Over 30 per cent of the 160 cc motorcycles that TVS sells today, are units of the 160 2V. So yes, it is still sought after in a country like India, where there is always space for one more motorcycle in the 150-160 cc segment.
Also Read: 2023 TVS Apache RTR 160 2V Review
There are quite a few updates on the motorcycle. New colour schemes, new LED headlight and the taillight is new too.
The instrumentation console is now the same as the one on its sibling, the RTR 160 4V. It is fully digital and gets TVS’ SmartXonnect system. There are three riding modes on offer too - Rain, Urban and Sport.
Now, the Apache RTR 160 2V, or just the Apache 160 was always a fun motorcycle to ride and this one feels no different. Yes, I prefer keeping the motorcycle in the sport mode. It just feels much more responsive and engaging to ride. The peaky nature of the engine means that you keep the motorcycle on the boil and keep the power coming. The performance on the top end sort of tapers down but the midrange is really strong.
The RTR 160 2V continues to get a 159.7 cc single-cylinder engine, which is air-cooled. But power and torque output vary, depending on the riding mode you choose. There are three on offer – Rain, Urban and Sport. The rain and urban mode offer 13.14 bhp at a lower 8,000 rpm, which goes up to 15.82 bhp in the Sport mode. The story is the same for the torque output as well. The top speed too is reduced by 10 kmph in the rain and urban mode at 97 kmph.
The engine does show its age, with vibes setting in after 80 kmph and staying well beyond 100 kmph and it isn’t the most tractable in the segment either.
The ergonomics of the motorcycle aren’t the best though. For heavy-set riders like me, and tall riders, the 160 2V will feel cramped. The rider triangle is sporty and forward-set, so that may not be to the liking of few people too.
The prices of the TVS Apache RTR 160 2V range from Rs. 1.19 lakh to Rs. 1.28 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi. Now, the bike sits squarely in the price bracket of the Bajaj Pulsar P150 and the Apache RTR 160 4V, which is perhaps the best buy in the 160 cc range and the top-spec model is barely Rs. 4,000 more than the top-spec model of the 2V.
The Apache RTR 160 2V is a nice motorcycle. It has a lot going for itself and it wouldn’t be a bad option. But there’s no denying the fact that there are better options present in the same price bracket.
