As Autocar India first announced in Nov 2011, the Hosur-based TVS Motor company is about to launch its new Apache RTR sportsbike. The Apache RTR has always been a popular choice of sportsbike for Indian enthusiasts, and with good reason. Born from the solid foundation of TVS’s racing heritage, the affordable RTR’s, 160 and the flagship 180 represent the best of both worlds, engineered to be relaxed enough to ride daily in crowded Indian traffic, while still providing riders all the thrills of exciting performance and sharp-edged, sportsbike handling. The RTR 180 remains one of the few Indian motorcycles that come equipped with ABS.
The Apache RTR’s are easily the best looking TVS motorcycles, and this is about to be taken to the next level. Expect the upcoming RTR to sport more contemporary, revised styling, with a new headlight fairing and new decals, while retaining all its sought after value-for-money features including heady performance, with good handling and adequate comfort. The new RTR is set to enter TVS showrooms around the country shortly, but don’t expect much more than is already offered in terms of engine capacity, performance or handling.