Before you begin reading the comparison, you should know that both bikes are related but have loads of differences. It is a newer iteration, as it’s the fourth version of the TVS Apache RTR 160 that made its debut in 2022. Further, the RTR 160 from the Apache series has proven to be among the bestselling TVS bikes in the country. There are, of course, mechanical, feature, and cosmetic differences between the two. That being said, autoX brings you a detailed comparison of the Apache RTR 160 and the Apache RTR 160 4V so that you can easily purchase your next 160cc Apache bike. So, let’s see how these bikes stack up against each other.
Let’s begin!
Specifications Comparison
For your reference, the fourth version (4V) of the TVS Apache RTR 160 pumps more power and torque than the older version. Also, you may not know this, but the Apache RTR 160 4V is the most powerful 160cc bike in the business. The fourth iteration of the RTR 160 has a single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine of 159.7cc, which churns out 17.31 bhp at 9,250 rpm and 14.73 bhp at 7250 rpm.
On the contrary, the previous version, the Apache RTR 160, has a lower state of tune than its fourth version. Both bikes have the same engine displacement of 159.7cc, but the RTR 160 releases 15.31 bhp at 8,400 rpm and 13.9 Nm at 7,000 rpm.
And, unlike the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, the RTR 160 has a conventional air-cooled system. Keeping the Apache RTR 160 price in mind, it doesn’t have a bad performance.
Further, both bikes send their power to their rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. In addition, their transmission mechanism includes a wet multiplate clutch, making the gearshifts buttery smooth. Perhaps all new-age motorcycles now have wet multiplate clutches, reducing wear and tear. That makes it way better than the conventional dry multiplate clutch.
About the engine
Apart from that, the BS6 engines of two-wheelers are cleaner and more fuel-efficient than the BS4 engines. The central government directed motorcycle manufacturers to use fuel injection technology in BS6 engines to reduce emissions. However, both bikes deliver roughly the same mileage in real-world conditions. As per the owners’ reported figures, the average mileage returned by these two bikes ranges between 44 and 47 km/l. But it is worth mentioning that the local traffic conditions and individuals’ riding styles may affect the mileage (more or less).
Keeping performance aside, you should also know about their suspension setups. Let’s start with the older iteration, the TVS Apache RTR 160. It boasts a better suspension setup than the 4V, with front telescopic forks with hydraulic dampers and rear monotube inverted gas-filled shock absorbers with spring assistance.
On the other hand, the RTR 160 4V has more performance-oriented suspension tuning. It gets a Showa race-tuned front monoshock paired with rear telescopic forks. That said, the 4V may offer a stiffer ride, making it better suited for sharp cornering and better stability than the comfort-oriented Apache RTR 160. The latter will absorb the bumps from the potholes better than the former. However, you can still make long journeys with peace of mind with these two bikes. All in all, the suspension setup of the two is standard across their variants, while the brake arrangement is not.
Features Comparison
The base models of these two siblings come with a single disc, unlike their higher variants. Now, let’s jump to the features.
For starters, both bikes have more or less the same features. Please note that the listed offerings are their top models. The RTR 160 4V has a fully digital instrument cluster, unlike the RTR 160’s semi-digital instrument cluster. Only the tachometer (of RPM) is analogue on the RTR 160, while the rest of the readings are all digital. The display has a low fuel indicator, a low engine oil indicator, a low battery indicator, and a digital fuel gauge. Further, the Apache RTR 160 misses out on the gear shift light, unlike the RTR 160 4V.
In addition, it is also worth mentioning that the recently launched Special Edition of the RTR 160 4V boasts adjustable clutch and brake levers, along with TVS’ Glide Through Technology (GTT). These three are undoubtedly handy features.
Engine & Transmission
The GTT feature comes in handy in slow-moving traffic without constantly changing gears. The configuration of GTT also varies with ride modes. For instance, if the bike is in Sport Mode, then the GTT will work only on the first and second gears. However, the Urban and Rain modes make the GTT work on all gearshifts. That said, both bikes have riding modes. Unlike the Sport mode, the Urban and Rain modes have low power and torque, making the bike run at low revs. When you run the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V in Rain and Urban ride modes, it will produce only 15.43 bhp at 8600 rpm and 14.14 Nm of torque at 7250 rpm.
Furthermore, the top models of these two bikes also have built-in Bluetooth features, which translate to mobile app connectivity. The TVS-built app lets the owner access the status of their TVS two-wheeler. It can show the last parked location, live location, live speed, engine oil level, fuel level, and battery life, to name a few. Aside from that, the top-range variants of these two bikes offer LED lights at the front and rear. Both boast DRLs and have automatic headlights as well.
However, these two homegrown 160cc bikes don’t offer a USB charging port. Given their prices, one of them should have had that feature. You can check the list of features and specs of these two bikes or any other vehicle and compare them on the autoX website.
Prices and Variants
For your information, the price difference between these two bikes is approximately Rs 7,000. The Apache RTR 160 has three variants with a starting ex-showroom price of Rs 1.17 lakh for the base model, Drum, which goes up to Rs 1.24 lakh for the top model, Disc Bluetooth.
On the other hand, TVS sells the RTR 160 4V in four variants. The Apache RTR 160 4V’s price starts at Rs 1.21 lakh for the base model, Single Disc ABS, and goes up to Rs 1.30 lakh for the top model, Special Edition. All prices are ex-showroom, New Delhi, as of January 2023. Please note that these prices are subject to change without prior notice to the customer. However, you can always access your dream vehicle’s latest location-based price list on the autoX website.