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Mar 1, 2011

69 TVS Apache RTR 160 HyperEdge Review

How different is the Apache RTR 160 HyperEdge..?? I try to find out

The Apache RTR 160 had impressed me a lot when it was launched in 2007. Even till date it remains my favorite 150-160 cc motorcycle. The short stroke, over square engine of the RTR 160 is a joy to exploit. Coupled with a good power to weight ratio (thanks to the 136 Kg light weight body) this is actually the original “LightSports” bike of India.

Launched in 2007 in the "RTR" avatar, it received the first upgrade (when it got the tank flaps and the half chain cover) in 2008, the Apache RTR 160 was due for an upgrade in 2010. So there, we have the Apache RTR 160 in its “HyperEdge” avatar now.

So what’s new?

For starters the name is quite a mouthful: “TVS Apache RTR 160 HyperEdge”. Phew..!!

On asking the showroom manager (not the sales man, but the manager) "What’s new on this model?" he told me: “It’s the same old model, just with new stickers”. Well.. that's probably not the most convincing way to sell a newly launched product.


Looks: "Basically a refreshed model"

TVS have been trying to promote/position the Apache RTR as a race/track bike, but in terms of looks/styling the Apache RTR comes across as just a regular street bike. Apache lovers don’t get furious on me, but after the Yamaha R15 no other bike can be called as a race/track bike from the styling point of view (and no definitely not the Karizma ZMR either).

The older Apache RTR 160 was a likeable compact package. The HyperEdge treatment still retains the older form but brings in a slight freshness by putting..


    1. Stripes on tank and the front fender and over the tank flap which have a new design

    2. Removable rear fender (like on the Apache RTR 180)

    3. HyperEdge branding on the tank scoop/flap

    4. RTR branding on the Belly Pan

Ergonomics, Riding Stance: "Definitely Sporty"

With the rear set foot pegs and low positioned clip on handlebars, the riding stance is definitely sporty. Again it’s exactly like it was on the older Apache RTR 160.

Guys with a bad back might not find the sporty riding posture too comfortable but it will certainly delight the ones who like a sporty riding stance. Tall guys might find the Apache RTR 160 a bit too compact but for someone on the shorter side, it is a comfortable fit.


Handling "Racing DNA unleashed"

TVS Motor is the only 2 wheeler maker of India which has a factory racing team (that participates in national level racing competitions). The learnings of from the race track seems to have found its way on to the Apache RTR 160. And it actually shows by the way the bike handles.

According to me, the older Apache RTR 160 had the best handling among Indian bikes (discounting the Yamaha R15 of course). The rear suspension of the earlier Apache RTR 160 was a bit on the firmer side. I can’t tell for sure but the suspension this time felt a little bit supple and the handling also felt to have very slightly lost its sharpness. But then since the test ride duration was very brief, I can’t exactly be sure about it. Also maybe it’s because back in 2007, I had not yet ridden the Yamaha R15 & the Kawasaki Ninja 250R.

At slow speeds, the handling of the Kawasaki Ninja 250R and even the Yamaha R15 gives you the feel of a riding a mature bike, i.e it feels steady and somewhat handful in our traffic conditions. Whereas the Apache RTR 160 feels like a restless teenager in comparison; agile and easy to maneuver even in tight traffic.


Engine & Gearbox: "Engine is a punchy gem"

The gearbox although did not miss any gears but in terms of shift quality it still not in the same league as that on the bikes from Yamaha/Honda/Suzuki.

In terms of engine performance, the engine still felt like the same old punchy Apache RTR 160. The bike leaps forward with the twist of the right wrist. The transmission feels a bit slightly short geared, making you shift up quickly. It could also be because of the engine vibrations which makes you want to shift to a higher gear to escape the vibrations.

Even on the earlier Apache RTR 160, the Achilles heel used to be its engine vibrations. I was expecting the new bike to be smoother but the Apache RTR 160 HyperEdge doesn’t feel much different than the earlier one. The engine vibrations which makes it presence felt from around 4500 rpm onwards do spoil the fun for those looking for a smooth, vibe free ride.

The engine is without doubt a punchy unit which feels strong and well built, even when given the stick. Personally, I can live with the vibrations as long as the engine feels great. Speeds of 80-90 kmph were easily displayed on its Digital Speedometer and I am sure that the Speedo indicated top speed can reach 110-115 kmph without much of a fuss.

Fuel Efficiency: "Easy to live with"

The TVS showroom manager said that the Apache RTR 160 HyperEdge would return a fuel efficiency figure of around 45-50 Kmpl. I would tend to believe that claim as I have had friends who have owned the Apache RTR 160 and even they quote similar fuel efficiency figures.



Verdict: "Same good old Apache RTR 160"

I am not sure if TVS have done any significant internal changes on the new bike. In terms of the way it feels and rides, the new Apache RTR 160 HyperEdge doesn’t feel too different from the older one. The new design stripes do freshen up the familiar looks of the Apache RTR 160. But apart from that, the bike still feels virtually the same as the earlier model.

Probably TVS could have gone ahead and provided Tubeless Tyres and DC Lighting on this new version. But seriously such a long name.. TVS Apache RTR 160 HyperEdge..!!



TVS Apache RTR 160 Hyper Edge Specifications

ENGINE

Engine: 159.7 cc, 4 Stroke, Single Cylinder, Air cooled
Valves: 2 valves per cylinder, SOHC
Bore x Stroke: 62 mm x 52.9 mm
Maximum Power: 15.2 Bhp @ 8500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 13.1 Nm @ 6000 rpm

Carburettor: Mikuni BS-26
Clutch: Wet, Multi Plate
Gears: 5 Speed (1 Down, 4 Up shift pattern)
Starting: Self Start

CHASSIS

Chassis Type: Twin downtube, double Cradle
Suspension(Front): Telescopic Forks
Suspension(Rear): Monotube Inverted Gas Filled Shocks
Brakes (Front): 270mm Disc
Brakes(Rear): 130mm Drum
Tyre (Front): 90/90 x 17
Tyre (Rear): 100/80 x 18

DIMENSIONS

Length: 2020.00 mm
Width: 730.00 mm
Height: 1050.00 mm
Ground Clearance: 180.00 mm
Wheelbase: 1300.00 mm

Kerb Weight: 136.00 kg
Fuel Tank: 16.00 ltrs
Reserve: 2.5 lts

Price: Rs. 69,000 On road Pune (Approx.)






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Disclaimer:

This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.






69 Comments:

Anonymous said...

does she still come with rear disk brake option itz nt seem to have mentioned in da article though n also derz also a slight change in da exhast heat shield design itz a bit short and bit more sharp now...anyway nice review bro...

Anil Anupam Mohanty said...

TVS seems to be have stuck with the RTR series, the hyperedge is hardly a change that apache 160 actually deserved. No doubt RTR is an extremely fun to drive machine but rough edges are still there. I rode new apache and had it not been the stickers , its hard to distinguish from the older version inspite of the'better mid range' claims.
Atleast they can work on its refinement , be it with engine or gearbox.
Personally I feel it is wiser to opt for the bigger 180 version which feels lot more powerful and 160 was never known for its economy either !

As far as handling is concerned, honestly the game has moved on.
FZ,Fazer and dazzler(infact the original unicorn too) anyday feel more surefooted than apache.
Yes, it has got aggresive stance and short wheelbase which makes it feel agile but high speed manners are not the best in business.

Anonymous said...

REVIEW OF RTR 180.....PLS PLS.....!

Payeng said...

@Anon, slightly different heat shield design? Could be but does it really make much of a difference.

I haven't inquired about the availability of a "Rear Disc" variant, which used to be available earlier as an option.. do you have any info?

Yes, yes.. will try to take the RTR 180 for a spin as soon as possible. How I wish TVS could have provided me one to test comprehensively. :-)

@Anil,

Yep, TVS could have done better

Dart said...

Hey Payeng, has the kick lever been removed in this version?

abhishek denzil said...

Nice review.

Payeng said...

@Dart,

no bro, the kick lever is very much there.


@Abhishek,

thanks

Anonymous said...

which is the best overall package apache rtr 180 pulsar 180 or yamaha fazer/FZ16.....built quality do matter

subby said...

built quality of the FZ is slightly better than the Pulsar 180 and the TVS Apache RTR 180.

but on engine performance the FZ loses out to both the RTR 180 and Pulsar 180 in high speed. the FZ is good for city use but not that great at open roads and at high speeds

even in fuel efficiency the RTR 180 and Pulsar 180 is better than the FZ which despite being a 150 cc engine returns mostly only 32-35 kmpl

So if BEST OVERALL PACKAGE is considered it is left to the individual who is buying to weigh what matters to him most: built quality, fuel efficiency, engine performance

Anonymous said...

thnx subby ...if you were to choose between rtr and pulsar both 180 which you go for

subby said...

I am a 6 ft guy so the RTR is out of my consideration. its a good bike but not comfortable for me

Anonymous said...

Please tell me which engine oil should be best suitable 4 my dazzler 2 get best performance and smoothness.currently i use the oil that is default 4 all honda bikes

Anonymous said...

I am planning to RTR 160 but i have heard from some of my friends that the riding position is awkward and leads to a backpain in city traffic. Is it true???? do reply.

Payeng said...

@anon above,

I wouldn't call the riding position awkward, but its more of sporty/forward leaning position.

Check it out yourself and see if you are comfortable on it

Sam said...

Nice review and good photographs

Unknown said...

hai evry one i have got a apache rtr 160 hyper edge on feb 9th .. n til now it has ran 2000 kms got serviced for 550 kms .. but beleieve it r not it has got better mileage compared to old apache its around 65kmpl .... if maintened in below 45 to 50 speeds ..

pls grab it till its there ..

Payeng said...

@irfan

65 Kmpl from a 160 cc bike..?? Difficult to digest, even if the riding speeds is between 45-50 kmpl.

"pls grab it till its there": You sound as if it is a limited period offer :-)

gyanu limbu said...

I bought an Apache 160 hyperedge on 23rd March and its still in its running in period...

The few things which made me change my loyalty from Yamaha were...
1. Smooth pick up.( i test drove my friend's bikes.)

2. Good power while driving in the hills.

3. Handling is nice.

4. Looks coupled with 15.2 BHP and mileage of 45-55 is great!!

However i have few queries..

1. There is slight vibration in the handle when you cross 55 km/hr as if your mobile is on vibration mode...is it for all the bikes or is it because its in running period.

2. Th 5th gear appears like a 4th gear ...

3. The noise of the engine is noticebale.

Anonymous said...

I think tvs really needs to upgrade the engine coz drive this bike @60kmph
and ur hands will go mumb,but after 66kmph in 5th gear it stops.
i personally think that tvs really needs to work on refinement of the engine.

Shri said...

Recently i have purchased Apache Rrtr 160 hyperedge.
It is awesome bike.
It is very fuel efficient, delivers milage around 60 KMPL in city.
It is much better than Pulsar and Hunk.
I am a satisfied customer.

Anonymous said...

are u joking Shri its not 100CC bike! go n check it 1ce

Anonymous said...

i bought rtr 160 hyperedge wid rear discs on 14th november,last year.m getting a milage of around 47-57 kmpl.its handling is osum which makes d cornering much easier dan other bikes.breaks r damn gud.it shows its true power on high speed.u can easily cross 100kmph.i recorded max speed of 115kmph on my apache.only problem i found is d vibrations.in d period of 50-65,it suffers vibrations.bt still i love it:-)

Harsha Joshi said...

hi everyone i am looking forward to buy RTR160 HYPEREDGE.. AM PRETTY CONFUSED WHETHER TO GO FOR IT O NOT. is anyone sure of its efficency in banglore?

Anonymous said...

can i chng d rear tyre of my 160 hyperedge wid rtr 180s tubeless??
wil it effect bike's performance???
wat wil b d total cost??
hlp pls.........

Anonymous said...

Hiii...can any1 tell me if hyper edge comes with rear disc option nd also the price in kanpur..thnx!!

Anonymous said...

I heard that ther is a vibration while attaining speed abov 60kmph
could U make specific of that?????????

azel blaze said...

ah guys i am also going to buy a bike apache rtr 160 its good aaaa reply me guys

Payeng said...

@Azel

go ahead and get your RTR 160, its a good bike

Anonymous said...

can anyone help me out, i'm in a dilemma whether to buy rtr 180 or 160!! By considering mileage factor for the future and stylish looks for the present.. Do i get mileage of atleast 34-36 on rtr 180??

Ruchir said...

Hiiii guys the bike is very powerful and good handling is it`s + point. If you will buy this bike you will feel nobody can compete with you in any thing. The bike gives vibration on ataining the speed above 60 but after 70 you feel the smooth ride and the real power of the bike. 100-120 is very easy to attain on this bike . the braking and balance is outstanding.
I LOVE APACHE RTR 160!!!!!!
THIS IS THE BEST VALUE FOR A SPOTY BIKE

Anonymous said...

Hi RTR guys,

I am looking out for a best engile oil..could u suggest me pls..

ganu said...

HI iam an owner of an apache hyper edge ..... According to me the bike is awesome .... It is the best in this range...best looks , mileage ,sporty riding position ,the sound of ignition are awesome....its the best choice when someone is looking for a 150-160cc bike....

dev said...

hiiii guys iam going 2 buy apache rtr 160 but iam little confused ....

Payeng said...

What's the confusion Dev, go for it if you like it

Anonymous said...

i got apache rtr 160,its really fastest and beated pulsar 150 easily in a highway.

raman said...

can any body say which is best pulsar 150 or apache 160 hyper edge

Anonymous said...

hii frnds i am planning to buy a apache rtr 160 bt mah height is 6ft soo wud dat be a problm for me

manish kumar said...

hey frend's it's manish i wnt a suggestion with u'' all i'am going to buy a bike in this holy upto 76,000 i was thinking for apache hyper edge but some friend's told me that don't take apache it's mieledge performance is not good even the new cbz xtreme will give better millege than aPACHE But i like apache it's sporty looks it's smoothness ...........................so'' pls suggest me the actuall average of this bike ..........nd'' would be a good choice.......

manish kumar said...

hey guys it's manish i'am going to buy a bike in this holy.... i was planing to buy a apache rtr hyper edge 160cc bt' some of my friend's told me that dont take apache it's millege performence is nt'' good even the new hero cbz xtreme 150 will be more better than apache even in millege performence so'' 'am little bit confused which one i take .. heart likes the apache but if i go with friend's mind allows to buy hero cbz xtreme 150cc .....so'' pls suggest me what should i do .....did i go wth my heart or listen to my mind and avoid the heart's feeling's....... and one thing more tell me the actuall average of this apache rtr 160cc hyper edge........ my email--id is jmanish450@gmail.com.......

manish kumar said...

apache rtr hyper edge or hero cbz xtreme.........................which would be the best

Suny said...

Apache apache nd apache yar whnevr i ride it evrybdy weathr they ride r15 p180 or karizma looks at it nd tryng 2 race .....
Ds shws tht evrybdy desprate 2 beat it but they cant i achivd 132 on my hypregde its same as 180 rtr but little bit here nd there of its engne efficiency nw d avg. Of its if u wana ride it above 110 thn it wll give u 30 to 35 but if u wana 55 to 60 kmpl thn stick 2 40 kmpr wth 5 gear ...... Zooooooommmmm haave it n njoy d fun ...................

Suny said...

Nd also the resale value of my rtr iz 55k evn aftr 1nd half yrs becoz i can proudly say ths iz d best bike i hav evr ride ......

Anonymous said...

can I go with RTR 160 HE ??? anyone can guide me to go with this or not ????

Plz advise....

Dipak
Kolkata

Shivraj said...

Hey Guys,
i am planning to buy Apache RTR 160 hyperedge..... is it a good deal to buy? i am confused between yamaha fzs and rtr 160 which one is better. my height is 5.9. some of my fried say apache doesn't give comfirt while you are on long ride.. is this true? i took test drive i felt comfertable... but it was test ride so just 1 km drive..

plz advice me..

Anonymous said...

Hey there,
i have a doubt rather serious 1,
my height is just below 6ft and im planning to buy this bike soon,
i test-rode this bike of a frnd n found solid vibrations as compared to a unicorn on which i learnt riding.
my question is .. will it be a pain for my height as iv heard quite some times and does it always vibrate so much?

Anonymous said...

I am confused between RTR 160 & RTR180with ABS

Height is just below 6feet .. other bikes also in consideration

surya singh said...

i love apache

Anonymous said...

the bike has an optional rear disc of 200mm roto petal disc at cost of rs.2000 extra.

Anonymous said...

i am litle bit confused between rtr 160 or 180 abs.... mah height is 5'9"... m little worried abt the diff between the fuel economy of two..and vibrations of 160.... which one shud i go???

Anurag

Anonymous said...

No doubt both r the best dude. I own a RTR 160 and it gives more than 50 kmpl on an average. And dude this bike is something that wont dissapoint u , rather it starts asking me '' is this what u got ? '' every time i hit the curves at high speeds. If u r sport lover than u must own this gem.

Unknown said...

is this bike good in gearing or not , pls reply me

Payeng said...

@above,

I did not find any major issue with the gearing

Rohit said...

This byk awesome
it can easy defeat pulsar....
I have 160 nd i feel very good during riding....
Its acceleration is too gud as compared to other bykes
bt i thing that it starts vibrating at 70+ but still u can accelrate it
love u apache....

Aneeel said...

hai guys

am too planing to buy apache 160 but i was worried with the vibrations from the bike if we cross the speed of 50+..... but still i love the bike......was my choice is better or not...plz suggest

Aneeel said...

Yes guys sure i will go to apache 160 rather than 180.....can i get a rear disc for 160.....?

Anonymous said...

i am only 5 ft and 2inch ..is rtr160 is suitable for me.?. bro...

Swaroop said...

Can you guys PLease suggest if i can go with ApacheRTR160Hyperedge (or) Yamaha FZS (or) Honda Dazzler? I'm biased to FZS except for the fact that it gives low mileage. Is is worth taking it even though? Please suggest guys..!

Anonymous said...

hi guys i am 5'3 height and my weight is 55 which bike is compartable for me according weghit and height

Anonymous said...

Hi I am going to buy tvs apache 160 rtr Beast Can any one tell me the review of this bike!!

Anonymous said...

Hai friend, can i fit hyper edge to my old rtr160 2007 model? How much it costs? Can u tell me plz.

Anonymous said...

I'm 6 feet tall and planning to buy a hyper edge 160 will this bike suit me ????

Unknown said...

I have an RTR160 2008 model. After running it for more than 70,000 Kms, I am still getting a mileage of 45 - 48 Km/L which, I think is very good for a 160cc machine.

This is the reason I am not thinking to upgrade it.

gunawanspurs said...

Well, my 2008 Pulsar 200 is still giving around 40-45 KM/L in Jakarta's crowded & jammed traffic, and the bike has clocked around 80 thousands KM on its odometer, so your number isn't exactly an eye opening stuff, hehehe.

KUMARs said...

Apache rtr 160 HYPER EDGE IS awsum among all the bikes ,its riding experience is simply awssuuuuuumm iam the most satisfied RTR RIDER

Prosanta said...

in Rtr 160 hyper edge i want rear disc break is it possible....? overall this bike is good or not...? plz frnds tell meee

Himanshu said...

It's an amazing bike ...I have this bike Iride it as a wonder....Guys.. i give the sugesstion to purchase this bike only..

veeramani said...


GUYS I am riding this powerful machine(RTR 160 hyperedge) for the past two years and i have completed 15000 kms. Still the bike is very new and powerful as ever. Mileage is in the range of 40 to 47 it can never give u milegae beyond 50. but 40km is there for sure if u drive under 80kmph. Overall the performance is very good and the problem which i face is in the gear shift(when going to neutral) is a bit notchy.
I am a 6feet guy and i never had any back problems and i love the riding position. Never experienced any back pain even after frequent long drives. and its usre value for the money.
Hope my comments helps someone. have a great ride:-)

veeramani said...

its a great bike go for it.

Anonymous said...

Hiii, which bike is best bike in milage , good looking or best perfomance. Apache hyper edge 160 or new yamaha fz-s ? Or any other bike? Plz give me answer...

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