The day had finally come when my dad nodded yes to buy a bike for me. That day was my 20th birthday. But I had to wait for about a month to actually lay my hands on a bike as there was a lot of homework to do on which bike to buy. Would it blend with me well? Is it within my budget? etc. My budget was around 70k. Not a penny more for a bike, said my dad… Even if I myself would have saved any! he he 
I began my quest for the best bike for me by asking friends, visiting the showrooms of every company. One by one I went- Honda, Bajaj, Hero Honda, Yamaha and TVS. I had by then come across BikeAdvice.in and also reviewed the valuable comments of experts on what to choose. Karizma had always 85k+ was something way off. Finally I had shortlisted the Pulsar180, Unicorn, CBZ Extreme.
Unicorn had too refined an engine for a 20 something guy and a stunner did not give me the adrenaline rush I needed. Least on my mind was the Apache RTR 160 due to various reasons like bad service, vibrations etc. But everything changed once I laid my hands on one of my friends RTR 160 carb version. It had done about 8000km. It had everything that i needed- Perfect handling, Instant pick-up, could easily do 95 in a jiffy. It was a short ride, so couldn’t test it more.
But I could easily see that the bike was ready to give me more if I asked for it. It really gave me a rush no other than Karizma or Pulsar 180 could give. But there was something special about the RTR 160 which made me fall in love with it the very first time I rode it…. So my decision was taken. Vibes or no vibes. Taking good care of a bike is what matters to remove its faults and keep it healthy. Not just the new bike ‘JOSH’ of taking care will do. Any bike needs care as time moves on. Oh sorry. Back to the point. I did not opt for Apache RTR Fi as it was rather new and still needed the time for corrections.
It was almost a month after my dad’s approval, and the day i was gonna buy the bike. Excitement was at its fullest. Just couldn’t wait. But was going only in the evening to the showroom as I had to go to college. Anyways, the waiting was sweet. To add to the waiting the traffic on the way to the showroom. My parents were already there and I was late. Can you believe that! Finally i reached the place.
The colour I had chosen was a Titanium Grey one. I had spoken to the showroom guy on the phone and he said it was available. It took an hour for all the processing and to get the delivery of my new beast. Shimmering in the showroom lights and the lights from the street, it was finally brought from the cellar to the delivery point. On the first look itself the bike was seemingly saying “Hey there…. Ready to rev?”
But I shouldn’t cross 50 for the first 1000km. Damn…. But I had to wait. It was then taken to a famous Hanuman temple and the pooja had been done. Just couldn’t wait to flaunt it in front of my friends. When they did see me, their eyes popped out and they went green. Raw power that’s all can be said. Now the bike has done about 5200 km, and I still love it the same. I did a max of 127 kmph (that’s was the speedo shows) Maybe an actual speed of 120-122. 0-60 timer on the console still displays my record of 4.7 secs. I did that when I completed about 1500 km.
I never repented buying it. Perfect. Just take good care of it, and it gives it all back to you. Enjoy every bit of it. Also an excellent bike for highway cruising. APACHE RTR 160… Its really “NOW OR NEVER”
- Anand
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{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }
Do comment…. Any kind of questions about the bike and its performance are welcome….
wats the real mileage on road of this bike??(rtr 160)does tvs gives 2 mudguards of the back wheel???and the speedometer does comes in yellow colour only???
That is indeed a sweet article there. Which ever bike you buy, Karizma or Apache, there is always that attachment which makes you go so crazy for your beast
Hey,!! thats some nice info, I just want one piece of info to complete ur blog
How much is the milleage? Coming from you, I’d opt for RTR too, as n when i will think of one. Currently, not a chance! but i’v been thinking of unicorn for its smooth feel
congrats for your ride one thing….rather actually 2 things that echo in my mind about an apache is that it has got some negative feedback regarding some strong vibrations at around 70-80 kph and ride quality is also bit harsh as compared to hunk or pulsar………….whats your comment on these issues
Hey buddy … i knw this bike is gr8 ,good performance and good handling come all it’s way . But can u tell me wat is da millage if u drive this beast at around 80
@Vinay
My bike so far has undergone 2 services. And the mileage is about 45-48. Sometimes even 50 on the highways. Not bad i think for the way i drive.
@Sam
The bike does have vibrations at around the 5-8k rpm. The range varies depending on the way you drive. A little tweaking and the bike will be back to normal again. The engine does get a little coarse after an exhausting traffic slogging. That is due to the engine getting heated up. Once its cool again, everything back to normal.
The RTR’s ride feels a little bumpier than others, but that is for a reason. If you read the other RTR reviews by Deepak thoroughly, you can see why.
@Salman
Even driving at around 80, the bike should easily give you 45+.
Never forget to turn of the engine at a red signal and follow thw start-up routine everyday. The right tube air pressure goes a long way to give the best mileage. You can find more advice on improving mileage here- http://bikeadvice.in/tips-for-improving-your-bikes-mileage/
Thanks
Hi anand.. Am 6ft hgt.. In terms of comfortable n looks ,wil this RTR suitable for me… and wats d price of this bike in tamil nadu…
Hello.
Regarding the bike suiting your height, try taking a test ride or grab one oif your friends bikes. But 6′ is fine with the bike i feel. Easy to handle. Go through all the reviews on this site once. And about the price in TN, not really sure. Call one of your local dealers. They’ll let you know. All the best.
Hey guys, whats your opinion about the HONDA UNICORN
Unicorn has quite a refined engine and gives you a pretty smooth ride. If u want that rush of a powerful 150 cc bike, then the unicorn will disappoint you. If you want a smooth ride not compromising on mileage, unicorn is the one for you.
Hello Anand and Everyone.I’m Sam from Chennai and I’m planning to go for the Apache RTR160 Fi ,but need to clarify on a few aspects..
Is the FI model really better than the carb model.. whats its disadvantage?
I did have a test drive and after the drive I didn’t feel like giving the bike back to the dealer.It was truly a beautiful and exhilarating ride.
It’s a general notion that the carb model can be serviced in case of emergencies even with the local mechanics, is it possible for the FI model? or does it have to be done necessarily only at the service stations?
I have only (Dlr:Ramkay-Velachery)nearby-6kms.
Are the parts and service affordable for the FI model?
or it is better to go for the carb model?
Love the FZ too but the rear seat comfort is bad. I take my mom out for clinic, shopping etc many times.Pillion comfort is must.
My daily ride to office is 20-25kms max and this is going to be my first purchase with my own hard earned salary and spent exclusively for me.
Friends Need your assistance regarding this…Asap.
Thank you for your time…God Bless
Sam
Hello Sam…. The Fi being a new technology on the Indian roads, people are still wary about its success. Yes! it may be a problem for the local mechanics with the Fi version in case of any problems that we might encounter.
The conventional Carb is something anybody would go for due to obvious reasons. It surely will take time for Fuel Injection to be a standard technology at least in Indian two wheelers. We can say it is still in the Beta Testing stage here.
Thank you so much Anand for replying me.
Finally I’ve booked the Apache RTR 160Fi version Racing Yellow.
Initially thought to go for the Orange colour but on closer inspection the yellow is Metallic whereas the orange is a solid colour.Moreover yellow is Mom’s choice so no colour better than Racing Yellow
The bike’s just too good to be ignored.
I could have waited for the RTR180 but I needed fuel efficiency and mainly I needed a vehicle for my daily commute too.On road price in chennai is 732xx/-K, dealer gave Insurance worth(1300/-Rs)Free.
You’re right Anand regarding the Fi-Technology in India, we’re still in the beta testing stage,but there is a swirl in the two wheeler segment regarding the same.
Every manufacturer are trying to come up with this tech soon due to the ever tightening emmission norms.And competition is driving this phenomenon more.So I think the future is Fuel-Injected
Anyways Thanks once again for your kind reply Anand and everyone.I’ll post an Initial report as soon as I receive my bike.Ride Safe.God bless us all.
Cheers
Sam
Congratulations on your new bike Sam…. All the best and happy riding….
hai anand ,once again congrates for u, do u know iam also going to purchase same bike and colour also. can u plz tel me wts the milage its gives, tel truth……… bai take care
Hee hee…. Ya buddy dont worry ill tell the truth…. Now i’ve done 8500 kms and the bike manages to give me 46-48 (by my driving style mind that) I really give it a thrashing
After all its for performance that i bought the bike. Or just a splendor or passion would have been fine 
Hello Anand,Iam buying my first bike and have chosen Apache RTR 160 Refresh Since iam used to driving pulsar a little will i be having any problem in shifting gears…???.Also i usually drive around 45-60 max so will vibrations be a problem…???
Hello Anand,Iam buying my first bike and have chosen Apache RTR 160 Refresh Since iam used to driving pulsar a little will i be having any problem in shifting gears…???.Also i usually drive around 45-60 max so will vibrations be a problem……???
@Nikhil
Once u buy any bike u can easily get accustomed to its gear shifting.. Not a point to worry.. And about the vibrations, they are ignorable if u dont drive at very high speeds as they start only if u thrash the bike…. The bike gets back to normal after a service though..
hello ,
Anand
am from kerala.I am going to buy apache 160 refresh yellow model next week. I want to know whether the vibration exist there now too ?
please suggest me a less vibration bike b/w 150cc.
waiting for your reply.
regards..
@Anoop
If u want a real sporty and fast bike a pulsar or apache is good. Yamaha FZ16 is the most technologically advanced in the segment though. Perfect for city riding. If u want a smoother refined engine, a unicorn would be best and also has the highest mileage.
my height is 5.4ft which bike suits me………is apache suits me…..
@Abhay
Depends on ur preferences in driving. A powerful machine with killer looks n great performance, Apache is the call.
Hey people…. UPDATE…. Did an intensive mileage test. But some fast driving too creeped in
From reserve to reserve i got a mileage of 57 km. Highway n city combined. The BEST i ever got so far.
My apache rtr 160 with rear disc shows huge variation in mileage.Sometimes I get 65kmpl,sometimes 40kmpl.I think the key factor is tyre pressure.
apache rtr is the only bike which damaged the marked of heavy pulser and made every bike manufacturer to modify their bikes,it do has vibrations around 70kmh but it is due to its lighter weight than any other, and it is the only lightest,strongest bike then others.
HII ALL
USE PATRONAS SPRINTA 5000 FULL SYNTHETIC ENGINE OIL IN RTR.
YOU MUST FIT A BAJAJ PULSARS FRONT SPROCKET WITH ITS LOCK BLADE IN RTR WHICH IS 15 TEETH, INSTEAD OF 13 TEETH IN RTR STOCK.
USE K&N AIR FILTER AND NGK IRIDIUM SPARK PLUG IN RTR.
U WILL GET A GRAT AVERAGE OF 60-65KM/LTR AND A TOP SPEED IN FOURTH GEAR 115KM/HR AND 148KM/HR IN TOP GEAR.
RTR ROCKS.
CHEERS
VIVEK VERMA
hello anand apache is one of my favouirite bike though i have discover 135(new model)……hey i want to know what is the mileage it is giving…
hi to everyone tis is suresh i plan to buy a bike around 70k i have to travel nearly 50km a day,road which i am using is full of pits for 20km nd remaining 30km in national highway which company bike will suit for me pls suggest some idea prefer to have some millage around 55km nd comfort in riding too
nice machine i got MY BEAST , RTR 160 SAME COLOUR as ABOVE thankx , i like this only colour than others
hai….M Plannin 2 buy a bik…budget 70zzzz…..m very slim vich bik suitz me best…vat abt apache???