STYLING
Looks can be deceptive and nowhere is this more in evidence than in the third-generation Apache. In terms of styling, the bike is not much different from its predecessor, the RTR 160. But the moment you stride across the seat, you find the subtle variations that TVS has put in its new-generation machine. Turn on the ignition and the blue backlit digital speedometer flicks to life. Soothing to the eye, the blue light is a good break from the red and orange backlit console one comes across in similar capacity bikes. The console has a Race Lap Timer to log the last three top speeds clocked on the machine and the last three 0-60 kmph timings. The analog tachometer comes with a low battery indicator, a fuel warning light and a service reminder.

Another addition is the ECU indicator, which gets activated if the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system is not working properly.
The Apache RTR 160 FI comes with retractive tank scoops with racing graphics, an open chain case and black alloy wheels with red circling on the perimeter of the rims to give it a racy cue. The leaf-shaped indicators, asymmetric rear-view mirrors, split-type handle bars, split grab-rails and LED taillights add to the overall appeal of the bike. The front foot-peg position is also dragged backwards, as in the RTR 160, to provide a sporty riding posture, in sync with the racy character of the bike. The first Apaches had a commuter bike-like forward foot-peg position.

Engine and transmission
The bike is powered by a 160 cc four-stroke engine, the same as in the RTR 160. The short stroke engine (in layman’s terms, the bore is wider compared to its depth), allows a larger combustion area in the cylinder and makes it an extremely racy engine. But the disadvantage is that at higher rpm, one has to rev the bike really hard to get the thrust.
The EFI system, however provides a better pick-up over the carburetted RTR160. Five sensors provide input to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU)—which is basically the brain of the EFI—to regulate the flow of fuel into the engine depending on the throttle position. RTR stands for Racing Throttle Response and the company claims their new bike has the highest power-to-weight ratio in its class.
The five-speed toe-shift gear is in the traditional racing style, first down and the rest up. The toe-shift is very smooth and pick-up is excellent in the 3rd and 4th gear. In tests, the bike easily notched up to speeds of 90kmph within a few seconds. Even with a pillion rider, the bike easily ran at speeds of over 110kmph during tests. But pick-up beyond 100kmph in fifth gear is a bit slow.

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