Heavy downpour and a motorcycle alluring to be tested, that’s what makes your weekend praiseworthy!! So, let’s gear up... But this time, it will be different. Rain gears for the rainy days. Courtesy of Steelbird, we managed to get hold of company’s most efficient and trustworthy rain gear offered in the market. On the other hand, we have one of the most reliable machines from TVS Motor - the Apache RTR 160 4V (Carburettor). So, the question here is – Will the new 2018 version of Apache RTR 160 4V be worthy of the racing heritage. And, can the rain gear keep-up with the racing pedigree of the motorcycle?? Let’s find out!! 2018 TVS Apache RR 310 Road Test Review: A New Moderniser out Here.

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V – Design: The design of the new Apache RTR 160 4V is very much similar to the elder sibling – Apache RTR 200. The overall design and its elements cascaded on the 160cc motorcycle prominently stands out, giving a race track defined bike look.

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Front & Rear

At the front, the hyper-aggressive naked headlamp with LED DRLs featuring unique fangs gives an aggressive stance to the profile. The aerodynamic engine cowl has a razor-like design that adds an additional bit to the striking design and shield to the engine. The 12-litre fuel tank is gracefully sculpted that further highlights the muscular design of the bike. It also sports chequered flag decals that pay homage to the TVS Motor’s winning streak on the track. Honda X-Blade 160 Road Test Review: A Robo Inspired Commuter Motorcycle.

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V (File Photo)

The speedometer fitted on the Apache RTR 160 4V is a fully digital interactive unit sporting alphanumeric race diagnostics such as timer, top speed, lap timer and more. The double-barrel exhaust is tuned to produce signature-style Apache racing sound. The single-piece seat offers better cushioning for the rider as it features best-in-class foam material ensuring uniform pressure distribution during long rides. The alloy wheels fitted with tubeless tyres further add to the styling quotient of the motorcycle.

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Side Profile

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V – Engine Specifications & Performance: Fitted on the double cradle Split Synchro STIFF chassis is 159.7cc, single-cylinder, four-stroke, four-valve, oil-cooled engine that is seen in both carburetted and fuel injected versions. While, the carburettor version 16.3 bhp of maximum power @ 8000 rpm and 14.8Nm @ 6500 rpm of peak torque, the FI version makes 0.3 bhp more than the former. Both the versions get a 5-speed manual gearbox, which does quite a decent job of shifting gears. The power plant seen on the motorcycle is derived from the 6-time INMRC winning RTR 165 prototype. On the mileage front, the motorcycle returned fuel economy of around 42kmpl in highway conditions. Triumph Street Triple S Road Test Review: An Intuitive Street Champion.

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V

The motorcycle was joyfully spot-on against our merciless revving highlighting the engineering effort gone into it. The company claims that the motorcycle is capable of hitting the top speed of 113kmph and 114kmph for carburettor and EFI variants respectively. Though, we tested the carburettor model only, the cluster recorded the top-speed of 115kmph, which is better than what the company actually claims. The motorcycle is claimed to hit 60 kmph mark in just 4.73 seconds making it the most powerful 160cc motorcycle in the league.

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V – Ride & Handling: Coming to the ride and handling side, the motorcycle comes fitted with conventional telescopic forks upfront along with race-tuned Showa monoshock setup at the rear ensuring smooth and exceptional ride quality. The braking duties on the carburettor version of Apache RTR 160 are carried out 270mm petal disc brake at the front along with 130mm drum brake /200mm petal disc brake. The braking response seemed slightly to be on the sluggish side, seeking more effort from the rider to stop the bike.

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Top

Verdict: To sum it up, the Apache RTR 160 4V motorcycle is much refined and reliance machine from the TVS that constructs an immediate bond with the ride giving a sense of connection and trust. Priced from Rs 82,535 (ex-showroom Delhi), the 160cc motorcycle seals the deal with 2 variants on offer - Carburettor and EFI. The motorcycle poses direct threat to Honda X-Blade, Honda CB Hornet, Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 and other players in the segment. The Apache RTR 160 motorcycle was a stepping stone for the Apache brand that has now evolved up till RR 310. Though a complete racing package, it misses out on the ABS that could have been offered as an option. The TVS Apache RTR 160 motorcycle has always proved it worthy of TVS’ racing heritage and it mighty continues to do so. The rain gear, on the other hand, ensured to keep the rider dry even in heavy downpour. All-in-all, a great rain gear to keep oneself dry and ensures uninterrupted riding.

Jacket - Ignyte Rainwear Jacket (Rs 1669)

Pant - Ignyte Rainwear Pant (Rs 1319)

Gloves - Ignyte Waterproof Gloves (Rs 1199)

Helmet - SMK Captain series  (Rs 4,500)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 10, 2018 09:53 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).