The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V has been a crowd favorite for a long time, and for good reasons. This is one of the best riding motorcycles in its segment, and the design has won the hearts of many. Well, the BS-VI version of the motorcycle claims to have gotten even better. It now gets a revised design as well as a few mechanical additions in its latest BS6 avatar.

However, the BS6 update comes with a price hike of Rs 31,000 over the BS4 variant. As always, it all boils down to the question of what the price increase brings to the table and if it is justified. Let’s find out.

What’s new?

The first update is the addition of TVS’ SmartXonnect Bluetooth connectivity system. The SmartXonnect system which is paired with an exclusive TVS Connect mobile app is available on both Android and iOS platforms. This enables riders to connect their smartphones via Bluetooth and access a plethora of features.

The fully-digital speedo-cum-tacho now adds a gear shift indicator and ride modes. Furthermore, the instrument console is now backlit in white instead of orange. Similarly, the next significant addition to the bike is the first-in-segment three ride modes – Urban, Rain and Sport, also seen on the RTR 200 4V. More on this later.

This iteration of the RTR 160 4V also features a new headlamp assembly unit. The bike gets an all-new LED headlamp with a DRL at the centre. Not only does the new LED headlight lends the bike an imposing stance, but it also illuminates quite well. Except for the new headlight design, the styling of the rest of the bike has remained largely unchanged.

The new BS-VI motor…

The RTR 160 4V still has the same 159.77cc engine but it is now BS-VI compliant. The BS-VI variant delivers a power of 17.55 PS at 9250 RPM compared to the 17.63 PS of the BS4 variant. Similarly, the torque has also decreased to 14.73 Nm at 7250 RPM. Although the new norms have decreased the power and torque figures, the RTR 160 4V is still the most powerful bike in its segment. Luckily, the slight decrease in the power figures doesn’t really change the peppy nature of the machine.

On to the ride modes. The Sport mode unleashes the full power and torque output while the Urban and Rain mode reels in the power and torque output. In the Sport mode, the bike delivers 17.55 PS  at 9250 rpm, while in the Rain and Urban mode, power is down to 15.64 PS at 8600 rpm. Similarly, peak torque is down from 14.73 Nm to 14.14 Nm at 7250 rpm.

The ride modes also affect the ABS intervention with the Rain mode receiving the maximum ABS intervention, while the Sport mode has the least. The urban mode, on the other hand, is mapped for a quick response. The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V has always been an eager performer, particularly due to the peppy acceleration and the likeable low and mid-range performance. It has always offered everything you would want from a sporty commuter, and this new variant continues to do that. On top of that, the BS-VI upgrade comes with a Race Tuned Fuel injection (RT-Fi) system which, according to TVS, allows for enhanced power delivery and better throttle response.

And we agree. Compared to the previous iteration, the throttle response is much smoother now. Thanks to the responsive engine, the new RTR 160 4V feels quite easy to ride in traffic and the rev-happy engine works seamlessly with the five-speed gearbox.

Thanks to the brilliant feedback provided by the synchronized stiff chassis, the RTR 160 4V feels at home at corners. The bike feels planted in a straight line and is eager to take on the turns. Although the suspension setup falls on the softer side of the spectrum, it doesn’t hamper the overall riding experience. The suspension setup absorbs the road undulations and potholes well.

When it comes to braking performance, the stoppage duties are taken care of by 270mm front and 240mm rear petal disc brake with a single-channel ABS. The braking does seem up to the mark. However, the availability of a dual-channel ABS would have made the braking performance even better.

Verdict

Now, to address the elephant in the room. With the BS6 update, the price has gone up by Rs 31,000 over the BS4 variant. But, is the asking price justified?

Undoubtedly, at Rs 3.83 Lakh, the BS6 Apache RTR 160 4V has become an expensive proposition. When you come to think of it, from the perspective of someone looking to upgrade from a 125cc or someone seeking a sporty motorcycle for their everyday commute, the premium that it demands over the BS4 model doesn’t seem that encouraging. However, the introduction of BS6-compliant machines will result in the pricing of a similar tune from rivals too.

Case in point, the RTR 160’s nearest rival, the Pulsar N160, is priced at Rs 3.79 Lakh, which is Rs 4,000 cheaper than the Apache. The Pulsar N160 gets dual-channel ABS as standard, unlike the RTR 160 which only gets single-channel ABS.

Even so, the Apache RTR 160 4V still makes for a pretty good deal, given the bike’s performance and riding dynamics. Still, you do get more for the extra money you pay. The BS-VI RTR 160 4V is the most feature-equipped motorcycle in its segment. You get an updated motor as well as new features in the form of first-in-segment ride modes and much more.

So, the fact of the matter is, the RTR 160 BS-VI is newer and better. No one would blame you for wanting to release a few extra elephants from your money purse to get your hands on this machine.

The BS6 TVS Apache RTR 1604V is priced at Rs 3,83,900 in the Nepalese market.