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

Published April 19, 2019
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Little Red takes a pillion along for an inter-city ride

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.

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

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V (2009-2025) Video Review

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Nabeel | 6 years ago @ Santanu | Mileage is only 30/31km per litre? Hey Santanu. Under easy riding, the bike returned 50.94kmpl in the city and 56.1kmpl on the highway. But, under aggressive riding, it drops to 30kmpl combined. 0 Reply

Sreejith | 7 years ago If the speed s in around 45 50 km, then one can expect 60+ 1 Reply

praveen | 7 years ago @ Santanu | Mileage is only 30/31km per litre? If u raid so hard then mileage only be around 30's, maintain composure then 40 to 50 per litre is easily achievable 0 Reply

Santanu | 7 years ago Mileage is only 30/31km per litre? 3 Reply