TVS Apache RTX 300 Review: Is This the Ultimate Beginner Adventure Bike?

TVS has now officially entered the ADV segment with the new Apache RTX 300. TVS is a well-established brand with a rich history in racing, including the grueling Dakar Rally, a competition they have successfully participated in for the last decade. Today, we finally got a fully tourer and off-road-ready motorcycle directly from the manufacturer.

Design: Big Bike Presence

The design language of the RTX 300 might seem familiar, resembling many higher-capacity ADV models. Since the RTX also looks big in proportion, this is a definite positive.

The Apache RTX features a full LED lighting setup, including LED DRLs, headlamps, taillamps, and turn indicators. Above the lights sits a fairly large windscreen. For improved aerodynamics and to complete the aggressive ADV stance, you can also opt for an accessory beak.

Moving to the side, you find a muscular 12.5-liter fuel tank and a grey half-fairing with shrouds and aero vents. The shroud proudly displays a 3D TVS logo and the Apache RTX sticker on the tank. The steel trellis frame is visibly exposed and coloured white to create a contrasting look across all paint schemes. Beneath the engine, it also features a silver bash plate.

The newly designed TVS twin-tip exhaust makes its debut on the RTX. At the rear, the design is kept simple, with the taillights positioned away from the body and mounted on the mudguard. The typical Apache 10-spoke alloy wheels are finished in all-black. The TVS Apache RTX is available in five colour options.

Engine and Cycle Parts

The TVS Apache RTX gets a brand-new engine: the RT-XD4 mill, which incorporates four Dual-Tech technologies: Dual Jacket Cooling, Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), Dual Oil Pumps, and a Dual Separator Breather System.

This 299.1 cc liquid-cooled engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a quickshifter. Notably, the bi-directional quickshifter is not sensor-based; it is purely software-controlled, and the TVS RTX only includes this feature from the mid-spec variant onwards.

Suspension duties up front are handled by twin golden 41mm upside-down forks with 180mm of travel. The rear monoshock also offers the exact same 180mm of travel.

The tyres are Eurogrip by TVS: a 110/80 section, 19-inch tyre at the front, and a 150/70 section, 17-inch tyre at the rear. Braking is managed by a 320 mm radial caliper at the front and a 240 mm floating caliper at the rear. The swingarm is made of aluminum.

The rider sits at an 835 mm saddle height, and the bike has a healthy 200 mm ground clearance. The ‘BTO’ (Built to Order) variants also receive additional adjustable WB Suspension and a brass-coated chain.

Tech Features: Feature-Packed ADV

The quad-pod Class D twin headlamps feature a Dynamic Automatic Intensity Boost for higher speeds. The RTX offers four Riding Modes (Urban, Rain, Tour, Rally), with the Rally mode switching off the rear ABS.

The motorcycle is also equipped with Cruise Control, switchable Traction Control, TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System), and a crisp 5-inch TFT display. The instrument cluster shows essential information like tyre pressure readings, range, fuel economy, gear, and a shift indicator, along with plenty of connected features.

Using the TVS SmartXonnect app, you can mirror Google Maps from your phone and even connect and control a GoPro camera via Bluetooth using the bike’s switchgear. The maps take up half the screen; however, the phone screen can be turned off while mirroring, as the display only shows turn-by-turn navigation.

Ride & Verdict

Although the engine is brand new, the suspension setup truly takes center stage. On the top ‘BTO’ variant, the suspension can be further adjusted for both rebound and compression.

The heart of the TVS Apache RTX, the linear 299.1 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder, is best suited for a beginner rider. The bike lacks a punchy low-end and prefers to be revved hard. Like most single cylinders, vibrations start kicking in at 5000 rpm at the foot pegs, and later on the seats and handlebars. While present, they are definitely better than the current 310cc engine and are not a deal-breaker.

The ergonomics are very upright with slightly rear-set foot pegs, which elevates its relaxed tourer character. The quickshifter is decent, but it is not as smooth as the superior RTR system. Speaking of the RTR, the RTX does not come with ventilated seats but gets more cushioning, ensuring your bottom is more comfortable on long cruises. The new exhaust produces a bassy growl with a metallic note.

Weighing in at 180 kg, the bike’s slick handling hides most of the weight. You will primarily only notice it when reversing the bike.

Price and Competition

The TVS Apache RTX introductory prices start at:

• ‘Base’ Variant: ₹1.99 Lakhs
• ‘Top’ Variant: ₹2.14 Lakhs
• ‘BTO’ Variant: ₹2.29 Lakhs

With this pricing, the RTX is a feature-packed, value-for-money, off-road-ready, and touring motorcycle. However, if you are mostly in the cities, need instant torque, and are not a beginner, you should look elsewhere.

The TVS Apache RTX will rival the Hero Xpulse 200/210 at the lower end, and the KTM 390 Adventure X / Royal Enfield Himalayan at the upper end. Its direct competitors, however, are the KTM 250 Adventure and the Suzuki V-Strom 250.