TVS Apache RTX 300 Review— Demand for adventure (ADV) motorcycles has increased rapidly in the Indian two-wheeler market. Keeping this in view, TVS Motor Company has launched its first powerful adventure bike TVS Apache RTX 300 in the 300 cc segment. Coming with a starting price of Rs 1.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the motorcycle targets on-road touring and mild off-road enthusiasts. We drove this motorcycle for about 500 kilometers ranging from city traffic to national highways and bad roads. After this long ride, how was our experience with this bike, what are its features and which shortcomings can bother you, let us know in detail.

TVS Apache RTX 300 Review: The truth came out after driving 500 kilometers, will the shortcomings outweigh the merits?

Design and deception of first sight: Will short height people be able to drive?

When you first see the TVS Apache RTX 300 from the front, its muscular ‘mono volume design’ and seat height of 835mm may scare you. It seems that this bike is made only for riders 6 feet tall. But the reality is a little different. Its excellent weight distribution makes it extremely easy to handle. During our testing, even riders with heights ranging from 5.5 to 5.7 inches were able to control it easily in traffic and in stop-and-go situations. Due to its high ground clearance of 200mm, the fear of hitting high speed breakers and potholes is completely eliminated.

Engine Performance: How is the new RT-XD4 motor?

This bike has TVS’s brand new 299.1cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC 4-valve RT-XD4 engine. This engine generates power of 36 PS and torque of 28.5 Nm. Its combination with the 6-speed gearbox and bi-directional quickshifter gives amazing response on the highway.

• After 4,000 RPM: The engine delivers power quite smoothly and the bike can cruise at a speed of 100-110 km/h without any strain.
• Riding Modes: It has 4 riding modes like Urban, Rain, Tour and Rally, which change the throttle response according to different weather and roads.

Voices from the Ground / Official Rider Report

“The comfort of this motorcycle on the highway is excellent. The 41mm USD front forks and rear monoshock suspension (180mm travel) do not allow road shocks to reach the rider. However, when you pull it above 7,000 RPM, mild vibrations are felt on the footpegs and handlebar.”
—Senior Automobile Tester

What shortcomings and advantages came to light after 500 km?

No motorcycle is perfect, and this 500 km test has revealed many hidden aspects of the Apache RTX 300:

What you liked most (features):

• Excellent Comfort: Its riding position is extremely comfortable for long distance journeys, which does not cause pain in the back or shoulders.
• Tech-Loaded Features: Map mirroring (navigation) and cruise control on the 5-inch TFT screen make long rides a breeze.
• Braking and Safety: 320mm front disc brake and switchable rear ABS provide excellent grip and confidence while off-roading.
• Mileage: In a mixed riding test of 500 km, it gave a respectable mileage of around 32 kmpl.

Where are the shortcomings:

• Lack of low-end torque: Below 3,000 RPM or at very low speeds (like in bumper-to-bumper traffic) the throttle sometimes feels a bit sluggish and requires frequent gear changes.
• Hardness of the stock seat: The seat is fine in the city, but after driving continuously for 150-200 km, the stock seat starts feeling a bit hard. For long journeys you may need to upgrade the cushioning.
• Hyper Electronics: On a few occasions, a slight lag or glitch was observed in the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) readings.

Final Verdict: Is buying this the right choice for you?

If your priority is a motorcycle that looks good, is loaded with features, and can take you miles on the highway without getting tired, then the TVS Apache RTX 300 is a great option in this budget. This is completely a mature touring-adventure bike. However, if you are into extreme aggressiveness or off-road thrills, you can look at other options like the KTM 250 ADV. But this time TVS has won in terms of comfort, technology and affordable price.