TVS launches India's most powerful 160cc bike at Rs 145,000

TVS Motor Co has launched its Apache RTR 165 RP at Rs 145,000 (ex-showroom, India), its first product rollout under the ‘Race Performance; sub-brand and limited to just 200 units.

The highlight of the new TVS Apache RTR 165 RP is the heavily reworked engine. The sporty Apache is powered by a 164.9cc, four-valve, single-cylinder engine that develops 19.2hp at 10,000rpm and 14.2Nm of torque at 8,750rpm. In comparison, sibling RTR 160 4V generates 17.5hp at 9,250rpm and 14.73Nm at 7,250rpm. The power figure of the RTR 165 RP is much higher than any other 160cc motorcycle on sale in India. 

According to the bikemaker, the 165 RP features “15 percent bigger valves controlled by Hi-Lift Hi-Duration cams and dual spring actuators for racier engine performance”. Other changes come in the form of “a revised bore stroke ratio of 1.37 that allows free-revving up to the redline” and “a new dome piston for a higher compression ratio.”

The bike also gets a slipper clutch, adjustable brake and clutch levers. It continues to use the five-speed gearbox. Other mechanical components like the frame and brakes appear to be identical to the RTR 160 4V. TVS has said the suspension has been re-tuned for this bike. However, it misses out on the adjustable suspension the RTR 200 4V comes with  and at 148kg, weighs 2kg more than the rear disc brake-equipped RTR 160 4V.

While the design is the same as the RTR 160 4V, it does feature a unique colour scheme and seat cover.

At Rs 145,000, the TVS Apache RTR 165 RP costs significantly more than the top-spec version of the Apache RTR 160 4V (Rs 121,000) and more than the top-spec version of its more powerful sibling, the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V (Rs 139,000).

Between April and November, the sporty Apache series of motorcycles has sold a total of 232,295 units, up 13% YoY. And another 118,615 have been exported, a YoY increase of 130%. Expect the newest avatar of the Apache, in limited edition form, to be snapped up very fast.