TVS Apache RTR-160CC (Double Disc)

Overview: The TVS Apache RTR 160 was launched in 2014 branded as HyperEdge. It is a very popular bike in India. In fact, it changed the way people think about 160cc bikes before. It ruled the market alongside the Pulsar 150 in 160 cc Street Fighter segment for almost 3 years.

Later in 2017, TVS refreshed it and re-launched it with numerous updates all over the bike mostly the engine, which is now BS4 standard (Source). Now it’s available in attractive matte colors. Let’s take a look at the updated TVS Apache RTR 160.

Design: The Apache RTR 160 Hyper edge’s design remains the same edgy. The HyperEdge signature, eyebrows like LED DRLs over the pilot headlamp has an animalistic aggressive look. The same old sharp and edgy aerodynamic design element includes Two sharp curved lines, one started from the front mudguard through the fuel tank to the tail lamp and the other comes from the engine guard cowl to the tail lamp is very visible.

The black finished front and rear shocks. The black finished the engine, the visible black carbon finished side panels, black textured seat, black finished 6-spoke alloy rim, black finished exhaust pipe and chrome finished heat shield on the exhaust pipe and the petal disks bring a very attractive look to the bike.

The bike has clip-on handlebars and an Apache RTR 160 logo in between. The new HyperEdge comes with new White, Black, Matte Black, Red, Gray Matte, and Yellow. The only difference between the old hyperedge and the new hyperedge is the BS4 Sticker on the engine guard.

Instrument Cluster: The instrument cluster of the Apache RTR 160 is a semi-digital unit. It has a very attractive racing analog tachometer and a digital unit for speedometer, odometer, trip meter, top speed counter, lap time recorder. The instrument cluster has a carbon finishing around it which gives it a very elegant look.

Switch Gears: The switch gears on this bike are the same standard and have a very premium feel to it. It comes with turn signal indicators, horn, high beam -low beam, high beam flasher, engine kill switch, Headlamp on-DRL-off switch, and the electric start switch.

Engine & Performance: The Engine of the Apache RTR 160 HyperEdge is a refined 159.7cc, 4-stroke, air-cooled, single-cylinder, 2-valve, SOHC engine. It uses an IDI or Dual mode digital ignition system with no mechanical changes what so ever.

It has a squared 62mm bore X 53mm stroke cylinder. It takes a Mikuni Carburetor to feed the beast. The compression ratio is 9.5:1 the engine produces 15.2PS of peak power at 8500 RPM and 13.2 Nm of peak torque at 4000 Rpm. It has both kick and electric starter.

It has a bigger intake port that allows it to boost its power in low RPM and due to its lightweight 137 kg kerb weight, this bike has the power to weight ratio of 110 BHP per Ton, which results in the ready pickup everyone is so crazy about. The bike gives average mileage of 50 Kmpl in average conditions.

The newly designed fuel tank scoops increase the airflow through the engine cylinder’s fins which decrease the engine temperature of the by 10 degrees.

Transmission: The RTR has a 5-speed, Manual super-smooth gearbox with a wet, multi-plate clutch. The RTR is a chain-driven bike.

Head Lamp and Other Electronics: The Apache RTR Hyper edge’s headlamp features an AC Halogen HS1 35/35W Clear lens unit with multi-face reflection (MFR). The Tail lamp is a 0.5W LED-Twin Triangle which is the signature of the RTR series.

It features clear lens filament bulb fitted turn signals. The bike comes with a maintenance-free 12V, 9.0Ah battery.  The whole system of the bike is a standard 12V system.

Wheels: The Apache RTR 160 HyperEdge uses 1.85×17 in the front and 2.15 x 17 in the rear 6-spoke Mag Alloy wheels. Tires used are 90/90 x 17” tubeless tire in the front and 110/80 x 17” tubeless tire at the rear.  Both offer a decent grip.

Brakes: The bike uses a 270mm Petal disk with a two-piston caliper at the front and a 130mm drum or optional 200mm petal disc with a single-piston caliper at the rear. The breaks of the bike are very responsive.

Comfort and Handling: In terms of comfort, the Apache RTR 160 Hyper edge does just fine. The bike has telescopic 105mm forks up front and 5-step adjustable MIG shocks at the rear which is at the stiffer side. TVS used a lightweight Double cradle Synchro STIFF Chassis for this bike which is developed by the TVS racing team.

The bike is designed purely for performance and to look good. The 1300mm wheelbase, short clip-on handlebars, and 137 Kg kerb weight give it the flexibility to maneuver easily through the city traffic. The ground clearance is 165mm which is fine for Bangladeshi roads.

The vibration can be felt in the new model in the low rev range. As the bike goes past 4000 RPM and gives the rider a punch of acceleration. The bike is very agile as it was designed. The seat offers a great space for both rider and pillion.

Conclusion: The TVS APACHE RTR 160 Hyper edge is all over a beautiful looking Streetfighter. The price to performance is also very impressive. But judging by the components setup of this bike, it is clearly for experienced and mature riders who know how to handle the speed of the bike. An amateur with a bad judgment can cause serious damage to him or herself or to others.