TVS
TVS Apache RTR 160
Sharp looks and easy handling, but the cheap trims still feel it
In short
The Apache RTR 160 is TVS's entry sports-commuter, a 159.7cc air-cooled single making about 15.8bhp with a claimed 61kmpl, priced from ₹1.11 lakh for the base drum-brake trim. It's for riders who want RTR styling and handling on a tight budget, but the cheaper variants stick with a rear drum brake and no ABS.
- Engine
- 160 cc
- Power
- 15.82 bhp
- Claimed mileage
- 61 kmpl
- Kerb weight
- 137 kg
What works
- Claimed 61kmpl makes it cheap to run daily
- 5-year warranty up to 60,000km, best-in-class cover
- 15.8bhp and 137kg kerb weight feel eager in traffic
- Alloy wheels and tubeless tyres even on base trim
What doesn't
- Rear drum brake standard on five of seven variants
- Single-channel ABS only, no rear disc even at top
- Real-world mileage (42-47kmpl) trails the claimed 61kmpl figure
Best for: First bike, Daily city commuting, Budget-conscious riders
Price and variants
Ex-showroom Delhi. On-road estimate for Delhi; other cities on the price page.
Ex-showroom Delhi, the Apache RTR 160 range runs from ₹1,10,781 (RM Drum - Black Edition) to ₹1,27,458 (Dual Channel ABS) across 7 variants.
That makes it priced 9th lowest among the 75 sports bikes we have reviewed. Its closest price rivals are the Xtreme 160R (₹979 less) and the Unicorn (₹4,460 more).
On the road in Delhi, budget about ₹1.3 Lakh for the base variant once 8% Delhi road tax, registration and five-year third-party insurance are added. Dealers often quote higher by bundling accessories, extended warranty and handling charges; all three are negotiable.
| Variant | Ex-showroom | Rough EMI |
|---|---|---|
RM Drum - Black Edition | ₹1,10,781 | |
RM Drum | ₹1,16,807 | |
RM Disc | ₹1,20,007 | |
RM Disc Bluetooth | ₹1,23,105 | |
Racing Edition | ₹1,24,404 | |
Anniversary Special Edition | ₹1,26,746 | |
Dual Channel ABS | ₹1,27,458 |
Mileage
Expect 42–47 kmpl from the Apache RTR 160 in everyday use against a claimed mileage of 61 kmpl. The 27% gap is on the larger side, so plan around the lower figure.
Among the 67 sports bikes we have reviewed it ranks 6th for mileage, 19 kmpl above the group average of 42 kmpl.
Engine and ride
Power comes from a 160cc single producing 15.82 bhp and 13.85 Nm, paired with a 5 Speed. At 137 kg the power-to-weight figure is 115 bhp per tonne, which ranks 46 of 73 in its class here.
The torque and power figures are well balanced, so it neither needs to be revved hard nor feels lazy when you do.
Chassis hardware includes a rear monoshock and single-channel ABS, with a disc, 270 mm, 2 piston caliper up front and drum, 130 mm at the rear.
At 790 mm the seat is average for the class; most riders from 5'5" up will be comfortable at stops.
Our review
Riding impressions and the buying advice a spec sheet cannot give.
Verdict
The Apache RTR 160 remains one of the more sorted budget sports-commuters around, trading on TVS's racing image without asking for RTR 160 4V money. At a starting price near ₹1.11 lakh it undercuts most 150-160cc rivals, and the claimed 61kmpl figure, even if real-world numbers land closer to 42-47kmpl, keeps running costs reasonable for a daily rider.
Riding it every day
The 159.7cc engine feels willing at low revs, which matters more in Indian traffic than outright top speed, and at 137kg the bike changes direction easily between cars and potholes. The five-speed gearbox is light, and the front disc brake, standard even on mid variants, does the bulk of the stopping. What you notice is the rear drum brake on all but the range-topping trim; it works fine in the dry but needs a firmer hand in the monsoon. Seat height at 790mm suits most Indian riders comfortably.
What to know before buying
Only the priciest of the seven variants gets dual-channel ABS; everything below relies on a single-channel system paired with that rear drum. TVS's service network is wide and reasonably priced, and the 5-year, 60,000km warranty is generous for this segment. The digital console and LED lighting look modern, but features like a colour TFT or Bluetooth connectivity are reserved for the pricier RTR 160 4V, so buyers wanting those should look up TVS's own range before signing.
Who should buy it
This suits a first-time buyer or someone upgrading from a 100-110cc commuter who wants sharper handling and sportier looks without stretching the budget. It is less convincing for anyone who regularly does two-up highway runs or wants rear disc braking as standard; those riders should budget for the top variant or look at the RTR 160 4V instead.
Features and colours
- Single-channel ABS
- Front disc brake
- Tubeless tyres
- Alloy wheels
- Side-stand engine cut-off
- Rear monoshock
- LED headlamp
- LED daytime running lamp
- LED tail lamp
- Digital console
- +2 more
On safety kit the Apache RTR 160 has single-channel abs, front disc brake, tubeless tyres and side-stand engine cut-off. ABS acts on the front wheel only; the rear can still lock under a hard stamp.
Against Apache RTR 160 4V, Unicorn or Xtreme 160R, it gets ride modes that most rivals skip.
What it lacks: hazard lamps and usb charging port, which rivals at this price offer. The safety items in that list matter more than the console.
It is offered in 8 colours: Racing Red, T Grey, Gloss Black, Pearl White, Matte Blue, Glossy Black (BE), Matte Black and Black Champagne Gold Livery. Colour availability varies by variant and dealer stock.
Warranty, service and ownership
Standard warranty is 5 years or 60,000 km. After the free services, the recommended interval is every 6,000 km.
Service reach is good: TVS has about 4,500 dealer and workshop touchpoints across the country.
The Apache RTR 160 nameplate has been on sale since 2007. That maturity shows up as a deep used market, plentiful spares and mechanics who have seen every fault, which keeps running costs and resale predictable.
Apache RTR 160: questions people ask
- What is the price of the TVS Apache RTR 160?
- The Apache RTR 160 costs between ₹1,10,781 and ₹1,27,458 ex-showroom Delhi across 7 variants, as of September 2026. On-road price adds road tax, registration and insurance and varies by state.
- What is the on-road price of the Apache RTR 160 in Delhi?
- Roughly ₹1.3 Lakh for the base variant in Delhi: ₹1,10,781 ex-showroom plus ₹8,862 road tax, ₹1,100 registration and about ₹9,355 insurance. This is an estimate; dealer quotes include handling and accessories.
- What is the mileage of the Apache RTR 160?
- Claimed mileage is 61 kmpl. Owners typically see 42–47 kmpl in mixed city and highway riding.
- How much does the Apache RTR 160 cost to run per month?
- Fuel works out to about ₹2.13 per km in Delhi, so a 30 km daily commute costs roughly ₹1,662 a month before servicing.
- What is the EMI for the Apache RTR 160?
- With 10% down, a 36-month loan at 9.5% on the base variant comes to about ₹3,510 a month. A shorter tenure raises the EMI but cuts total interest; see the EMI calculator on the price page.
- What is the engine capacity and power of the Apache RTR 160?
- It uses a 160cc engine producing 15.82 bhp and 13.85 Nm, with a 5 speed.
- Is the Apache RTR 160 suitable for short riders?
- Yes. Seat height is 790 mm, low for the class, so riders around 5'2" and above can reach the ground comfortably.
- Apache RTR 160 or Apache RTR 160 4V: which is better?
- The Apache RTR 160 4V is ₹5,710 more expensive to start and less efficient at 41.4 kmpl against 61 kmpl. Pick the Apache RTR 160 for first bike, the Apache RTR 160 4V for sporty first bike. Our side-by-side comparison covers every spec.
- Which bikes are cheaper than the Apache RTR 160?
- Among the 75 sports bikes we have reviewed, the Pulsar 125 (₹93,507), the CNG Bike (₹1.04 Lakh), the Xtreme 160R (₹1.1 Lakh) start lower.
- Is the Apache RTR 160's rear drum brake a dealbreaker?
- Not for careful city riding, since the front disc does most of the work, but riders planning highway trips or wet-weather commuting will likely wish for the dual-channel ABS variant instead. Budget allowing, the extra cost for that top trim is worth it for the added stopping confidence.
- Can it carry a pillion comfortably on longer rides?
- The seat and 1300mm wheelbase are adequate for occasional two-up trips around town, but at 137kg kerb weight and with a 15.8bhp engine, performance drops noticeably with two riders and luggage on inclines. Expect it to feel adequate rather than confident on long two-up highway runs.
Apache RTR 160 vs its rivals
Around ₹1.11 Lakh
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Before you buy
Apache RTR 160 from
₹1.11 Lakh