality is a bit hard

    • Foot peg sub frame finished in black (Too much of black. A silver/aluminum finished sub frame would have given a nice contrast look)

    • The RTR might still feel small for taller guys (Wheelbase is still 20 mm shorter than the Pulsar 150)


Conclusion: I liked the Apache RTR 160 very much. It looks handsome, has excellent build quality, a sporty riding position, smooth engine and good handling. It definitely is more powerful than the Pulsar 150 and the CBZ Xtreme and still is priced similar to the Pulsar.

In fact I see no reason why I should not go ahead and put my money on the RTR.

If you are tired of watching too many Pulsars, don't like the styling of the CBZ Xtreme, want goodies like digital speedo and need something more powerful than both the Pulsar 150 or the CBX Xtreme, think no further and get yourself the Apache RTR 160.

But also be prepared for a "probable" 5 km/litre less mileage than the Apache 150. After all you can't defy Laws of Physics.








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Disclaimer:

This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.




30 Comments:

Satyen Poojary said...

Man! Step Up seats, and a Monoshock... and damn we have an ultra sexy bike!
Hey wheres the engine kowl on that a160?
I need to have a closer look of that, but too busy to walk into a showroom!
Cheers!

nilu said...

the RTR is treading into 180cc territory with its price tag.i think buying the p180 is a more viable option if one is looking for performance.
but yes, if u are tired of seeing too many pulsars, then its a different story.performance wise, i still think it doesnt come close to the p180.

santoosh venkatram said...

hi payeng
make a slight change ,
the engine isnt over bored to 160 .
its an all new engine with a different bore stroke.

the old one was a square engine , and this is oversquare.

santoosh

Payeng said...

Thanks for correcting me Santoosh..

have made the changes now



Yes, Nilu even for me the Pulsar 180 with 16.5 bhp and just about Rs. 1500 more than the RTR sounds more fun.

Will carry out an Apache RTR 160 Vs. Pulsar 180 comparo soon..

Anonymous said...

hi payeng,
Thanks for the review..I am also planning to have a test ride soon.
btw in which showroom did u take the test ride?

regards,
saji.

Payeng said...

I took the test ride at Tristar Motors, Indiranagar (near Domlur Flyover)

Unknown said...

Payeng,

Some jackass has copy-pasted your RTR160 review on mouthshut. I think you should take some action to notify mouthshut and get it removed.
I remember same thing happened with rearset some time ago for his Honda Shine review.
Here is the link to mouthshut review
http://www.mouthshut.com/review/TVS_Apache-127839-1.html

Anonymous said...

O ya!! you got that rite Payeng, It definitely look, rides and feels gooood to beat the Xtremes and the Pulsars.Took a test ride of the RTR in the Sona Motors showroom in Mysore and i just couldnt help drooling over it!
And they were right on with the 4.56sec 0-60kmph pick up of the bike.Best in its class definitely!! And the 111.76 bhp/ton.. BEAT that!!

But i really wished they did something new with the gauges on the bike.Like a "digital" speedo with a classical speedo looks.What i mean is,maybe something like a clock-needle type classical speedo on the digital screen along with the numerical speeds shown on the side.Same for the tacho...Just a thought..

Me says, You want a bike with the most daring look in the market(safely said) and want to feel sear power on your right wrists...
THIS ONE IS FOR YOU!!

Compliments on a good review Payeng.

safe riding
pallav Nath

Anonymous said...

hey!!!

what mileage will this one give ?

Anonymous said...

Hey Thanks for your information

Driver said...

Hey I just took a test drive of apache RTR 160 yesterday from a showroom in Blore .. it was for my friend ...He was in search of a 150 cc one ...Well
my impression abt the vehicle : Quite sturdy - better cluch compared to the older 150 , thouh the gear shift is a bit tough!! Very good looks ..wished if they had made some kinda modifications on the front headlights so that it would stand apart from the old apaches!!

Something which I got annoyed was the vibration which was felt from the handle bar ..they need to check the dampers that are used in the handle bars ..It started vibrating even before i reached 50km/hr.. Wat say ???

Well a good buy comparing the equipments and the styling- sporty riding position ..still TVS need to work on the Engine for refining it furthur ..!! I also feel 66 + K rupees is a bit too much for this ....???

SilverKnight said...

hey people....
got ma first bike today... and i m glad its an apache rtr 160..
hey payeng man.. thankz to you.. this log has helped me a lot.. much much more then any other blog... keep the good work up.. and to all you guyz looking for cool new look of indian bike.. don even think twice.. go for apache160.. i took so many test drives that in the end today the showroom manager almost lost... i went in for pulsar 150/pulsar 180/extreme/rtr160.. pulsar is good no doubt about that.. if you want a bike performing almost like p180(or even more than that in some tests..)while getting an extra fule eff.(against p180)this is the bike.. the very sporty riding position can be a lil prob for some.. but if you are looking for a commuters typw very comfortable bike go for the new bajaj 135 i guess they clame it gives 109kmpl.. and is very comfortable i know..
riding on so many bikes for some very long hours..is good..but in the heart i knew all of them belonged to some or the other friends.. first time sitting on your ow bike,closing your eyes,feeling the engine thump,increasing the throtle and finally going into trance with the exhaust note like that of apache 160rtr....feels like rebirth...

safe riding to all

kirtiman.sharma@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

hi... this is to all the guys who own an RTR 160,tvs is coming up with something special to add to the RTR 160.. a pulsal 180 will never beat a RTR 160. RTR 160 will no longer be known as, Ready to Race or Racing Throttle Response, but READY TO RAPE. :)Im not just making this up. wait and see.
take care.

Anonymous said...

hey, just one thing to ask, whether rtr160 is suitable or comfortable for long journey & what is the mileage at 60km/h, 70km/h, 80km/h

Anonymous said...

hey thanks for the review on Apache RTR 160 i m gonna definetly buy this one.... just managed to come to this website by searching in google and i must say i m impress by the whole look of it...!!!
keep up the good work ,keep rocking
:)

Payeng said...

Thanks Harshad..


But let me tell you that the Apache RTR has some nagging vibrations from its engine..

Please check for yourself whether you will be able to live with that.

Unknown said...

Hey riders lemme jus tell u one fact whatever pulsar 150 or 180 or CBZ Extreme performs too good in d road RTR 160 alwayz rankz more than des bikes.....The sexy sportive style, Rear foot peg, Petal discs nd Led lamps give RTR an extraordinary look nd perrormance is also equal to all these impressive nd innovative qualitiez.....

Anonymous said...

Hi payeng,

I want to check out when is the apache rtr 160 EFI being launched, initially the company said in December, but it has still not been launched, can you please help us get some dope on this, as the Fuel injection version looks like a BOMB, i definitely want to own that beautiful set of wheels, and i am a TVS buff since the last 15 years, since their Suzuki tie-up, please let me know @ deepak.raisinghani@aramex.com or on 09987028252 or via your column

Anonymous said...

hi payeng,
i just want to know what is the top speed on which it runs and wat are the nagging vibrations from its engine ur talking about plz tell me
thanks

Rohit Tendolkar said...

Is it safe to buy tvs apache(or any other bike)at other than companies auhorised showroom?

Just Another Michael said...

Hi All,
After waiting for the FLAME for almost 4 months now, I finally decided to go for the RTR 160 instead of the now-too-common Pulsar150. And I am glad I went for RTR!
Even though I felt the vibration was a little strong when I took the test ride, it seems to be much lesser when I actually rode my own bike.
The handling is superb, taking turns is no big deal (I almost always feel like toppling over on an Avenger!) and it feels like it can beat any other bike in its category.
I am finding it extremely difficult to limit myself below 40 km/hr as it is still in the running-in phase!
I recommend this bike to everyone and I promise none will be disappointed!
Cheers,
Michael

Dinesh said...

Im planning to buy a RTR 160 FI or RTR 180 before Jan.2010. It would be great if you answer me the below questions.

Is the RTR 180 vibrating at lower speeds (60-80kmph). Bcause thats wat i found searching the web about the bike. And is the vibrations a bit of a bother?.

Also can you tell what mileage are u getting from ur RTR 180?

Which will u suggest in buying? RTR 160 Fi or RTR 180 ???

Email me at dinesh.spn@gmail.com

Thanks in advance

Unknown said...

hiiiii ... i want to buy betn pulsar 150 and rtr 160.... which gonna be t best ..... for comparisn my point is maintenance.... i hav heard tat rtr 160 has vibrations betn 55-65 kmph ..... and is it nt gud for bike?????

Payeng said...

I personally like the RTR 160 very much for its sharp handling and sporty riding posture and revvy power delivery. True there are some engine vibrations with the RTR.

Relatively the Pulsar 150 has a comfortable ride and riding posture and decent power delivery. The Pulsar 150 engine and gearbox has matured a lot over the years.

Mileage/Fuel efficiency would almost be around the same mark. Check out both the bikes and see how you personally feel on both the bikes.

Achint Sinha said...

As per i have drove these three bikes
pulsar 150
cbz extreme
and
apache rtr 160


i would prefer apache rtr 160
it gives above 45 or 50 mileage even though it is a kind of racing bike....it also suits me to have a clear stunts and also suits my father even though he is heavy in weight...he never shied while going to his office through apache rtr 160.its the best among all...

harshad said...

hey thanks for the review on Apache RTR 160 i m gonna definetly buy this one.... just managed to come to this website by searching in google and i must say i m impress by the whole look of it...!!!
keep up the good work ,keep rocking
:)

Rejoy said...

Hey I just took a test drive of apache RTR 160 yesterday from a showroom in Blore .. it was for my friend ...He was in search of a 150 cc one ...Well
my impression abt the vehicle : Quite sturdy - better cluch compared to the older 150 , thouh the gear shift is a bit tough!! Very good looks ..wished if they had made some kinda modifications on the front headlights so that it would stand apart from the old apaches!!

Something which I got annoyed was the vibration which was felt from the handle bar ..they need to check the dampers that are used in the handle bars ..It started vibrating even before i reached 50km/hr.. Wat say ???

Well a good buy comparing the equipments and the styling- sporty riding position ..still TVS need to work on the Engine for refining it furthur ..!! I also feel 66 + K rupees is a bit too much for this ....???

santoosh venkatram said...

hi payeng
make a slight change ,
the engine isnt over bored to 160 .
its an all new engine with a different bore stroke.

the old one was a square engine , and this is oversquare.

santoosh

senthil prakash said...

hi guys,

what rtr 160 and rtr 160 FI differs, which one can i go for..?

Payeng said...

@above the RTR Fi has a fuel injection system, but is costs more.. the price increase puts it at the same price range as the RTR 180.

Moreover, walk into a TVS showroom and ask for the RTR "Fi", chances are that you'll be told that its available only n booking with abour 3 month waiting period.

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