TVS Apache RTR 160 4V 2020 Review - Prices, Specs, Variants, Features and Mileage

What’s at the heart of 2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V?

What is the power source of BS6 Apache RTR 160 4V?

TVS has successfully developed the new Apache RTR 160 4V BS6 with racing DNA. The RTR 160 4V BS6 gets a 159.7cc, single-cylinder, 4-valve fuel-injected engine. Sourced from Bosch, Apache's latest fuel injection unit boast of a better and faster loop control that eventually improves throttle response. Another major update on the negin epart is the  new asymmetrical piston with a friction-reducing coating. For making commuting across city traffic easy, TVS has added segment-first Glide Through Traffic or GTT feature. 

You twist on that throttle and are still treated to that meaty exhaust note and a smile. The needle in the tachometer moves swiftly and in no time requires you to shift up. The muscle is spread out in the lower and mid-rev-range which gives you the thrill needed which is not so common in the 160 cc segment. 

If you pitch the competitors in a drag run, the Apache will be showing its full-LED taillamps to the rest very soon! This is because of its balance of torque and power. Bajaj Pulsar NS160 will closely follow as it too has a few extra horses up its sleeve. Suzuki Gixxer 155 and Yamaha FZS are the sober ones of the lot.

How well does the BS6 Apache RTR 160 4V accelerate?

The fuel injection unit sourced from Bosch is ultimately smooth and refined. Twist the throttle and you’ll be treated with a superior combo of the bassy exhaust note and vanishing tarmac. The Nylogrip tyres help put all of the engine’s power on the road without any loss. Taking toll on all the rivals, the 2020 Apache RTR 160 4V goes o to 60 mph in just 4.73 seconds. 

It tops out at 114 kmph which is not class-leading but that is due to the added weight and sober nature of the engine for which we can forgive the Apache. But the early torque curve helps it achieve 60 kmph much quicker. The 5-Speed gearbox is timed healthily and you won’t feel the need for extra gear. 

The sweet balance of torque and power along with the precise 5-Speed gearbox makes the Apache show its true colours. The under 5-Second sprint runs to 60 kmph impressive and thus creeps into the higher 200cc segment. Yamaha manages to chuck out the most top speed number and that is courtesy of its least kerb weight. The Gixxer takes it smooth and thus has a composite character.

How do the 2020 Apache RTR 160 4V brakes perform?

The Apache RTR 160 4V brakes are as sharp as its body lines. The single-channel ABS does its job flawlessly with the front tyres. To be honest, the brakes still nead a tweak in order to offer better feedback. Therr's least feedback from the rear disc. However, the front offer good stopping power.  

The unique design of disc rotors helps in better dissipation of heat. This keeps the braking in full form even after a few laps on the track or the backroads. The added kerb weight doesn't fiddle or change the braking performance.

The competition might have bigger brakes and in the case of the FZS, an advantage in kerb weight helps you have a more precise braking experience. Suzuki Gixxer stops the quickest and that gives the Japanese extra points here. All of the competitors are equipped with a single-channel ABS unit that gives you the confidence to push the respective motorcycles to its limit. 

What is BS6 Apache RTR 160 4V's mileage?

TVS has invested a lot of time and effort to build this sweet machine and they didn’t leave any table unturned, even efficiency. The double-barrel exhaust system was made keeping efficiency in mind as much as its note. Apache RTR 160 4V has a fine blend of performance and efficiency. It returns an overall mileage of almost 40 kmph which is very impressive for the amount of torque it delivers.

The lighter engine components also contribute to the mileage numbers. TVS has coated the cylinders with a layer of Molybdenum disulphide. This particular coating is called nanofriks coating. This reduces dry friction and when coupled with the PVD coated piston rings, helps the piston move freely and thus improve both efficiency and performance drastically.

TVS utilized the swooping lines on the Apache to house a bigger fuel tank as compared to the competition. The efficiency figures are also at par with the rest and if you are serious, then this 160 cc commuter can also go touring. Yamaha FZS is another motorcycle of the lot that can face the long-distance challenge.

Is the Apache RTR 160 4V strong enough for our road conditions?

Is the Apache RTR 160 4V as sharp a handler as it looks?

TVS has done wonders in the development of Apache RTR 160 4V. The company has added such character to the Apache RTR 160 4V that it can be a sober commuter most of the time and can happily stretch its legs on the racetrack! The wider power band allows to maintain the calm in the rider and goes adaptive with the road conditions.  

The beefy front forks and rear mono-shock do a good job of detaching imperfections on the road from the rider. This instils confidence for the rider and amplifies it in corners as well, thanks to the wide rear tyre. It helps you build up more speed at corners and doesn’t lose its composure. You can flick the motorcycle and it will change directions without any hesitation.

You don’t get an adjustable mono-shock at the rear like some of TVS’s competition, but to compensate for that, SHOWA has tuned both the ends to have a balanced character. This allows you to change riding style at the blink of an eye. Tyres are not the widest of the lot but that doesn’t stop this Apache from tackling our road conditions with ease.

How much ride confidence comes from the new Apache RTR 160 4V?

TVS has not made any drastic changes with the seats of  Apache RTR 160 4V.  The dual-textured seat is still comfortable for most riders. The seating position keeps the rider upright and offers relaxed posture. 

The clip-on handlebars are wide and don't impose much strain on your hands and shoulders. The footpegs are positioned a bit behind so that the riding triangle is maintained. The seating is apt at 800 mm as riders of varying heights will not find it difficult to hop on. Unlike its elder brother, the single-seat with its dual-tone cover is very much comfortable and makes commuting a relaxing affair.

Saddle height is on the higher side but is easily accessible for riders of varying heights. This is because of the maximum ground clearance of the lot which keeps you tension-free of scrapping that beautiful underbody. Shorter riders will find the Yamaha FZS to be much more feasible due to its lower seat height. 

How sharp is the 2020 Apache RTR 160 4V BS6 Design?

What are the Cosmetic upgrades in the 2020 BS6 Apache 160 4V?

First things first, the headlight in the front. The major update for 2020 TVS Apache is an all-new LED headlamp unit which, somewhere, appears to me as that installed on Ducati Streetfighter 1098, excluding the weird DRLs. The headlamps do provide a distinctive look to the motorcycle. Other updates on the new apache include rear view mirrors and fresh graphics. But these are not only things that the Apache RTR 160 4V is limited to.

The new headlamp unit on BS6 Apache RTR 160 4V has got bikini fairing surrounding it. The conventional headlamp unit has been finally replaced by an all-new full-LED assembly that is surrounded by claw-shaped LED DRLs on either side. The LED headlamp unit is designed to offer wide penetration of light in very dark situations. Also, the light emitted through the lamp has a warm LED tone, offering better visibility at night.

The LED headlamp is covered in a matte black plastic casing with body-coloured panels on both side. The front fascia gets a more aggressive look. However, the quality of plastic used around the edges don't appear premium. The fit and finish of the body panel look to cover the running cost of the vehicle. 

Aesthetic Features

• Unique LED DRLs

• Blacked out engine

• Alloy wheels

• Underbelly cowl

• Semi-cowled tank shrouds

• Unique looking and sounding double-barrel exhaust

• Split LED headlights

• Dual-tone seat

Besides that, the 2020 Apache RTR 160 4V comes with a dual-tone seat cover, new graphics and racing-inspired claw side mirrors with a carbon-fibre like texture. Other than these upgrades, the motorcycle remains the similar to the predecessor in terms of aesthetics.

Not the most compact motorcycle of the lot, but the Apache flaunts its size with pride as the handling or riding characteristics are not altered because of this. You sit high up on the Apache with its least height and higher saddle height. Traffic filtering is best done by Yamaha FZS and its because of its shorter wheelbase and compact shape.

What technology upgrades on the BS6 Apache 160 4V?

TVS won’t let the extra Rs. 8,000 go in vain as the amount of upgrades just keeps getting interesting. TVS has bundled the Apache RTR 160 4V with all the essentials needed for a modern sports motorcycle, but there is more. You get a full LED headlight unit that flaunts the trending split setup.

TVS’s in-house GTT technology makes riding a child’s play during heavy traffic conditions. This technology helps you crawl the motorcycle at slow speeds. This eliminates the use of throttle in neck to neck traffic and thus ease the strain on the rider. A neat addition from TVS which is very useful in our traffic conditions.

A lot of segment-first features makes the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V a very desirable machine. We see the characteristics of the smartphone industry here as you are now getting a better package at a smaller price point. Other manufacturers are slowly following up, but the Apache gets the spotlight here.

How much safe is the new BS6 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V? 

Safety has always been a priority thing for TVS Motor Company. TVS Apache RTR 160 4V has been equipped it with a Single-channel ABS which keeps the motorcycle under your control at all times. The LED DRLs and headlight will make your presence known from afar for oncoming traffic. The safety  features are listed below.

Safety Features

• Daytime Running LED DRLs and headlight

• Single-Channel ABS

• Gear Position Indicator

How does the Competition add up?

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V vs Yamaha FZS

Yamaha has dominated the commuter segment with its FZ line-up. They took a bold move in 2008 which helped them pave the way for various other manufacturers pitching in their poison. The 2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V takes it up a notch by improving the balance of performance and efficiency. It shares its chassis with its big brother, Apache RTR 200 4V which makes it a very potent handler. The uni-seat brings it at par with the comfort dominated FZS. Both are equally potent and we want to give the Indian a shot at it here.

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V vs Bajaj Pulsar NS160

Both these Indians are born with the same dream of providing cheap accessible power at a cheaper price point. Both of them share their underpinnings with their brothers from the 200cc class and thus are potent machines. Apache has a lot of charisma in the 160 4V and it undercuts that of the Pulsar. Bajaj tried to recreate the same wave as the one created by the NS200 but didn’t fare out so well. We will go with the Apache here for the edgy persona it has.

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V vs Suzuki Gixxer 155

Suzuki Gixxer is the compilation of precise Japanese engineering and reliability. You will never see a busted Suzuki engine and that is its strong point. The Gixxer is Suzuki’s lifesaver for the Indian market as things were not all roses before that. The Apache is a very strong contender and puts the Gixxer to test. It is the subtle looking of the two but don’t let the looks fool you as the handling is as sharp as a katana. But it gravely differs in performance and that's where the Apache shines. We vouch for the Indian here as it provides everything that the Gixxer does but with more performance.

Is the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6 worth buying?

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V was an extraordinary machine before the addition of feather-touch start, GTT, and other major updates. From now on, you will see FI fitted BS6 Apache RTR 160 4v on streets as the carburated variants are dead. The new Apache 160 4v is certainly a deal-breaker . The price for the disc variants that costs Rs. 1.03 lakh gets a hike of Rs 3,000. The drum variant will be sold at Rs. 99,950. Historically, the Apache RTR 160 4V has won lots of comparison tests in the segment. The BS6 Apache 160 4V surely has an upper hand in the competition with segment-first features.