All-New TVS Apache RTR 160 To Be Launched Next In India

TVS Motor Company's highly awaited motorcycle, the Apache RR 310 finally broke cover earlier today and will be the bike maker's new flagship offering in the two-wheeler space. The supersport is not only the first full faired offering from TVS, but also marks the brand's entry into the premium motorcycle segment. However, TVS has not forgotten about the sporty commuter segment, which is where the Apache brand took birth and will be rolling out new iterations in the near future. Speaking on the sidelines of the Apache RR 310 launch, Sudarshan Venu, Joint Managing Director, TVS told NDTV that the next motorcycle in the RTR series will be the Apache RTR 160.

Also Read: TVS Apache RR 310 Launched In India; Priced At Rs. 2.05 Lakh

The TVS Apache family has seen two major additions in the past two years with the Apache RTR 200 4V and now the Apache RR 310. However, the entry-level TVS Apache RTR 160 and RTR 180 have largely remained unchanged over the years, save for new colour schemes and body graphics. The Hosur-based manufacturer though is working on introducing a comprehensively updated version of the RTR 160. The motorcycle was spied testing earlier this year as well and borrows heavily from the Apache RTR 200 4V.

(New TVS Apache RTR 160 Spyshot | Photo Credit: The Gearhead Bureau)

The first spy shots emerged online showcased a sharp bodywork, much like the 200 4V, along with an angular headlamp cluster. The chassis seems to be new as well and now gets a monoshock suspension setup at the rear, instead of twin shock absorbers on the current motorcycle. The spy shots also showed a single elongated seat instead of split seats on the bigger bikes.

Also Read: New TVS Apache RTR 160 Spotted Testing

Changes to the engine aren't known yet, but expect the motor to see significant changes and make more power as well. In its current setup, the TVS Apache RTR 160 uses a 159.7 cc single-cylinder engine tuned to produce 15 bhp and 13.1 Nm of peak torque. The motor comes paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The new TVS Apache RTR 160 could also get ABS at the time of launch, given the government mandate of installing the safety feature as standard on 125 cc and above motorcycles from April 2018.

(The TVS Apache RR 310 is the company's premium new offering)

That said, details are still sketchy at the moment, but we do expect to hear from TVS about this next year. The Apache RTR 160 is really what started the sporty brand for the bike maker and a change will help keep it fresh amidst popular rivals like the Suzuki Gixxer, Honda CB Hornet 160R and the Bajaj Pulsar NS160.