Synopsis
New 299cc liquid-cooled engine is smoother and more refined than before
Delivers strong mid-range performance ideal for city and highway use
Excellent ride comfort and handling with adjustable suspension (BTO variant)
Premium design, features and build quality at an aggressive price
Downsides include a tall seat height and an occasionally over-sensitive quickshifter
Introduction
Following our first ride of the new TVS Apache RTX in the mountains, it was clear that TVS had created a promising adventure-tourer. However, questions remained about how well the bike would perform in everyday city traffic and on long highway runs. With an extended road test in Mumbai, we now have clearer answers.
Engine & Performance – 8/10
Refined, tractable and enjoyable
The Apache RTX is powered by a 299cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine producing 36hp and 28.5Nm. While the output figures are similar to the older 310cc motor it replaces, refinement has taken a noticeable leap forward.
Vibrations are well controlled, with only mild tingles felt at higher revs through the footpegs and fuel tank. The engine feels gruff but never harsh, and overall smoothness is now on par with—or better than—most rivals in this segment.
Engine specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 299cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled |
| Power | 36hp @ 9,000rpm |
| Torque | 28.5Nm @ 7,000rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
In city riding, the light clutch and smooth throttle response make commuting easy. Low-end tractability is impressive, with the bike comfortably holding second or third gear below 25kph. Between 4,000–7,000rpm, the engine feels strongest, clearly tuned for usable mid-range performance rather than top-end thrills.
Performance Testing & Highway Ability
Despite a redline marked at 9,000rpm, the engine revs past 10,000rpm—though there’s little benefit in pushing that far.
Tested performance figures
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| 0–60kph | 3.41s |
| 0–100kph | 7.95s |
| 20–50kph (roll-on) | 2.25s |
| 30–70kph (roll-on) | 3.89s |
| 50–80kph (roll-on) | 3.83s |
| 60–0kph braking | 17.19m |
With a top speed limited to 145kph (indicated), the Apache RTX cruises comfortably at 100–120kph, spinning at manageable revs and retaining enough reserve power for overtakes. The only limitation is the 12.5-litre fuel tank, though real-world range remains usable.
Tested fuel efficiency
| Condition | Mileage |
|---|---|
| City | 35.8kpl |
| Highway | 40.6kpl |
Comfort & Handling – 9/10
Plush suspension and easy handling
Built on a new trellis frame with a cast aluminium subframe, the Apache RTX uses 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, along with 180mm suspension travel at both ends.
Despite its size, the bike feels light and agile, with neutral steering and good grip from the Eurogrip tyres. It’s equally comfortable filtering through traffic, carving corners or cruising at highway speeds.
Dimensions & weight
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Kerb weight | 180kg |
| Fuel tank | 12.5 litres |
| Seat height | 835mm |
| Ground clearance | 200mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,430mm |
The upright riding position and supportive seats make long rides comfortable, though the 835mm seat height may intimidate shorter riders.
The WP Endurance suspension on the BTO variant stands out for its ability to absorb broken roads and mild off-road hits, isolating the rider better than some rivals. Braking, however, is a mixed bag—the rear brake feels good, but the front brake lacks bite and feedback.
Design, Quality & Features – 10/10
Segment-benchmark finish and tech
The Apache RTX looks far bigger than its displacement, with a strong ADV stance and excellent road presence. Build quality is outstanding for the price, rivaling bikes from higher segments.
Feature highlights include:
TFT display
Riding modes
Cruise control
Traction control
Switchable ABS
Higher variants add LED headlamp, Bluetooth connectivity, screen mirroring, bi-directional quickshifter, and on the BTO version, adjustable suspension, TPMS and a brass-coated chain. The quickshifter works well but can occasionally feel over-sensitive.
Verdict – 9/10
The TVS Apache RTX is not just aggressively priced—it’s genuinely good even without factoring in cost. Each variant offers strong value, with the base model undercutting many rivals and the top BTO version still priced below comparable adventure motorcycles.
Comfortable, refined, feature-rich and capable across city, highway and light off-road use, the Apache RTX is a serious disruptor in India’s ADV segment. TVS has clearly fired a warning shot at the competition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is the TVS Apache RTX good for city riding?
Yes. Its smooth engine, light clutch and tractable low-end make it easy to ride in traffic.
Q2. How does it perform on highways?
It cruises comfortably at 100–120kph and feels stable, making it well-suited for touring.
Q3. Is the seat height manageable for shorter riders?
At 835mm, it may be challenging for riders under around 5’8”, especially beginners.
Q4. Which variant offers the best value?
The mid variant strikes the best balance, while the BTO version is ideal for riders wanting maximum features and adjustability.
