Apache RTR 160 4V: A Comprehensive Review

By Srisha R

25 Apr 2024

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V

For years, the Apache RTR 160 series has been a household name among Indian motorcycle riders. The RTR 160 4V, with its sporty design, impressive performance, and fuel efficiency, continues this legacy.

Highlights of the Article

The Apache RTR 160 4V is a fuel-efficient and powerful 160cc motorcycle for Indian riders.
It offers a good balance between performance and mileage, making it suitable for city riding and highways.
The 2024 update added dual-channel ABS for better safety.
It is priced competitively and comes in various colours and variants.
Some users find the pillion seat and after-sales service to be areas for improvement.

This comprehensive review dives deep into everything an Indian rider needs to know about the Apache RTR 160 4V in 2024. We'll explore its specifications, features, what makes it stand out, safety aspects, how it fares against competitors, and its ownership experience.

Exploring the Specs of Apache RTR 160 4V

Engine and Performance: The Apache RTR 160 4V boasts a 159.7cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that churns out a maximum power of 17.39 bhp and 14.73 Nm of torque. This translates to a peppy ride, perfect for navigating city traffic and zipping through highways.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency: A major selling point of the Apache RTR 160 4V is its fuel efficiency. Riders can expect a mileage of around 40-45 kmpl in city conditions and even higher on highways, making it a budget-friendly choice.
Dimensions and Weight: The Apache RTR 160 4V is a compact motorcycle, ideal for Indian roads. It has a wheelbase of 1357mm, a ground clearance of 180mm, and weighs around 147 kg. This lightweight design contributes to its agility and manoeuvrability.
Braking System and Suspension: The Apache RTR 160 4V comes with two variants: drum brakes for both front and rear wheels and a disc brake variant for the front wheel. The 2024 update saw the introduction of dual-channel ABS, significantly enhancing braking performance and safety. The suspension setup consists of telescopic forks at the front and a mono-shock absorber at the rear, providing a comfortable ride on most terrains.

Feature Focus: Apache RTR 160 4V

Essential Features: The Apache RTR 160 4V comes equipped with a bright LED headlamp for enhanced nighttime visibility and a stylish taillight ensuring you're seen on the road. The instrument cluster is a digital unit displaying essential information like speed, fuel level, and trip meters.
Comfort Features: The Apache RTR 160 4V features an upright riding position that offers good comfort for the rider. The handlebar placement is comfortable for long rides, reducing strain on the shoulders and back. However, some riders might find the seat a bit firm on longer journeys.
Technology Features: The Apache RTR 160 4V incorporates some interesting technology features. Select variants boast Bluetooth connectivity that allows riders to pair their smartphones with the bike for functions like turn-by-turn navigation and call display.

Standing Out from the Crowd: Unique Selling Points of Apache RTR 160 4V

Design and Styling: The Apache RTR 160 4V boasts an aggressive, sporty design with sharp lines and a muscular fuel tank. The 2024 update introduced a new "Lightning Blue" colour scheme, further enhancing its visual appeal.
Performance Advantage: The Apache RTR 160 4V offers a good balance between power and fuel efficiency. Its engine delivers zippy acceleration, making it enjoyable to ride in city traffic and on highways.
Fuel Efficiency: As mentioned earlier, the Apache RTR 160 4V excels in fuel efficiency, making it a wallet-friendly option for cost-conscious riders, especially with rising fuel prices.

A Look at the Safety Features of the Apache RTR 160 4V

Braking System: The 2024 update of the Apache RTR 160 4V introduced the much-awaited dual-channel Anti-Lock Braking System. This significantly improves braking performance, especially on slippery roads or during emergency situations. Additionally, some variants come with a Combined Braking System that links the front and rear brakes, ensuring balanced braking even for less experienced riders.
Headlight and Taillight Visibility: The Apache RTR 160 4V comes equipped with a bright LED headlamp for excellent night visibility. The taillight ensures you're seen by following traffic.
Tyre Quality: The Apache RTR 160 4V comes with tubeless tyres, offering better puncture resistance and a slight weight advantage over tube-type tyres. However, some riders might prefer tyres with a softer compound for enhanced grip, especially on curvy roads.

Head-to-Head Comparison

The Apache RTR 160 4V faces stiff competition in the Indian 160cc segment, particularly from the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and the Yamaha FZ-S FI. Here's a quick comparison:

Engine Power: The Apache RTR 160 4V edges out the Pulsar NS160 and FZ-S FI in terms of peak power, offering a slightly zippier ride.
Mileage: All three bikes deliver excellent fuel efficiency, with the Apache RTR 160 4V potentially having a slight edge in highway mileage.
Features: The Apache RTR 160 4V, especially the higher variants with Bluetooth connectivity, boasts a slight feature advantage over the Pulsar NS160 and FZ-S FI.
Price: The Apache RTR 160 4V starts at a slightly lower price point compared to the Pulsar NS160 and FZ-S FI, making it a more budget-friendly option.

Weighing the Options: Pros and Cons of Owning an Apache RTR 160 4V

Pros:

Peppy Performance: The Apache RTR 160 4V offers a good balance between power and fuel efficiency, making it enjoyable to ride in the city and on highways.
Excellent Mileage: A major advantage of the Apache RTR 160 4V is its fuel efficiency, translating to lower running costs.
Value for Money: The Apache RTR 160 4V offers a feature-rich package at a competitive price point, making it a good value proposition for budget-conscious riders.
Safety Features: The 2024 update with dual-channel ABS significantly improves braking performance and safety.

Cons:

Limited Pillion Comfort: The seat might feel a bit firm for the pillion rider on longer journeys.
After-Sales Service: There have been some user reports regarding inconsistency in after-sales service quality across dealerships.

Who is the Ideal Rider for the Apache RTR 160 4V?

The Apache RTR 160 4V caters to a wide range of riders:

City Riders: Its compact size, agility, and good fuel efficiency make the Apache RTR 160 4V perfect for navigating city traffic.
Budget-Conscious Buyers: The Apache RTR 160 4V offers a feature-rich package at an attractive price point, making it a good choice for value-seeking riders.
Performance Seekers: While not a powerhouse, the Apache RTR 160 4V delivers a good balance between power and fuel efficiency, offering a peppy ride for those who enjoy a bit of zip.

Apache RTR 160 4V Family: A Look at the Variants

There are five main variants of the Apache RTR 160 4V:

Single Disc - ABS: This is the most affordable variant, featuring a drum brake at the rear wheel and a disc brake at the front with single-channel ABS.
Dual Disc - ABS: This variant upgrades the rear brake to a disc brake and retains single-channel ABS.
Dual Disc - ABS - Bluetooth: This variant builds upon the Dual Disc - ABS and adds Bluetooth connectivity for smartphone pairing.
Dual Channel ABS: This variant offers the highest level of safety with dual-channel ABS, a disc brake setup for both wheels and skips Bluetooth connectivity.
Special Edition: This variant boasts exclusive features like adjustable clutch and brake levers, a unique colour scheme, and may have additional cosmetic enhancements.

Available Colour Schemes of the Apache RTR 160 4V

The Apache RTR 160 4V boasts a vibrant range of colour schemes to match your style:

Classic favourites: Black, Pearl White, and Red continue to be popular choices, offering a timeless look.
Bold and sporty: For a more aggressive look, the Apache RTR 160 4V comes in Matte Black and the new 2024 update introduced a stunning "Lightning Blue" colour scheme.
Special Edition colours: Special Edition variants might have unique colour schemes that set them apart from the standard options.

Price Range: Apache RTR 160 4V

The on-road price of the Apache RTR 160 4V varies depending on the variant and city. Here's a ballpark range for major cities:

Delhi: ₹1.54 lakhs - ₹1.64 lakhs
Mumbai: ₹1.57 lakhs - ₹1.67 lakhs
Bengaluru: ₹1.53 lakhs - ₹1.63 lakhs (Please note these are indicative prices and actual prices may vary)

Ownership Reviews of Apache RTR 160 4V

Owning a motorcycle is a personal experience, and what one rider loves, another might find lacking. Here's a breakdown of what Apache RTR 160 4V owners typically comment on:

User Experience (Performance, Mileage, Comfort): Many riders praise the Apache RTR 160 4V's peppy performance, excellent fuel efficiency, and comfortable riding position for the rider. However, some users find the pillion seat a bit firm for extended journeys.
Maintenance and After-Sales Service: Maintenance of the Apache RTR 160 4V is generally considered hassle-free. However, there have been some user reports of inconsistency in after-sales service quality across dealerships. It's advisable to research authorized service centres with a good reputation before finalizing your purchase.

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Conclusion

The Apache RTR 160 4V remains a compelling choice for Indian riders in 2024. It offers a strong balance between performance, fuel efficiency, value for money, and safety, especially with the addition of dual-channel ABS in the 2024 update.

While some riders might find the pillion seat and after-sales service experiences to be a point of improvement, the Apache RTR 160 4V's overall package makes it a strong contender in the 160cc segment, particularly for city riders, budget-conscious buyers, and those seeking a balance between performance and fuel efficiency.

Ultimately, the best way to know if the Apache RTR 160 4V is the right bike for you is to take it for a test ride. This will allow you to experience the ride quality, performance, and comfort firsthand.

With its feature-rich package and competitive price point, the Apache RTR 160 4V is worth considering for your next motorcycle purchase.