I’ve been wanting a new bike forever. I thought I had it good when I got the Himalayan but that soon went and I was back to riding my old XCD. It was like the highs were short and the dips too deep. And just when I thought I had hit rock bottom, life threw me a lifeline. This time in the form of a spanking new TVS Apache RTR 160 4V.
First up, I love the way it looks. Love it enough to make it the subject of my photography every now and then. I genuinely feel the TVS, with its neat flowing lines and sporty dual tone treatment, deserves the attention. Besides, it’s easy to warm up to her. She’s happy to rev if you want her to but will also keep pace with you when you’re feeling relaxed and calm.
Even the shocks do their job well, keeping me comfortable over Pune’s potholed roads and omnipresent speed breakers. The monopiece seat is comfortable even for the pillion rider and all my friends have complimented the bike for the same. Brakes are excellent too, although they have begun squeaking already. I haven’t tested the fuel efficiency so far but I’m guessing it’ll be in the range of 40-45kmpl. Even Lavasa rides are sorted as the RTR is one of the best bikes to learn sporty riding on. For now, life seems sorted too.
Date acquired: May 2018
Duration of test: 3 months
Total test mileage: 1421km
Mileage this month: 110km
Costs this month: Nil
Overall kmpl: 42.8
Read our long-term report on the TVS Apache RR 310 here