TVS’ Race Performance Is A Step Closer To Reality

[UPDATE: The TVS Apache RTR 165 RP has been launched at Rs 1.45 lakh (ex-showroom India). For the specs, availability and other details, head to our launch story.]

TVS released its first official teaser of the ‘RP Race Performance’, which could possibly be the Hosur-based bikemaker’s sub-brand dedicated to performance-oriented offerings. The teaser dropped hours after we broke the news of the update to the trademark filing of the TVS Apache RTR 165 RP.

So does that mean the new performance-focused Apache is around the corner? Well, almost! TVS is likely to introduce its new sub-brand in the coming days, while the bike itself is likely to debut in early 2022.

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The TVS Apache RTR 165 RP could flaunt a rebored version of the 159.7cc single-cylinder air-cooled fuel-injected engine from the Apache RTR 160 4V. While that engine currently makes 17.63PS and 14.73Nm, the one on the new bike could pack about 1-1.5PS and 1Nm more than the current model. Expect the RP to also feature sportier ergonomics and a preload-adjustable fork, like we have seen on the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V.

TVS has been a brand with a rich motorsport history, and is one of the few brands in India that has been promoting and nurturing the racing culture here. The brand’s new Race Performance division seems another step in the right direction to make the sport accessible to the masses.