[ad_1]
TVS Motor Company has entered the adventure touring segment with the launch of its new Apache RTX. It extends the Apache brand to the terrain and travel category. It aims to combine sportiness, modern technology and touring utility. Although it is not a direct rival to the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, people will compare these two motorcycles because of how popular they are. Doing so is also important as it will reveal where the newly launched ADV stands in comparison to the tourer segment leaders.
| Social class | TVS Apache RTX 300 | Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 |
|---|---|---|
| engine | 299 cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder | 450 cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder |
| Power | 36 PS (≈ 35.5 bhp) @ 9,000 rpm | 40 PS (≈ 39.4 bhp) @ 8,000 rpm |
| Torque: | 28.5 Nm @ 7,000 rpm | 40 Nm @ 5,500 rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed with bi-directional quickshifter | 6-speed, no quickshifter |
| frame | steel trellis frame | Twin-spar tubular frame |
| front suspension | 41mm USD forks (180mm travel; fully adjustable in top version) | 43mm USD forks (200mm travel) |
| rear suspension | Monoshock (180mm travel) | Monoshock (200mm travel) |
| fuel tank capacity | 12.5 liters | 17 liters |
| seat height | 835 mm | Adjustable: 805-845mm |
| surface | 200 mm | 230 mm |
| front wheel/tyre | 19-inch alloys, 110/80 section | 21-inch spoke, 90/90 section |
| rear wheel/tyre | 17-inch alloys, 150/70 section | 17-inch spoke, 140/80 section |
| front brake | 320mm disc | 320mm disc |
| rear brake | 240mm disc | 270mm disc |
| features | Digital display with SmartX connectivity, maps mirroring, 4 riding modes, adaptive headlights, adjustable lever, traction control, 2 USB ports, quickshifter | Circular TFT display with maps mirroring, 2 riding modes, USB-C port |
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 1.99 lakh (initial) | 3.06 lakh |
How different do the two bikes look from each other?
In terms of design, the RTX 300 looks more modern and attractive with its design which is based on TVS’s new mono volume design. There are split LED headlamps at the front and a fuel tank that is neatly integrated into the fuel tank. Most importantly, it is a soft roader meant to ride comfortably over long distances.
The Himalayan 450, on the other hand, follows a function-over-form design approach. It gets a circular LED headlamp with a large fuel tank, safety in case of a fall as well as an exo skeleton to hold the luggage. The rear end is relatively slim, and has spoke wheels completing the adventure tourer styling of the motorcycle.
(Also Read: Royal Enfield Himalayan 750 spotted with alloy wheels: Here are 5 things we know)
What type of performance is presented?
Talking about specifications, there is a big difference. The RTX 300 uses a 299 cc liquid-cooled engine that produces 36 PS of maximum power at 9,000 rpm and a peak torque output of 28.5 Nm at 7,000 rpm. It has a 6-speed gearbox with bi-directional quickshifter.
On the other hand, the Himalayan 450 uses a 450 cc liquid-cooled engine that produces 40 PS at 8,000 rpm and 40 Nm of peak torque at 5,500 rpm. It also uses a 6-speed gearbox, but there is no quickshifter on offer.
What equipment is present onboard to support off-roading?
In terms of hardware, the Apache RTX 300 is underpinned by a steel trellis frame that is suspended by 41mm upside-down forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. There is 180mm of travel at both ends. However, the top-end variant of the Apache comes with fully adjustable suspension.
Then there is the Himalayan 450 which uses a twin spar tubular frame that is suspended by 43 mm upside-down forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. However, it gets 200mm of travel.
What is the fuel capacity of both the motorcycles?
The fuel tank capacity of the RTX 300 is 12.5 litres, while the Himalayan 450 has a massive 17-litre fuel tank.
(Also Read: Royal Enfield Bullet 350 vs Classic 350: Which retro icon should you buy?)
What do ground clearance and seat height measure?
The Apache RTX 300 has a seat height of 835 mm, while the Himalayan 450 comes with an adjustable seat height between 805 mm to 845 mm. In terms of ground clearance, the Himalayan has an edge at 230 mm compared to the Apache’s 200 mm.
What is the brake setup on these motorbikes?
The Himalayan 450, being a hardcore off-roader, uses spoke rims with a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear. These are wrapped in 90/90 and 140/80 section tires respectively. TVS is using a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear, shod with wide 110/80 and 150/70 tyres.
Both motorcycles use a 320 mm disc at the front, but the Himalayan uses a larger 270 mm disc at the rear, while the TVS uses a 240 mm unit.
What facilities are provided?
In terms of features, the TVS is obviously loaded with a digital screen that comes with SmartX connectivity, maps mirroring, four riding modes, adaptive headlights, adjustable levers, traction control, two USB ports and a quick shifter. The Himalayan gets a circular display with maps mirroring support, two riding modes and a USB-C port.
How do the two compare in terms of price?
Apache RTX 300 has a steep starting price 1.99 lakh, while the Himalayan 450 starts at 3.06 lakh. Both prices are ex-showroom.
[ad_2]
