Find out whether the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V ABS variant offers more value for money when we compare it with its rivals
TVS have recently introduced the Apache RTR 160 4V ABS variant in India. The ABS safety feature is available only with the FI variant as of now but we can assure you that the Chennai based two-wheeler manufacturer will also introduce ABS on the carbureted variant of the Apache as well before the April 2019 deadline. TVS have not made any official announcement about the prices yet but the bookings for the ABS variant has already commenced in many TVS dealerships across India.
That said, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V FI ABS variant will rival directly against the likes of the Honda Hornet 160R and the recently introduced Hero Xtreme 200R. In this article, we will compare the three motorcycles on the basis of their styling, engine comparison, brakes and suspension, and price.
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V ABS Vs Honda Hornet 160R ABS VS Hero XTreme 200R ABS – Design
TVS launched the Apache RTR 160 4v last year in India and it was offered in three variants. The base variant is a carburetted front disc unit, the mid variant is also carbureted but gets a disc brake for both its front and rear wheel while the top variant is a fuel injected unit which also gets a disc brake on both wheels and now also features a single channel ABS system for the safety of the rider. According to TVS, the new Apache RTR 160 4V takes its inspiration from the 35 years of TVS racing experience.
The front profile features a sharp headlamp with LED daytime running lamp, the motorcycle also ditches its old part digital part analog instrument cluster for a fully digital unit. The motorcycle also gets a new double barrel type exhaust muffler. Inspired from the bigger Apache 200. It even ditches the twin shocks at the rear for a monoshock unit.
Honda has also updated the Hornet 160R last year. Honda has decided to ditch the old halogen headlamp unit of the motorcycle in favour of LED unit which promises to offer better illumination. The updated motorcycle also received some cosmetic updates as well in the form of some new stickers. Unfortunately, there are no other changes made to the motorcycle though.
The Hero Xtreme 200R, on the other hand, is a completely new motorcycle from Hero which was launched last year. The motorcycle, however, carries forward the styling of the Xtreme and looks a bit dated compared to its rival here. Fortunately, the thicker telescopic front forks and the new graphics help in adding a muscular appearance to the motorcycle.
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V ABS Vs Honda Hornet 160R ABS VS Hero XTreme 200R ABS – Engine and Performance
TVS have not made any changes to the engine and thus it is still powered by the same 159 cc SI, 4 stroke, oil cooled engine which produces about 16 bhp of peak power and 14.8 Nm of torque for the EFI variant. The engine is paired to a 5-speed gearbox which transfers all that power to the rear wheel. The TVS Apache RTR 160 has a company claimed a top speed of 113 km/h mark.
The Honda Hornet 160R, on the other hand, is powered by a 162.7 cc air-cooled, single cylinder unit which produces about 15.04 Hp of peak power and 14.76 Nm of peak torque. The engine is also paired with a 5-speed gearbox as well. The Hornet can reach a company claimed a top speed of 110 km/h mark.
The Xtreme 200R, on the other hand, is the most powerful motorcycle amongst the trio and also has a bigger displacement engine as well. The newly launched Hero Xtreme 200R is powered by a 200cc, air-cooled, single cylinder unit which produces about 18.4PS of peak power and 17.1Nm of peak torque. The engine is paired to a 5-speed gearbox. Hero claims that the motorcycle can accelerate from 0-60 kmph mark in 4.6 seconds and has a top speed of 114 km/h mark.
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V ABS Vs Honda Hornet 160R ABS VS Hero XTreme 200R ABS – Brakes and suspension
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V uses a 270 mm disc towards the front and a 130 mm drum brakes at the rear but it also does get an optional 200 mm disc brake as well. The CB Hornet 160R, on the other hand, gets a 276 mm front disc and a 220 mm single disc at the rear. The Hero Xtreme 200R, on the other hand, has been fitted with a 276 mm disc towards the front and a 220 mm disc at the rear.
All the three motorcycles feature a single channel ABS system for the safety of the rider that works only on the front wheel. The Hornet CB-160R and the Apache RTR 160 4V and the Hero XTreme 20R uses almost the same suspension setup. All the three motorcycles relies on telescopic suspension setup at the front and a monoshock setup at the rear.
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V ABS Vs Honda Hornet 160R ABS VS Hero XTreme 200R ABS – Price
The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V FI ABS equipped variant is priced at Rs 98,644 (ex-showroom). The Honda CB-Hornet 160R ABS variant is priced at Rs 91,443 (ex-showroom). The Hero Xtreme 200R is priced at Rs 89,990 (ex-showroom). The reason why we have added a 200cc motorcycle in this comparison review is mainly for its price. The Hero Xtreme 200R is the cheapest 200cc motorcycle you can buy in India at this moment.
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V ABS Vs Honda Hornet 160R ABS VS Hero XTreme 200R ABS – Verdict Comparison
The TVS Apache surely looks inspired from the Apache RTR 200 4V and if we compare it with the other two motorcycles then there is no doubt that the motorcycle is an attention magnet. Compared to the Apache RTR 160 4V, the Honda CB Hornet 160R looks a little subtle. Lastly the Xtreme200R like we already mentioned above looks a little dated compared to the other two.
If we compare these motorcycles in terms of their engine and performance the Apache RTR 160 4V is obviously powerful and also has an impressive top speed but the Xtreme 200R with its slightly bigger displacement engine stays on top of the list. All these motorcycles get a single channel ABS safety feature which definitely comes in handy during panic braking situations.
For those who are running on a tight budget and want a carburetted engine can obviously get their hands on the CB Hornet 160R. The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V ABS variant is available only with the fuel injected variant as of now but if you want to get your hands on the carburetted ABS variant you will have to wait till April 2019.
The Hero Xtreme 200R, on the other hand, is a slightly more powerful motorcycle than the other two and if you have the budget then this is definitely the most affordable 200cc motorcycle available in India at this moment.