TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Brochure

I’ve been using the new 160 4V for my daily office run in Bangalore traffic. The biggest win in this new model is the standard assist and slipper clutch. The lever pull is so light now that my left hand doesn’t cramp up in bumper-to-bumper jams anymore. Also, the new Class-D projector headlamp is way better than the old LED setup; the throw is wider and much more confident for night rides. Still wish TVS would provide a slightly better rear-view mirror design—they still vibrate at high speeds.

I waited for the March 2026 update specifically for the USD forks and the new TFT screen. Honestly, the bike feels much more premium now. The front-end stability while cornering has improved significantly thanks to those gold-finished upside-down forks. The new 5-inch TFT display is crisp and makes the old LCD look like a calculator. My only complaint is that the Traction Control feels a bit too intrusive in 'Rain' mode, sometimes cutting power more than I’d like. But for a 160cc bike, this is pure luxury.

The 2026 Apache 160 4V remains the king of the "stoplight grand prix." That initial 0-60 kmph sprint is still the best in its class. The new adjustable levers on the mid and top variants are a Godsend for people with smaller hands like me. The Bullpup exhaust note has a bit more "bass" to it now, which sounds great. I gave it a 4.4 because while the features are amazing, the price has climbed up quite a bit. It’s getting close to 200cc territory now, but the hardware quality almost justifies it.

Being a relatively new rider, the addition of Traction Control on a 160cc bike gave me a lot of peace of mind. I’ve already ridden it in a heavy downpour, and the 'Rain' mode coupled with the dual-channel ABS kept the bike perfectly planted. The bike feels very light and flickable. My only gripe is the side-stand sensor—it’s a bit sensitive and sometimes doesn’t let the bike start even if the stand is 95% up. Other than that minor annoyance, it’s a perfect city machine.

Performance-wise, nothing touches the Apache in the 160cc segment. The 17.55 PS feels punchy as ever. The new 'Marine Blue' color looks stunning in person. However, I’m still 50/50 on the new projector headlight design. It looks a bit like the Pulsar N160 from some angles. On the road, though, the dual-channel ABS gives me so much confidence during hard braking. It’s a solid 4.4/5, only losing points because the turning radius is still a bit wide for narrow U-turns.