Apache RTR 160, An All-Rounder Machine. Review on TVS Apache RTR 160

Apapche RTR 160 - An All-Rounder Machine.

When I say, allrounder, I really mean it. I bought my Apapche RTR 160 Titanium grey colour 3 months ago. And this is my review based on driving 7000 km in these 3 months.

First Impression -

When I rode it for the first time, I felt that the driving posture is sporty and not as comfortable as Yamaha Fazer 150cc. And when I took it on the hi-way for the first time, I was really scared as lot of vibrations were coming from the handle bar at 60-70 kmph.

Lasting Impression -

But you drive for a week, and you'll start loving the riding posture and the you'll get habituated to the vibrations.

Price -

This is the best bike you can buy at this price. I got it for 75k on road in Bangalore. At that price, you can either get pulsar 150 or the old unicorn or Suzuki GS 150R. None of them match to RTR 160 in terms of pick-up, looks or reliability. Old Unicorn and Suzuki GS 150R are for leisurely riding. So if you want a less powerful machine, you should buy one of them. For the same price, old unicorn comes with tubeless tyres. That's an advantage but old Unicorn looks so outdated. Pulsar might look good, but I have ridden a pulsar for 3 years. It is not as planted and reliable as the RTR 160.

Mileage -

If you drive between 80-100 kmph, it will give you 38-40 kmpl.

If you drive between 65-80 kmph, it will give you 47-48 kmpl.

I have not driven below 65 kmph. But I believe, if you drive it below 65 kmph, it would give 50+ kmpl

So, overall in city, you can expect 45-50+ kmpl depending upon your riding.

Comfort -

Initially, I felt that the bike is little sporty and not very comfortable. But I got used to it. Last week I rode 1300 KMs from Bangalore to Hyderabad and back to Bangalore on RTR 160. Two days I rode 500 KM per day. 3rd day I rode 300 Kms. No back pain, no neck pain, no wrist pain, no bum pain. No pain of any kind at all. I once rode Yamaha Fazer 150cc for 1000 KMs in 17 hours from Mumbai to Bangalore. And after that, my bum and thighs pained severely for 2 days. There was slight shoulder pain. Till then, I thought Fazer was the most comfortable bike to ride. Now I believe Apache is far more comfortable. One more thing is that Apache has a decent pillion seat. So if you have a girl friend or wife, Apache is better than Fazer. Of course, Unicorn, GS 150R and Pulsar also have decent seats. But Fazer seat is not at all comfortable for pillion riders.

Handling -

Just amazing. You feel like you're a racer on RTR 160. I have not ridden R15, so no comments on that. But Apache handles very well and has excellent brakes. Suspension is also perfect. This is the best bike for handling and braking in 160cc class. Take my word for it. You'll not understand until you ride it and ride other bikes and then compare. Other bikes feel like they are riding you. RTR feels like you're riding it.

Looks -

You have yellow, grey, red and black colours. I chose matt grey so that I need not clean everyday:) All look good. Anyway, looks is a subjective matter. RTR is not the best looking bike but doesn't look bad also.

Power -

Amazing power. None of the other bikes have this kind of pick up. I rode Honda CBR 250 R also. It is more powerful than RTR for sure, but its power is not usable in the city. You can feel the power only at high speeds. RTR's power is enjoyable right from 10 kmph. It surges ahead with urgency. No problems with power until you hit 100 kmph. After 100, it doesn't have much. I took it till 115 kmph max till now. Even from 80 to 100 kmph, it surges ahead with urgency.

Gadgetry -

It has speedo, odo, 2 trip meters, fuel gauge which is quite accurate, 0-60 kmph timer, hi speed noter, time display. Lot of gadgetry for this price. You'll feel special

Reliability -

I rode it for 1300 Kms continuously ay 80-100 kmph speeds in extreme heat. No issues AT ALL. Never gave any kind of problem. When I bought it, it was not staring with electric start. I had to kick start it. I took it to the service center in the 1st week itself. They replaced the battery within warranty for free. After that, no problem ever. Completed 3 services till now.

If you're on a budget(75K) and want the best bike for this price, close your eyes and buy the RTR 160. It will be a loyal companion both in cities and on the hi-ways and will also take care of your girl's bum:) and offers great fuel efficiency and low cost maintenance. I only wish it had tubeless tyres. If you want tubeless tyres, you can go for RTR 180. It will cost you 7k more. But then at 82k, you have other options available.

I strongly recommend RTR 160 if you're on a budget.