TVS APACHE RTR REVIEW

The new 150 from TVS is… the Apache RTR160! One of the most impressive motorcycles I have ever stood next to is the Aprilia RS125, a learner-legal bottom of the barrel motorcycle. Admittedly the barrel is Italian, but still. What impressed me, performance aside, was the styling. Every little nook and cranny has been designed, and not just in terms of shapes. The RS125 is a lovely thing to run your finger along.There are textures, colours and decals… the RS didn’t get dismissed as a tiny bike for newbies. Why am I going on and on about this? Because when they first unwrapped the new TVS Apache RTR 160, I was busy taking in all the details. The designers have crafted all of the ignored, functional bits into consciously designed articles. It’s no Aprilia RS125, granted, but I can’t think of any Indian bike that comes closer. The unchanged tank and tail piece will come in a superb yellow, red, matte grey, silver and black. Notice the new, nifty engine cowl. A neat racing stripe runs all the way from the top of the tail lamp to the tip of the front fender and also appears on the tacho. Everything - levers, pedals, grips, bar-end dampers, lights, dash - has received conscious design upgrades. The effect is one of effortless style. The Apache still looks compact and focussed, and now it has pizzaz. There will even be wheel pinstriping.