TVS Motor Company has thrown down the challenge in the 160cc segment with their new bike. The Apache RTR 160 2V Racing Edition is not just a refresh it’s a statement bike that screams performance from every side. If you have been waiting for something that combines daily practicality with weekend thrills, this could be exactly what you have been looking for.
The Racing Edition takes everything you loved about the original Apache RTR 160 2V and turns up the fun. With its aggressive styling, refined engine and track inspired features, TVS wants to own the space where daily commuting meets pure riding pleasure.
Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 159.7cc, Air-cooled, Single-Cylinder, 2-Valve |
| Maximum Power | 15.8 BHP @ 8,000 RPM |
| Peak Torque | 13.8 Nm @ 6,500 RPM |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| Fuel Tank | 12 liters |
| Front Brake | 270mm Disc |
| Rear Brake | Drum (Disc Optional) |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock |
| Claimed Mileage | 45-50 kmpl |
| Starting Price | Rs 1.25 lakh (ex-showroom) |
Design That Demands Attention
Approach the Apache RTR 160 2V Racing Edition and it feels like a caged animal ready to pounce. The designers at TVS have created something that looks fast even when it’s parked. The fuel tank flows into the sharp seat cowl, creating lines that your eyes want to follow from nose to tail.
The Racing Edition badge isn’t just marketing speak – it shows in every detail. Bold racing stripes run across the bodywork in Racing Red, Thunder Black, and Knight White color schemes. The LED headlamp cluster gives it that predatory stare, while the compact LED tail section keeps things modern and clean.
What really grabs your attention is how everything feels purposeful. The split seat design isn’t just for show – it actually cradles you in the right position for spirited riding while keeping your passenger comfortable on longer trips. The stubby exhaust canister hints at the performance focus without being obnoxiously loud.
Heart of the Beast
Under that sculpted fuel tank sits a 159.7cc single-cylinder engine that’s been fine-tuned for the kind of performance that makes daily rides feel special. Producing 15.8 BHP and 13.8 Nm of torque, it may not win any power wars on paper but the way it delivers that power tells a different story altogether.
The magic happens in how everything comes together. Twist the throttle and the response is immediate but never jerky. The five-speed gearbox clicks through shifts with the precision of a well-oiled machine, making city traffic feel less like a chore and more like a game.
What impresses most is how civilized this engine remains even when you’re pushing it. There’s enough grunt for confident highway merging, yet it purrs contentedly in stop-and-go traffic. The race-tuned exhaust adds just the right amount of growl without turning you into that neighbor everyone complains about.
Handling That Inspires Confidence
This is where the Apache RTR 160 2V Racing Edition really shows its breeding. TVS has always known that a motorcycle isn’t just about straight-line speed it’s about how it makes you feel when the road starts twisting and turning.The telescopic front forks and monoshock rear suspension hit that sweet spot between comfort and control. Hit a pothole and it absorbs the impact without drama. Lean into a corner and it tracks exactly where you point it, so you can push a little harder each time.
The lightweight chassis makes navigating traffic a breeze, while the 270mm front disc brake has the stopping power to match the bike’s performance. You can feel the front end diving slightly under hard braking – just enough to let you know it’s working hard, but not enough to make you nervous.
Technology That Makes Sense
TVS hasn’t gone overboard with gadgets, instead focused on features that actually make a difference to your riding experience. The full digital instrument cluster gives you everything you need at a glance – speed, RPM, gear position and fuel level all displayed clearly.
That Glide Through Technology sounds like a marketing gimmick but it really does work in heavy traffic scenarios. It’s like the good instincts of a more experienced rider baked into the bike, smoothing out those awkward low-speed moments that can make commuting a drag.
Safety features such as the side stand engine cut away help prevent embarrassing tumbles while out of your seat with the stand still down. That may sound like a bunch of minutiae, but it’s the sort of consideration that can make you love using and having something in your life on the daily.
Real-World Living
Let’s talk about what really matters – how this bike fits into your actual life. The claimed mileage of 45-50 kmpl is optimistic but not unrealistic. In real world riding you can expect something closer to 40-45 kmpl depending on how much you enjoy that throttle.
The 12-liter fuel tank gives you enough range for serious touring without making fuel stops a constant worry. Fill it up and you’re looking at over 500 kilometers of range – perfect for those spontaneous weekend getaways.
Maintenance costs are reasonable, as per TVS’s reputation of building bikes that don’t break the bank to run. Parts are easily available and most service centers are familiar with these engines.
Pricing and Value Proposition
Priced at Rs 1.25 lakh (base) and Rs 1.30 lakh (disc brake version), the Apache RTR 160 2V Racing Edition is well placed in the 160cc segment. Pit it against competitors like the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 or Yamaha FZ-S FI, and the TVS offers superior handling and more swagger.
You’re not just buying a bike you’re investing in a bike that will feel special every time you ride. Your morning commute or twisty weekend blast just turned into something to look forward to on this Apache.
Read more: Honda SP 125 Comeback with Super Mileage, Powerful Engine and New Look
Frequently Asked Questions About TVS Apache RTR 160 2V
City mileage?
You’ll get around 40-45 kmpl in mixed city and highway conditions. Pure city riding might drop to 38-42 kmpl depending on traffic.
Is the rear disc worth the extra cost?
If you ride in wet conditions or want maximum stopping power, the rear disc is worth it. For most riders, the front disc and rear drum combo is sufficient.
How does it compare to Pulsar NS160?
Pulsar has slightly more power but Apache has better handling and build quality. Choose based on whether you want straight line performance or overall riding dynamics.
Service interval and maintenance cost?
Service intervals are every 6 months or 6,000km. Service costs range from Rs 2,000-4,000 depending on what needs attention.
Can it handle highway touring?
It can handle highway speeds and can do 80-90 kmph all day. For serious touring you might want something with more power but for weekend trips it’s more than enough.
The Bottom Line
The TVS Apache RTR 160 2V Racing Edition succeeds because it doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. It’s an exceptionally good sport oriented commuter that happens to look great while doing it.
If you believe motorcycling should stir something inside you every time you sit on the bike, this Apache is worth a serious look. It’s not the fastest bike in its class, nor is it the most fuel efficient. What it is, however, is fun, reliable and distinctive qualities that matter more in daily ownership than any spec sheet can convey.
