TVS Apache RTR 165 RP Review: Not Completely Race-ready

Speaking of braking, stopping distances have been reduced dramatically as well. The larger rear disc does play its part and there’s a bit more feedback in the system than the stock machine. The braking is predictable but still, on the large, a bit more feel would’ve been appreciated.

Commuter Parts Spoiling The Party
It seems as though the TVS Racing’s engineers only worked on fine-tuning, improving and extracting as much performance as it is permissible by the racing regulations from the motor. Because the highly capable split synchro stiff chassis isn’t backed up with equally potent suspension and grippy tyres.

Firstly, the suspension’s commuterness is quite apparent. The moment you start pushing the bike hard, the suppleness robs you of front end feel and a bit of wallowiness is felt. A little firmer tune would’ve really contributed to making this more confidence inspiring, especially for quickly steering the bike from one end to the other.

Similar is the case with the tyres. While these were grippy enough for the 160, on the 165 they feel a bit out of their depth. The rear wheel in particular feels a bit nervy on corner exits and off the line acceleration.

Hot Looker? Not Much
When the press shots of the RP were shared, it did kind of look hot. But in person, the livery doesn’t excite me as much. The only thing that draws me to it are the red wheels. Perhaps a gloss finish instead of this matte one would’ve done the trick.

Also, if there was some way to make it known that this was one out of just 200 units made, perhaps a sticker or an etching on the handlebar clamp, the RP’s uniqueness would have been felt more. Because the 200 people who have bought this machine don’t have any other way of showing off that this RP is way different from the regular 160.

Deserves Attention?
The buyers of the RTR 165 RP are going to be on the butt of a few jokes because the Rs 1.45 lakh (ex-showroom) asking price of the bike is Rs 4,000 more than the larger, more capable, powerful, and feature-rich RTR 200 4V.

So, with the engine updates, we are sure that TVS will continue to dominate the national championship by using the RTR 165 RP as its base. However, in order to win a championship, you not only need a bike that’s quick in a straight line but also one that’s fast in the bends, and in that sense the RP needs tinkering. So, the homologation special is definitely unique but it doesn’t make you feel that special. Perhaps, the next bike to bear the ‘RP’ letters would be more deserving of the tag and a bit more serious in that regard.