If there’s one kind of motorcycles that were missing from TVS Motor’s lineup, it had to be adventure motorcycles. The launch of the Apache RTX changes that, and in that sense, this one is far more than just a new addition to TVS Motor’s Apache family. Additionally, the Apache RTX is also the first product to be powered by TVS Motor’s new 300cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine called the RTX D4, besides which it uses an all-new chassis, all-new suspension and is equipped with a long list of electronic rider aids. The Apache RTX is thus TVS Motor’s most ambitious launch since the launch of the Apache RR 310 in 2017 perhaps. And fittingly, we rode the RTX in the Himalayas, in and around Shimla!
In keeping with its positioning, the Apache RTX makes a brilliant first impression. Understandably, its design draws inspiration from larger and higher capacity adventure touring motorcycles, and the headlamp and fairing even remind me of the Triumph Tiger’s. The fairing looks substantial, the windscreen looks nice and effectively, the front end looks very good, giving the impression of the Apache RTX being a larger capacity motorcycle than it is, besides which is also feels premium. Fit-finish levels and quality of plastics is top-notch too.
The long wheelbase and substantial fairing have the RTX look rather large from the sides, while the fuel tank design and stepped seat, with the RTX insignia on it, add to the bike’s appeal. The exhaust is a ‘double-barrel’ unit, while the trellis subframe sits exposed under the seat. The RTX uses a 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear, and while I was a little surprised at TVS not offering wire-spoked wheels even as an option, I was told by the engineering head that the alloy wheels used on the RTX have been engineered and tested to take on extreme torture.
The instrument cluster display is a 5.0-inch colour TFT unit and offers lots of information in a neat and legible manner. The display changes appearance as per the riding mode selected, or when mirroring navigation from the TVS app, but what does not change across themes is how neatly information is displayed. This is easily among the best displays on an Indian motorcycle currently, with its bright colours, crisp resolution and neat arrangement of information.
Rider aids include four riding modes including Urban, Rain, Tour and Rally, besides which you can also switch traction control and rear ABS off. You also get Bluetooth connectivity along with a segment-first feature in the form of navigation mirroring via the TVS app. Then there’s cruise control, an all-LED, Class-D headlamp with beam control, besides adjustable clutch and brake levers, a bi-directional quickshifter and more. TVS has thus ensured the RTX is equipped with lots of features, but while most of them are useful, not all are must-haves, which means you could go in the for base or mid-variants and not feel like you’ve missed out on a few things.
The all-new 300cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine puts out 36PS, produced at 9,000rpm and 28.5Nm produced at 7,000rpm. While the numbers are par for the course, I would have liked the new engine to offer closer to 40PS and above 30Nm. That said, TVS Motor has tuned the engine well and initial grunt and midrange performance are impressive. The engine pulls in a linear manner, a performance trait that’s vital to adventure tourers, besides which ratios for the 6-speed gearbox feel perfect, given the bike’s positioning as an adventure tourer.
The bi-directional quickshifter works well and is quite addictive in fact, so overall, TVS has got the powertrain right. That said, higher power and torque figures would have certainly helped offering a sprightlier feel and effectively, make the RTX more fun to ride. We didn’t quite get a chance to have the bike stretch its legs on open roads as we largely rode in the hills, but the Apache RTX should be good for cruising at 100-110kmph all day, given the engine’s performance and refinement both.
The bike’s trellis frame may look like the one on the Apache RR 310 and RTR 310, but this is an all-new frame. And along with the 41mm upside down forks (adjustable for compression and rebound), and an adjustable monoshock, the chassis offers a confident feel on tarmac and off it too. The front end also offers good feedback on tarmac, despite the 19-inch front wheel. Ground clearance stands at 200mm, and the overall setup does feel pretty inviting.
The setup also makes for excellent manoeuverability as TVS Motor has managed to cap kerb weight at just 180kg. Tank capacity is 12.5 litres, which is acceptable for an adventure tourer, but I would have preferred a larger tank, to reduce the number of fuel stops needed on long rides. Seat height stands at 835mm which should make it easy even for shorter riders to swing a leg over and move the motorcycle around. The handlebar-seat-footpeg combination feels impressive too and helps in making the RTX well-suited for riding distances. On that note, the RTX also encourages you to stand on the footpegs and ride, as gripping the tank with the insides of your knees is easy.
The RTX allowed us to breeze through off-road sections, and while the engine offered enough grunt, the bike’s handling and tyres added to its confident feel further on the tricky bits. While the ride was short and we rode in a convoy to say so, with photography stops in between, the seat time did help in understanding the Apache RTX’s demeanour. Its alloy wheels may have it look more touring-oriented, but the bike is adept at tackling off-road sections and trails. On our way back we got to experience the RTX on tarmac too and again, it impressed, by holding a line around bends and allowing me to lean into corners without needing to think or calculate. It also feels very forgiving and in that sense, the Apache RTX should entice novice riders to head out on adventures.
Overall, the Apache RTX is an interesting motorcycle, not just as an all-new ‘Apache’, but a all-new adventure tourer too. I would have wanted some more performance from the engine, but it certainly did not let me down with its overall performance and refinement. Importantly, the bike scores well on the comfort front, which is an important parameter for an adventure tourer, besides impressing in terms of dynamics. You also get a list of rider aids, which help. Prices though introductory, start from ₹ 1.99 lakh ex-showroom, which further helps in making the Apache RTX a very interesting proposition, especially for someone looking to enter the exciting world of adventure touring motorcycles.
