In a surprising move that has sent ripples through the Indian two-wheeler market, TVS Motor Company has unveiled its latest offering – the TVS Apache RTR 125.
This new entrant in the highly competitive 125cc segment marks a significant expansion of the Apache lineup, known for its performance-oriented motorcycles.
The launch, which took place at a glittering event in Bangalore, has been met with enthusiasm from motorcycle enthusiasts and industry experts alike.
A Strategic Move
The introduction of the Apache RTR 125 is seen as a strategic move by TVS to capture a larger share of the entry-level performance motorcycle market.
With the 125cc segment witnessing robust growth in recent years, TVS’s decision to enter this space with an Apache branded motorcycle is both timely and shrewd.
Vimal Sumbly, Head of Business – Premium at TVS Motor Company, explained the rationale behind this launch: “The 125cc segment represents a sweet spot for many Indian riders – it’s where performance meets practicality.
With the Apache RTR 125, we’re bringing the racing DNA of the Apache series to a wider audience, offering them a taste of performance without compromising on efficiency.”
Design and Styling
True to its Apache lineage, the RTR 125 boasts aggressive styling that’s sure to turn heads.
The motorcycle features sharp, angular lines that give it a muscular appearance, belying its smaller engine capacity.
The front end is dominated by a sleek LED headlamp with distinctive daytime running lights, a design element that’s become synonymous with the Apache series.
The fuel tank is sculpted to provide excellent ergonomics, allowing riders to grip the tank effectively during spirited riding.
The split seat design not only adds to the sporty aesthetic but also provides comfort for both rider and pillion. At the rear, a sleek LED taillight completes the modern look.
Color options include the signature Racing Red, Metallic Blue, and a new Stealth Black, all featuring race-inspired graphics that underscore the Apache’s performance heritage.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Apache RTR 125 lies a new 124.8cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine.
This powerplant has been developed in-house by TVS, leveraging their extensive experience in racing and performance motorcycles. The engine produces a respectable 12.5 PS at 8,000 rpm and 11.3 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm.
While these figures might seem modest compared to its larger siblings, they represent a significant step up from typical 125cc commuter motorcycles.
The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox, which TVS claims offers precise shifts and optimum gear ratios for both city riding and highway cruising.
One of the standout features of this engine is TVS’s Race Tuned Fuel Injection (RT-Fi) technology.
This system ensures optimal fuel delivery across the rev range, resulting in crisp throttle response and improved fuel efficiency.
TVS claims a mileage figure of 65 km/l under standard testing conditions, making the Apache RTR 125 one of the most fuel-efficient motorcycles in its class.
Chassis and Suspension
The Apache RTR 125 is built around a new split cradle frame that promises excellent stability and handling.
The suspension setup consists of telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear, both tuned to offer a balance between sporty handling and comfortable ride quality.
Braking duties are handled by a 240mm petal disc at the front and a 130mm drum brake at the rear. TVS has equipped the motorcycle with single-channel ABS as standard, enhancing safety during hard braking scenarios.
The motorcycle rides on 17-inch alloy wheels shod with tubeless tires, offering good grip and stability across various road conditions.
Features and Technology
Despite its entry-level positioning in the Apache lineup, the RTR 125 doesn’t skimp on features.
The fully digital instrument cluster is a standout feature, offering a wealth of information including speed, rpm, gear position, fuel level, and trip meters.
It also incorporates TVS’s SmartXonnect technology, allowing riders to pair their smartphones for features like turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts, and ride analytics.
Other notable features include:
- Glide Through Technology (GTT): This feature allows the motorcycle to move forward smoothly at low speeds without throttle input, making it easier to navigate through heavy traffic.
- LED lighting all around, including projector headlamps
- Hazard lamps
- Engine kill switch
- Side stand engine cut-off
Market Positioning and Competition
The TVS Apache RTR 125 enters a fiercely competitive segment, going up against established players like the Bajaj Pulsar 125, Honda SP 125, and the recently launched Hero Xtreme 125R.
However, TVS is banking on the Apache brand’s performance image and the motorcycle’s feature list to carve out a niche for itself.
Priced at Rs. 95,000 for the base variant and Rs. 98,000 for the disc brake variant (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Apache RTR 125 positions itself as a premium offering in the 125cc segment.
While it’s priced higher than some competitors, TVS believes the combination of performance, features, and brand value justifies the premium.
Industry analyst Amit Kaushik from AutoExpert Consulting comments, “The Apache RTR 125 is a bold move by TVS.
They’re essentially creating a new sub-segment – the performance 125. It’s a risky strategy, but if it pays off, it could redefine how we look at 125cc motorcycles in India.”
Initial Reception and Future Prospects
The initial reception to the Apache RTR 125 has been overwhelmingly positive. At the launch event, prospective buyers and motorcycle enthusiasts were seen crowding around the display models, eager to get a closer look at the newest member of the Apache family.
Rohit Sharma, a 21-year-old college student who attended the launch, shared his excitement: “I’ve always wanted an Apache, but the 160 and 200 were out of my budget.
This RTR 125 looks just as good and has most of the features. I think TVS has a winner on their hands.”
TVS has announced that the Apache RTR 125 will be available at dealerships across India from next month.
The company has set an ambitious sales target of 50,000 units for the first year, reflecting their confidence in the product.
Looking ahead, industry insiders speculate that the success of the Apache RTR 125 could pave the way for more performance-oriented 125cc motorcycles from other manufacturers.
There are already rumors of Bajaj working on a NS 125, while Honda might consider bringing its CB125R to the Indian market.
Conclusion – TVS Apache RTR 125
The TVS Apache RTR 125 represents a bold new direction for both TVS and the 125cc segment in India.
By bringing the performance and features typically associated with larger capacity motorcycles to the 125cc class, TVS is attempting to redefine what riders can expect from an entry-level performance motorcycle.
While it remains to be seen how the market will respond in the long term, the initial buzz surrounding the Apache RTR 125 suggests that TVS may have struck gold.
As the lines between commuter and performance motorcycles continue to blur, the Apache RTR 125 stands as a testament to the evolving preferences of Indian riders and the industry’s willingness to push boundaries.
For TVS, the Apache RTR 125 is more than just a new product – it’s a statement of intent.
It signals the company’s ambition to dominate across all segments of the performance motorcycle market, from 125cc all the way up to their flagship Apache RR 310.
As the motorcycle hits the roads in the coming weeks, all eyes will be on TVS to see if they can translate this ambitious vision into market success.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the Indian two-wheeler market, the TVS Apache RTR 125 stands as a beacon of innovation, challenging conventions and setting new benchmarks.
Whether it will spark a revolution in the 125cc segment or remain a unique offering in a crowded market, only time will tell.
One thing is certain – the Apache RTR 125 has made its mark, and the competition will be watching closely.