Thread: New TVS Apacher RTR 160 EFI

The Apacher was the surprise package of the shootout. Just think about it, it's not equipped with the techno gadgetry that the R15 boasts of. Neither does it have four valves, a liquid-cooled engine or custom made tyres. Yet it manages to be almost as quick as the Pulsar 220 around the track. The RTR with its naturally aspirated, air-cooled, two valve engine managed to post times that were almost as good as a bike that has about 60cc and 4PS more.

Purely by virtue of its handling characteristics, the way the bike delivers power to the wheels, the engine's response to throttle inputs and the manner in which every cubic centimetre of the engine's volume is made to produce as much power as possible. The Apache RTR has an oversquare, high revving screamer engine which is favourable for track performance. The bike has its fundamentals right. Its amazing r60cc engine puts out some really healthy power figures with a great combination of chassis, suspension and wheels. The major chunk of the power is concentrated in the upper band of the rev range, though the mid-range surge is still reasonably stronger than the R15.

The RTR amazes with its poise and confidence around corners and is the next best to the R15 in terms of steering feedback and sharp turn-ins. It isn't, however, as planted and reassuring as the R15. Undoubtedly, Yamaha takes the game to an entirely different level but the RTR is a clear second on the handling front.



As we realised, while testing the four bikes around the corners of the racetrack and while racing among ourselves, the RTR has a clear advantage over the Karizma and the 220 around the slower, tighter corners. Everyone aboard the Apache was able to close the gap on the other two bikes through the tricky, slower sections of the track. While the RTR eventually managed to get past the Karizma, the Pulsar 220 pulled away emphatically on long sweeping corners and straights. That said, the way the RTR gave the much powerful 220 a run for its money is highly commendable.

The tyres on the RTR EFt like the Karizma, are satisfactory. Even though they don't leave us with a lot to desire, they definitely could have been better. Infact, they could probably be termed as good but the new Zappers on the RrS make all the other tyres look second rate. The rear disc brake on the bike wasn't of much use as both our race testers suggested and didn't offer any significant advantage over drum brakes.

All in all, there's hardly anything wrong with the Apache RTR. For its size, cubic capacity and price, it's probably the best track tool around. Rock solid build quality and an extremely revvy engine means that you won't feel apprehensive while thrashing it around the track too.