TVS Motor Co has unveiled the specifications of the new 2018 version of TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, its highest selling bike in the premium RTR series.
As expected, the primary changes are in the looks and in the engine. In terms of looks, the bike is arguably the most stylish in the 160cc class. Compared to the Bajaj Pulsar 160NS, for example, it looks more manly and solid, though the addition of rear-view mirrors will dilute the look a bit.
The price of the 2018 model is Rs 81,500 ex-showroom. The new engine has higher power and 4 valves, instead of 2 valves in the outgoing model.
A higher number of valves means easier inflow of air and a quicker evacuation of exhaust gases, thereby enhancing combustion, volumetric efficiency, and power output.
This probably is what drives the higher power output. However, the company did not clarify the mileage — one of the key reasons why people buy the 160cc versions over 200cc and 250cc bikes. The outgoing model had a fuel efficiency of around 60 km per liter, about 33% more than the 200cc RTR.
The 2018 version TVS Apache RTR 160 4V comes with an engine that outputs a peak power of 16.8 PS at 8000 rotations per minute. This is 11.1% higher than the outgoing version’s engine.
[polldaddy poll=9959157] Similarly, torque (or the underlying spinning power) has improved to 14.8 Nm at 6,500 rpm from 13.03 Nm.
It should be noted that the above numbers are for the more expensive ‘fuel injection’ models. For the carburetor model, the power is 16.5 PS @8000 rpm and the torque is 14.8 Nm @ 6500 rpm.
The power specs are higher than those of competitors like the Bajaj Pulsar 169NS, which has a peak power of 15.5 PS @8500 rpm.
The company is claiming a top-speed of 114 kmph for the fuel injection version and 113 kmph for the carburetor version.
However, what is more interesting is the pick-up.
The company is claiming a 0-60 kmph time of just 4.8 seconds for the FI model and 4.8 seconds for the carburetor, compared to 5.35 seconds for the Bajaj Pulsar 160NS.
Part of this is because of the “best-in-class power-to-weight ratio” of the Apache RTR 160 4V, TVS Motor Co said.
The bike comes with the company’s patented “Double-cradle Split Synchro Stiff Frame” design, which, according to it, gives it “excellent high-speed stability and best-in-class handling on/off- track.”
“The mono-shock suspension, engineered and precision-tuned by inputs from TVS Racing riders, contributes to the razor-sharp handling and agility through the corners,” it added.
The Fuel Injection version, which costs more, comes with both rear and front disc brakes while the carburetor motorcycle is available in disc and drum variants.
“The new TVS Apache RTR 160 4V offers sleek styling along with the race-spec aspects of the INMRC race machine – RTR 165,” it said.
The new version of the bike, first unveiled ten years back, has a forward-biased stance and a sleek tail.
There are chequered flag decals on the tank on the bike that comes in three colours: Racing Red, Metallic Blue and Knight Black.
The launch comes close on the heels of the unveiling of the upgraded 200 cc version.