You get a ton of value with the Apache RTX 300. Seriously, I spent hours on the highway and my back didn't hurt even once because the seating posture is so upright. The color display looks sharp and that cruise control feature is a lifesaver on long stretches. Plus, the front forks just eat up bad roads.
Man, that 835mm seat is tall though. If you have short legs, you will definitely struggle to plant your feet at traffic lights. The motor also gets jerky and chugs if you try to creep slowly through heavy traffic, and those stock tires turn into ice skates the second you hit wet mud. It is a fantastic road tripper for 1.99 lakh, just don't expect to go trail riding with it.
What is the TVS Apache RTX 300 all about?
Adventure bikes, or ADVs, are super popular in India right now. Everyone seems to want one. TVS decided it was time to join this exciting market. They used what they learned from racing in events like the Dakar Rally. The result is the TVS Apache RTX 300. It is their first bike built for both the city and the countryside. It is a friendly and approachable machine designed for riders of all skill levels.
The Apache RTX 300 is not a hardcore dirt bike. Instead, it’s a stylish, comfortable, and very capable tourer. It is made to make long rides easy. And the price is very attractive. This bike is a serious contender in India’s busy ADV segment. It aims to be the best friend for your weekend adventures.
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TVS Apache RTX: Engine and Performance
Let’s look at what is under the tank. The RTX uses a brand-new engine. TVS designed this 299cc, single-cylinder motor entirely by themselves. It is not the same as the older BMW 310 engine. This new one is called the RT-XD4.
This engine makes 35.5 bhp and 28.5 Nm of torque. Experts say the power is very smooth. It is not a super-fast or scary engine. It is very easy to ride in traffic. It also cruises nicely on the highway. The bike feels very refined. You will feel fewer vibrations than on some other bikes.
The gearbox has six speeds. It also has a slipper clutch. This makes shifting smooth and light. Higher-end models also get a bi-directional quickshifter. This lets you shift up and down without using the clutch. However, some reviewers found the quickshifter a little too sensitive sometimes. It can cause a small hesitation. Also, some testers felt the bike had some fueling issues. It would sometimes feel like it was losing power for a second after shifting. TVS says they are working on this.
TVS Apache: Riding Modes and Tech
The RTX has four ride modes. These are Urban, Rain, Tour, and Rally. These modes change how the bike responds to your throttle input.
- Urban and Rain: These modes make the power delivery very soft. This is perfect for riding in the city or in wet weather.
- Tour: This mode gives a sharper throttle response. It is great for highway cruising.
- Rally: This is for off-road fun. It turns off the rear ABS to let you slide the bike.
You also get traction control. The system is simple. You can turn it on or off. This helps you stay safe on slippery roads.
TVS Apache RTX 300: Fuel Efficiency
The RTX has a 12.5-liter fuel tank. This is a bit smaller than some rivals that have 15-liter tanks. However, most experts think you can still get about 250-300 kilometers on a full tank. That is enough for a good day’s ride.
TVS Apache RTX 300: Comfort and Ergonomics
This is where the RTX shines. TVS focused a lot on making this bike comfortable. The riding position is very upright and natural. You sit in the bike, not on top of it. The handlebars are wide. This gives you a lot of control.
The seat height is 835mm. This is taller than some other bikes. Riders who are shorter than 5'8" might find it a challenge. They might not be able to put both feet flat on the ground. This could feel intimidating.
For taller riders, the RTX is a dream. There is a lot of legroom. The seat is wide and supportive. You can move around easily. This makes long rides very comfortable. The passenger seat is also big enough to keep a pillion happy on long trips.
Expert Opinion:
"The RTX’s riding position is spacious, and taller riders will be quite comfortable... What also enhances comfort is the RTX’s commanding yet neutral rider’s triangle." – Dinshaw Magol, Autocar India
The bike also has a tall windscreen. It does a very good job of blocking wind. This reduces fatigue on long highway rides. The seats are comfortable too. They keep both rider and passenger happy over long distances.
TVS Apache RTX 300: Ride Quality and Handling
The ride quality is the best part of the Apache RTX 300. It uses a new steel trellis frame. But the real star is the suspension. TVS uses WP suspension for the first time. This is a very high-quality brand.
The bike has 180mm of travel at both the front and rear. This is a lot. It allows the bike to soak up big bumps and potholes effortlessly. You can ride over very bad roads without getting tired. In fact, the bike is so comfortable, you don’t even need to stand up for most off-road sections. You can just sit and ride.
The handling is also great. The bike feels light and very stable. It is easy to steer in the city. On twisting mountain roads, it is also fun. It leans into corners nicely and holds its line well. The 19-inch front wheel helps with stability.
The brakes are strong. They have good stopping power. The bite is not too sharp, which helps off-road. It prevents the front wheel from locking up easily.
Rider's Perspective:
"The RTX never once put a foot wrong, even with my somewhat bumbling inputs... It’s so well balanced that even under 5kph, I didn’t have to put my feet down." – Autocar India
Let's be honest about the downsides too. A few reviewers noticed the Eurogrip tires don't give you the best grip. On wet roads or loose gravel, they feel a little slippery. If you plan to do serious off-roading, swapping these tires for better ones is a smart move. Another thing is the weight. At 180kg, the bike is not exactly light. But here is the good part.
TVS kept the weight low in the frame. So when you are actually riding, it does not feel heavy at all. You only notice it when you are pushing it around in your parking lot.
Design and Features
The TVS Apache RTX 300 looks the part. It has a big, muscular presence. It looks much larger than a 300cc bike. The design is functional and handsome. The fit and finish are of very high quality. It feels like a premium product.
The front face has twin LED headlamps. They look aggressive and modern. There is also a cool feature called dynamic lighting. It adjusts the brightness of the headlamp based on the speed and conditions. This is a segment-first feature.
TVS Apache RTX 300: Feature Highlights
The Apache RTX 300 is loaded with features.
- 5-inch TFT Display: This is a big, colorful screen that is easy to read.
- Google Maps Navigation: You can mirror your phone’s map on the TFT screen. It gives you turn-by-turn directions. (A small catch: your phone screen must stay on for this to work).
- Cruise Control: This is a huge feature for a bike in this price range. It helps relax your wrist on long highway rides.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: This allows for call and SMS alerts on the dash.
- USB Charging Port: Keep your phone charged during your ride.
Variants and Pricing
The TVS Apache RTX 300 comes in three variants.
- Base Variant: Priced at 1.99 lakh (ex-showroom). It has all the essential features like the TFT display, riding modes, traction control, and cruise control.
- Mid-Spec Variant: Costs about 2.14 lakh. It adds the quickshifter and Bluetooth connectivity with screen mirroring.
- BTO (Built-to-Order) Variant: Priced at 2.29 lakh. It gets all the above plus adjustable suspension, a brass-coated chain, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
This pricing is very competitive. The RTX offers more features for less money than many rivals. This makes it a strong value proposition.
TVS Apache RTX 300: The Verdict
The TVS Apache RTX 300 is a brilliant first attempt from TVS. It is a well-engineered and well-thought-out motorcycle. It succeeds in its main goal: to be a comfortable and friendly adventure tourer.
Here is the final take:
Who should buy it?
- New Riders: The bike is easy to handle and not intimidating.
- Tourers: Riders who love long highway road trips will love the comfort and features. Cruise control is a game-changer for this price.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: You get a lot of bike for the money.
Who should skip it?
- Shorter Riders: The 835mm seat height might be an issue.
- Hardcore Off-Roaders: The bike is not meant for extreme off-road trails. The tires and engine are designed more for the road.
- Performance Seekers: If you want a very fast and exciting bike, this one feels a bit calm.
Final
The RTX 300 is a great motorcycle. It brings a premium feel and advanced features to a very accessible price point. It has won the Indian Motorcycle of the Year award. This proves it is a top choice in the market. It proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great, comfortable, and capable adventure bike.
Indian motorcycle experts really like the TVS Apache RTX 300. They love how the suspension swallows potholes. They appreciate the upright seating that saves your back on long hauls. And they all point out that you get a lot of bike for the money.
Yes, the RTX has some small problems. The fueling feels jerky at low speeds. The 835mm seat height leaves shorter riders struggling at traffic lights. But after you ride it for a while, these issues stop bothering you. The bike just works so well overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does the TVS Apache RTX 300 actually cost?
So here is the breakdown. The base model will set you back 1.99 lakh. If you want the mid-spec version with the quickshifter, that is around 2.14 lakh. And if you go all out with the top BTO variant, it costs 2.29 lakh. Just remember, these are ex-showroom prices. So on-road will be a bit higher depending on your city and taxes.
2. What are these riding modes I keep hearing about?
The RTX gives you four different riding modes. Urban and Rain make the throttle feel softer and safer. Tour mode sharpens things up for highway cruising. And Rally mode is the fun one. It turns off the rear ABS so you can slide around on dirt. Each mode basically changes how the bike behaves when you twist the throttle.
3. Is this bike good for someone who hasn't ridden much before?
Honestly yes, it is a pretty friendly bike. The engine is smooth and not too scary. The clutch is light, so your hand won't get tired in traffic. The handling is predictable too. But there is one catch. The seat is 835mm high. If you are on the shorter side, you might struggle to get both feet down. That can feel a bit nerve-wracking for new riders.
4. What other bikes should I compare this with?
If you are shopping around, you should also look at the Suzuki V-Strom SX, the KTM 250 Adventure, and the Triumph Scrambler 400X. The RTX stands out because you get more features for less money. Things like cruise control and that big TFT screen are hard to find at this price point on those other bikes.
