The Apache nameplate turns 20, and TVS is marking the moment with its most tech-loaded range yet. The TVS Apache 2025 lineup brings premium features that used to sit only on bigger bikes—now right down to the 160 and 200 classes. Think new LED projector headlights, a full 5-inch TFT with smartphone connectivity, traction control on the top variants, and sharper styling across the board. The RTR 310 also gets thoughtful updates, while special 20th-anniversary editions add some ceremony to a big year for the brand.
What’s new across the range
Start with the face. The new LED projector headlight setup on the Apache RTR 160 4V and RTR 200 4V changes the attitude of both bikes. The beam is tighter, the spread is cleaner, and the whole front end looks more focused. It’s a proper streetfighter stance now—lower, meaner, and more distinct than the outgoing design.
Inside the cockpit, a 5-inch TFT console replaces the simpler LCD on the top variants. If you’ve seen the TFT on the RTR 310, this will look familiar. It’s crisp in daylight, readable at night, and packs TVS SmartXonnect for turn-by-turn navigation, call and SMS alerts, and a stack of connected functions riders actually use. Compared to basic LCD readouts on lower trims, it’s a big jump in feel and function.
The safety story is a bigger deal this year. Traction control arrives on the new top-end variants of the RTR 160 4V and 200 4V. Traction control in this segment is rare, and it’s useful on wet city roads, dusty patches, or paint lines where a small loss of grip can rattle new riders. On the 160 4V, TVS also adds a slip-and-assist clutch—a feature that had been exclusive to the RTR 200 4V till now. It lightens the lever at the fingertips and helps the rear wheel stay calmer during aggressive downshifts.
Then there’s the RTR 160 (standard variant) upgrade: dual-channel ABS. Most 160cc commuters still run single-channel ABS, so this is a big tick for safety. TVS has also moved the bike to the latest OBD-2B emissions norms. That keeps the engine in step with cleaner fuel strategies and ongoing compliance checks, with onboard diagnostics keeping tabs on sensors and emissions in real time.
For price watchers, the updated Apache RTR 160 starts at Rs. 1,34,320 (ex-showroom)—about Rs. 4,000 more than the previous top Racing Edition. Not a token increase, but the extra tech does justify the bump if you value braking and connectivity.
Quick highlights on the 160/200 refresh:
- New LED projector headlamp with a more aggressive front profile
- 5-inch TFT console on top variants with SmartXonnect (navigation, calls, SMS alerts)
- Traction control added on top variants
- Slip-and-assist clutch arrives on the 160 4V
- Dual-channel ABS on the RTR 160 (standard variant)
- OBD-2B emissions compliance
Looks matter too, and TVS has tweaked the paint roster. The RTR 200 4V gets Matte Black and Granite Grey, both subtle and premium. The RTR 160 4V holds on to its lively palette with Racing Red, Marine Blue, and Matte Black. The colors sit well with the sharper headlight and give the lineup a cleaner visual identity.
Under the skin, the RTR 160 sticks to a proven setup. The 159.7cc air-cooled single still makes 15.82 bhp and 13.85 Nm, routed through a five-speed gearbox. It’s a light bike at 137 kg kerb, so the power-to-weight feels sprightly in traffic and relaxed on short highway runs. The double cradle frame remains, supported by telescopic forks up front and gas-charged shocks at the rear. Ride modes carry on with the higher variants, and the data-rich consoles track your basics with enough granularity to be useful, not distracting.
Why does OBD-2B matter for riders? It’s not just about ticking a regulation box. With OBD-2B, the motorcycle is constantly checking key systems. If something is off, you’ll know quicker. In the long run, that can mean fewer surprises in the workshop and better fuel metering day to day. It’s a quiet upgrade, but one that brings the platform up to current expectations for reliability and emissions.
On the road, the slip-and-assist clutch is going to be one of those features riders appreciate without thinking about it. Lever feel is lighter, which helps in stop-go traffic. Under hard downshifts, the assist function reduces back-torque to the rear wheel—less hop, more stability, and a smoother entry into corners or quick urban decelerations. Paired with traction control on the top variants, the ride is a little more forgiving, especially for new or returning riders who want performance without drama.
The bigger story may be the segment shift. TFTs and connected tech were once the domain of 300cc-plus bikes. Now, TVS is pushing them into the 160 and 200 classes at scale. Expect rivals to read this as a signal. In the coming months, features like dual-channel ABS on 160s and standard traction control on 200s will likely stop feeling exotic and start becoming normal.
RTR 310 updates, feature depth, and where each model fits
The RTR 310 stays the halo of the streetfighter line and gets a set of tasteful additions for 2025. The transparent clutch cover—borrowed from the RR 310—adds a premium visual touch you’ll either love or ignore, but it definitely amps up the garage appeal. Sequential turn indicators raise visibility and flair in one go. New handguards add function, helping deflect wind and stray debris, and they look right at home on the wider 310 stance.
On the tech side, the RTR 310 brings Drag Torque Control to the table. In simple terms, it helps manage engine braking forces so the rear remains settled when you roll off hard or bang down a gear. For those who like to ride briskly, the Dynamic Pro BTO (Built To Order) kit layers on Cornering Drag Torque Control, Launch Control, and Keyless Access. Cornering DTC keeps the bike composed when engine braking meets lean angle, Launch Control helps you rocket off the line without wheelspin chaos, and Keyless Access is a convenience feature you miss only after you’ve had it.
This is a good place to explain what these rider aids do for everyday use. Engine braking can unsettle a bike if it’s too sharp or paired with sloppy downshifts. Drag Torque Control smooths that out. Traction control—now on the top RTR 160/200 variants—steps in when the rear wheel is about to slip under throttle. Dual-channel ABS on the 160 ensures both wheels are managed independently under braking, which is critical on patchy Indian tarmac. None of these features are excuses for sloppy riding. They just extend the safety net when conditions change without warning.
Here’s how the refreshed Apache lineup stacks up for different riders:
- RTR 160 4V: Ideal for daily riders who want a mix of light weight, manageable power, and real safety upgrades like dual-channel ABS and traction control on the top trims. The new TFT sweetens city commutes with navigation and alerts.
- RTR 200 4V: For those who want more punch and a sportier edge without moving to a 300+. The 200’s top variant shares the big-ticket features—TFT, traction control, and performance-friendly ergonomics.
- RTR 310: The range’s performance flagship. The 2025 updates lean into both style and control. Optional Dynamic Pro BTO features give it a tech layer riders used to only see on bikes a class above.
It’s also worth talking about the feel. The sharper headlight and fresh colors are the obvious changes, but the small functional touches stand out the longer you look. The levers feel lighter thanks to the slip-and-assist clutch. The TFT layout is easy to read at a glance, which matters when you’re navigating a tight U-turn or a messy intersection. And with traction control in the mix on the 160 and 200 top variants, quick throttle blips over slippery patches become less nerve-wracking.
Color options are sensible rather than shouty. Matte Black and Granite Grey suit the RTR 200 4V’s more serious tone. Racing Red and Marine Blue keep the RTR 160 4V lively, with Matte Black bridging both ends for riders who prefer stealth. It’s a clean palette that works across ages and use cases.
On the spec front, the RTR 160’s 159.7cc single sticks to its strengths. It’s frugal, responsive, and light on its toes. The 12-liter tank strikes a good balance for city use with the occasional weekend breakfast run. The double cradle frame and gas-charged rear shock are proven choices for India’s mix of smooth highway and broken city stretches.
The 20th-anniversary limited editions run across the Apache family and add the right amount of celebration. Two decades is no small feat in a market that changes as quickly as India’s. These editions mark that legacy with special treatment and commemorative detailing, while staying fully aligned with the performance-first vibe that made the Apache name stick.
Where does this put TVS in the market? Squarely in the feature race—and ahead in a few areas. In the 160 class, dual-channel ABS is still uncommon. Traction control in the 160/200 space is rarer still. The 5-inch TFT at this price band pushes the experience up a notch, and smartphone connectivity has moved from a nice-to-have to an expectation. Riders want navigation and alerts built in; they don’t want to strap a phone to the handlebar and hope for the best.
The competition will watch this closely. The RTR 160 4V goes up against bikes like the Pulsar N160 and Yamaha FZ series, where ABS and connected features are often split across variants. The RTR 200 4V nudges riders who might also consider the Pulsar NS200 or entry KTM territory for a tech-rich but practical sport commuter. The RTR 310 holds its own as a tech-forward, aggressively styled streetfighter that borrows useful track ideas—like Launch Control and cornering-aware aids—and translates them for the road.
Pricing remains a delicate balance. TVS kept the hike on the RTR 160 in check despite the hardware additions, and that matters in a price-sensitive segment. If the 200 and 310 follow a similar logic—charging for clear, usable upgrades—the range will land well for buyers who want value with visible gains.
Daily riders will likely notice the safety kit first. Brakes that behave better, a rear wheel that stays planted when you chop throttle or grab a downshift, and a bike that communicates more through a robust console—these are the kinds of improvements that make year-on-year updates feel worth it. Weekend riders will appreciate the sharper look, the tidier lighting, and the TFT’s simple nav prompts when the ride goes off-script.
TVS’s wider service network is a quiet advantage here. A tech-forward bike is only as good as the support that backs it. OBD-2B compliance adds transparency when diagnosing issues, and standard parts across the 160/200 platform keep maintenance predictable. That reduces the total cost of ownership headaches that sometimes haunt feature-heavy models.
If you’re choosing between the new bikes, think in use-cases. If your riding is mostly daily commutes with occasional short highway stints, the RTR 160 4V with dual-channel ABS is the smart baseline. If you want a stronger hit and more playful handling without moving into 300cc insurance and tyre costs, the RTR 200 4V feels like the sweet spot. If you want the most tech and the strongest performance along with features like Launch Control and cornering-aware engine braking, the RTR 310 makes its case.
The 2025 refresh reads like a statement: modern features shouldn’t be locked to high-capacity bikes. By filtering down TFTs, traction control, and wider safety hardware, TVS is pushing the Apache family into a space where “premium” and “accessible” overlap more than they used to. As the anniversary editions roll out and the updated models hit showrooms, expect the conversation to shift from just specs to how these features change the daily ride.
