TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: 5400Km Long Term Review

While sporty commuters like the RTR 160 4V are best suited for the city, I have always been impressed with Red’s touring abilities. The biggest factor working in its favour on the highway is the engine refinement and seat comfort. Hence, if your ‘touring’ is limited to 450-500km, neither you nor the bike will feel tired. This time around though, the bike had extra company. A colleague borrowed Red for a quick trip back to his home in Mumbai and back. Accompanying him on the journey was his wife and the newlyweds only had a laptop bag as luggage. With their inputs and mine combined, here is how the Little Red fared on a 300km journey for two.

Rear seat comfort

Unlike the RTR 200 4V which gets split seats, the 160 4V gets a single bench seat with a mild step. This gives more room for both the rider and the pillion to sit comfortably. And as mentioned in earlier reports, the seat cushioning is quite supportive and hence longer distances don't really become a bother. Even at the back, the seat is wide and very supportive for the pillion. One thing I would like to point out is that the footpegs are set a little on the higher side and do start to cause a little fatigue on longer rides, especially if you are trying to make the journey with minimum stops. But still, the sitting posture remains upright and the big grab rails are not only sturdy to hold, but also support your bum from sliding back.

Engine under load

The ideal cruising speed is close to 85-90kmph with the engine remaining stress-free close to 6,700rpm. But under load (payload of 135kg), the bike requires more effort to get to speeds and you need more throttle inputs for pace changes or even maintaining pace over undulations and gradient changes. But, keep it in the right gear and this 160cc bike shows heart and keeps on pulling. It's only while pushing it beyond 100kmph that the motor starts to struggle. I would suggest a gear change for quick overtakes, but other than that, the refined motor is still the star of the show.

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Another thing worth mentioning here is that even with a pillion, the suspension copes well, and there’s not too much of a weight transfer to the rear. This really helps the handling characteristics to remain on point. The front end does not feel light and the bike can still take on the ghats comfortably. Even the ride quality remains well damped, keeping the potholes away from both the rider and pillion.

It's not surprising that the Little Red was able to fare well out on the highway even with a pillion. The strong mid-range torque and one of the most refined motors in the segment keep things peppy, even with two on board. That said, a journey with a pillion would be ideal for about 250-300km as, beyond that, you will start to tire. If you keep this in mind, the Apache RTR 160 4V will continue to impress.

• Month acquired: April 2018
• Km when acquired: 600km
• Km till date: 5400km
• Mileage under aggressive riding: 30.14kmpl

Cheers

• Engine refinement
• Mid-range grunt, even for two
• Comfortable and large seat

Sneers

• Feels breathless beyond 9,000 rpm
• Pillion footpegs are set a little higher up, causing strain in longer journeys