The RTX 300 went on sale a couple of weeks back in the Indian market as TVS’ first adventure motorcycle since its inception
Recently, TVS Motor Company stepped into the entry-level adventure segment with the launch of the Apache RTX 300 in the Indian market. It was presented in three trims namely Base, Top and Built To Order (BTO) in a price bracket of Rs 1.99-2.34 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). TVS Apache RTX 300 lock horns with KTM 250 Adventure, Yezdi Adventure and Suzuki V-Strom SX in the domestic market. In this piece, we will ponder upon the pros and cons of the first adventure motorcycle from TVS.
TVS Apache RTX 300 Pros
1. Price: The Apache RTX has been priced extremely well by the company with a starting price of Rs 1.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). While this price is almost identical to the Yezdi Adventure and Suzuki V-Strom SX, it undercuts the KTM 250 Adventure by nearly Rs 40,000. Even the range-topping BTO variant with all the bells and whistles is cheaper by around Rs 6,000 than the KTM bike.
2. Features: The Apache RTX 300 debuts some of the most exhilarating features in the form of Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Cruise Control, Bi-Directional Quickshifter, Multiple Ride Modes (Urban, Rain, Tour and Rally) and 5-inch TFT Display with Bluetooth connectivity and Map Mirroring among others. In addition, it also gets Linear Traction control, Adjustable levers and Switchable dual-channel ABS. Most of the rival motorcycles miss out on some of these features mentioned before.
3. Design: Sitting on a steel trellis frame, the Apache RTX flaunts twin LED headlamp setup with a tall windscreen at the front. The headlamp unit is integrated into the fuel tank while flanked by rally-inspired lines. The adventure motorcycle is rolled out in five colour schemes namely Viper Green, Tarn Bronze, Metallic Blue, Lightning Black and Pearl White. All of these colours are complemented by signature Apache Red highlights.
4. Size: While the Apache RTX is not as big as typical adventure motorcycles, it looks rather proportionate with a sleeker rear profile. It measures 2176 mm in length, 885 mm in width, and 1400 mm in height. The wheelbase and ground clearance stand at 1430 mm and 200 mm, respectively. Despite looking not so big on paper, the Apache RTX has a commanding road presence.
5. Quality: TVS has upped the ante by introducing premium finish materials in the Apache RTX 300. Be it the plastic quality of the switches, be it the premium matte textures or be it the seat cushioning, no rough edges are seen and felt. Hence, the RTX 300 not only looks good but also feels good while riding on the roads as well as off the roads.
TVS Apache RTX 300 Cons
1. Off-road Instinct Missing: TVS Apache RTX was announced as an ‘adventure rally tourer’ which has the potential to ‘unlock limitless possibilities of exploration, off-roading, and self-discovery’. However, the company engineers seem to have focused on making it a more road-friendly bike as the off-road instinct is kind of missing when you ride it across rough, uneven and hilly terrains.
2. Smaller Wheel Size: The Apache RTX 300 is available with 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels. Well, unfortunately, these are not enough especially during off-roading. In fact, a bigger (say 21-inch) front wheel would have made more sense. Also, the exclusion of wire-spoke wheels, generally considered optimum for off-roading, even as an option also hurts the bike’s prospects among the buyers.
3. Timid Throttle Response: During the ride, despite equipped with a ride-by-wire throttle, it wasn’t too great as the response was mediocre. The drop in power during the first and second gears was visible, which can be improved by the TVS engineering team. The power output in low gears is always critical for the performance of a motorcycle and the Apache RTX 300 lacks it here.
4. Saddle Height: TVS Apache RTX has a saddle height of 835 mm which can be troublesome for riders with shorter height. Even the KTM 250 Adventure has a lower seat height at 825 mm. For reference, if you measure below 5 feet and 6 inches, riding the RTX can be quite difficult for you. However, an adjustable seat height, akin to the Royal Enfield Himalayan, could solve all the issues here.
5. Untidy Tank Grip: While checking out the Apache RTX 300, it was observed that tank grip is not good in standing position. Though it is not a major point of conflict which can keep a prospective buyer away from the motorcycle, still TVS needs to do course correction and get this sorted.
