The winding roads looping around Shimla, Chail, and Mashobra are not for the faint-hearted. They demand a machine that can glide over twisty tarmac one moment and dance across gravel the next. Over a 100-kilometre ride through these unpredictable conditions, one thing became clear — the TVS Apache RTX isn’t just another entrant in the adventure segment. It’s a motorcycle built to make adventure riding accessible, enjoyable, and refreshingly unpretentious.
Design & Build Quality: Purposeful and confident
At first glance, the Apache RTX commands attention. . It’s tall but not intimidating muscular yet approachable — the kind of bike that looks ready for anything without trying too hard. The forward-leaning tank merges neatly into a compact tail section, creating a cohesive silhouette that balances form and function beautifully. The front end, with its levitating LED projector and blade-like DRLs, gives the bike a distinct face. The startup animation adds a dash of theatre, and the adaptive lighting — which adjusts brightness with speed — is the sort of clever detail you rarely find in this segment.
The Apache RTX thrives where roads dare to turn
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Special Arrangement
Build qualityimpresses right from the touchpoints. The plastics feel dense and premium, panel gaps are tight, and the switchgear has that tactile reassurance you associate with more expensive motorcycles. Both colour options — Viper Green and Tarn Bronze — work brilliantly in natural light, especially against the misty greens of the Himachali hills.
At 835 mm, the seat height may seem daunting for shorter riders , but once astride, the bike’s balance becomes evident. The trellis frame and thoughtful weight distribution give it a light, composed feel — it’s as comfortable threading through twisty mountain roads as it is tiptoeing over rocky paths.
Performance: Smooth, predictable, and unflustered
Powering the RTX is a new 299.1cc liquid-cooled DOHC single — the first engine from TVS’s RT-XD4 platform. It produces 36 PS and 28.5 Nm, and while those figures don’t shout for attention, the real story lies in how the power is delivered.
The throttle response is clean and progressive. There’s no abrupt surge, no jerky transitions — just a linear, confidence-inspiring build-up of pace. It’s an engine that encourages you to explore without fear of being overwhelmed. Whether cruising through town or climbing steep mountain roads, the RTX feels unhurried yet responsive.
Every detail counts: adaptive lighting, TFT display, and smart ergonomics make long rides a pleasure.
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Special Arrangement
The quickshifter is a welcome addition, though it does occasionally feel inconsistent — seamless on one shift, a bit clunky on the next. But for a first iteration, it’s well-integrated, and a firmware tweak could easily make it perfect. What really stands out, though, is refinement. Even when revved hard, the engine never feels coarse or strained — a testament to the engineering maturity behind it.
Ride & Handling: Ready for the real world
Adventure bikes are often defined by how they deal with imperfection — and this is where the RTX shines. The WP suspension setup, featuring a 43 mm upside-down fork and a mono-shock with a floating piston, feels beautifully calibrated for Indian roads. It swallows broken patches, rocks, and potholes without protest, yet remains taut enough to keep things precise in corners.
The chassis composure inspires confidence. On narrow switchbacks near Chail, the bike flowed from one bend to the next with an ease that belies its stance. The steering feels neutral, the mid-corner stability is solid, and the balance between comfort and control is spot on. The four ride modes — Urban, Rain, Tour, and Rally — genuinely alter the bike’s character. Rain mode softens throttle inputs and keeps ABS intervention high, while Rally mode livens up the throttle and loosens electronic assists. The difference is tangible, making the RTX adaptable to everything from city commutes to backroad exploration.
Even after long climbs and low-speed technical sections, the cooling system — aided by dual oil pumps and twin jackets — kept the engine temperature well under control. It’s this sort of real-world usability that sets the RTX apart.
Tech & Equipment: Smartly packaged
The 5-inch TFT display is sharp and legible, even under harsh sunlight. It pairs neatly with the TVS Connect app, allowing navigation through Google Maps, notifications, and ride data access. The interface feels intuitive and uncluttered — something many bigger brands still struggle with.
Safety and assist systems have been thoughtfully integrated . Traction control, terrain-adaptive ABS, and wheelie mitigation might sound overambitious for a 300cc motorcycle, but in slippery conditions around Mashobra, they quietly proved their worth. Cruise control is another standout — particularly for a bike in this segment — and a useful companion for long highway stretches.
The 299cc heart of the RTX punches well above its weight
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Special Arrangement
The RTX also gets practical touches like a bash plate, knuckle guards, and a USB charging port. Combined with its luggage mounting points, it’s ready for touring straight from the factory floor.
Comfort & Ergonomics: Adventure without aches
Long hours in the saddle reveal how well the ergonomics have been designed. The upright seating posture, wide handlebar, and generous legroom make it easy to spend hours on the bike. When the tarmac ends and the trail begins, transitioning to a standing position feels completely natural — a credit to its rally-inspired geometry.
The 835 mm seat height may appear daunting, but the narrow midsection helps shorter riders get a foot down. Once moving, the the RTX feels planted yet nimble, never top-heavy. The seat padding strikes the right balance between firmness and comfort, and the riding triangle works well for a wide range of riders. Small details like the feel of the pegs, the reach to the levers, and the consistency of switchgear operation show how seriously TVS has studied the competition.
Community & Ecosystem: The bigger picture
The RTX represents more than just a new motorcycle — it’s TVS’s entry into an entirely new segment, and the company seems intent on doing it right. Beyond the bike, TVS is developing an entire ecosystem: branded riding gear with Alpinestars, curated rides, and training programs aimed at helping new riders build confidence off-road.
That’s a smart move. Adventure motorcycling can be intimidating, and by lowering that barrier, TVS is encouraging more riders to give it a go. It’s not just selling a product; it’s inviting enthusiasts into an experience.
What could be better
No motorcycle is without flaws , and the RTX is no exception. The quickshifter, while functional, isn’t as slick or intuitive as it could be — there’s a slight hesitation that breaks the rhythm when you’re really pushing it. The exhaust note, though sporty, lacks that distinct edge or character you’d expect from a performance machine of this calibre — it does its job but doesn’t quite stir the soul. And then there’s the seat height, which could prove a tad challenging for shorter riders, especially in stop-go city traffic. That said, these are minor blemishes in what is otherwise a remarkably well-rounded motorcycle that delivers far more than what its spec sheet might suggest.
Verdict: The democrat of adventure touring
The TVS Apache RTX isn’t trying to outmuscle or outshine the big names in the ADV game. What it does instead is far more significant — it makes adventure accessible. It’s approachable, forgiving, and versatile, built for riders who want to explore without intimidation.
And here’s where it gets interesting — despite being a smaller-capacity motorcycle, the RTX punches well above its weight. It offers the kind of balance, refinement, and equipment that put it dangerously close to the KTM 390 Adventure and the new Royal Enfield Himalayan. Both those bikes may boast larger engines, but the RTX’s polish, composure, and value-for-money proposition give them serious competition. In fact, it might just tempt a few prospective 390 or Himalayan buyers to think twice.
From city streets to mountain trails, the RTX handles every terrain with poise and confidence
For anyone dreaming of a Ladakh-style ride but not ready for a 200-kilo behemoth, or for city riders wanting a do-it-all machine that doubles up as a weekend explorer, the RTX fits the bill perfectly. It’s the kind of bike that reminds you why adventure riding exists in the first place — for the joy of the journey, not the bragging rights.
At ₹1.99 lakh (introductory, ex-showroom), the Apache RTX brings proper adventure motorcycling within reach of just about anyone. And that, perhaps, is its greatest achievement.
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