The Indian market is witnessing a steady rise in the popularity of accessible adventure motorcycles, and the latest entry poised to capture enthusiasts’ attention is the all-new TVS Apache RTX 300. We recently took this bike for an extensive 120-kilometer spin through the demanding hills of Shimla, encountering a diverse range of conditions including treacherous broken paths, loose gravel stretches, and stretches of pristine tarmac. This marks TVS’s inaugural venture into the adventure motorcycle segment, and while the company has patiently honed its offering, the RTX 300 appears to deliver substantial value for its introductory ex-showroom price of Rs 1.99 lakh. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into its on-road and off-road riding dynamics, scrutinize its design and features, and uncover the capabilities of its brand-new engine.
Design: A Purposeful Stance
Visually, TVS has clearly mastered the design language for the Apache RTX. Its striking twin LED headlights, coupled with a sharply sculpted windscreen and crisp lines that seamlessly flow into the muscular fuel tank, collectively create a purposeful aesthetic without appearing overly aggressive. The front end projects a substantial, balanced presence rather than appearing cumbersome. Moving towards the side and rear, the design maintains a practical yet refined execution, with a prominent exposed subframe, a functional luggage rack, and a neatly integrated LED taillight that all contribute to its adventure-ready persona.
As one would expect from TVS, the build quality in this segment feels exceptional. The plastics, panel fit, and overall finish exude a sense of robustness and meticulous attention to detail that is not always common at this price point. Throughout our initial test ride, everything felt solidly assembled, though only extended use will truly reveal its long-term durability. Overall, the Apache RTX’s design prioritizes functionality over ostentatious flair, yet it still manages to achieve a handsome and well-proportioned look. The tall windscreen, broad fuel tank, and split seats impart an imposing road presence, making the bike appear larger than its actual dimensions.
Features and Ergonomics: Tech-Loaded and Rider-Friendly
TVS has equipped the Apache RTX with a generous array of features. The motorcycle boasts four distinct riding modes—Urban, Rain, Tour, and Rally—each precisely calibrating the ABS and traction control to optimize performance for varying terrains and rider preferences. Cruise control is a standard offering across all variants, a thoughtful inclusion that greatly enhances comfort during extended highway rides. Higher-tier variants further elevate the experience with a crisp 5-inch TFT display, effortlessly controlled via dedicated switchgear. When paired with the TVS SmartXonnect app, riders gain access to advanced connectivity features such as Google Maps mirroring and detailed ride analytics, integrating a level of technological sophistication rarely found in this segment.
Our challenging 120-kilometer test loop through Fagu in Shimla, with its broken tarmac, deep potholes, and sections barely passable as roads, truly put the RTX to the test. Throughout this demanding course, the bike’s suspension system exhibited remarkable balance, soaking up bumps effortlessly while maintaining exceptional composure. Even over the roughest patches, I never felt the urge to stand on the pegs; the suspension adeptly managed the terrain, ensuring a consistently smooth and controlled ride.
The ergonomics are meticulously designed for comfort during long hours in the saddle. The tall and wide handlebar provides excellent leverage, while the neutral footpeg position prevents cramping even after extended rides. As a rider of 5 feet 11 inches, I found it easy to swing a leg over the 835mm seat and comfortably flat-foot one side, which should instill confidence in most average-height riders. The seating triangle feels natural and commanding, offering a clear view of the road ahead and superb control both on and off the tarmac. Overall, the RTX successfully achieves a delicate balance between comfort and confidence, a feat many adventure bikes struggle to accomplish.
Engine and Hardware: Refined Power for Any Journey
At the heart of the Apache RTX lies an all-new 299cc, liquid-cooled RT-XD4 engine, which first made its debut at TVS MotoSoul 2024. This powerplant generates a robust 36hp at 9,000rpm and 28.5Nm of torque at 7,000rpm, positioning it as TVS’s second most potent motorcycle, trailing only the Apache RR 310. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox and features a bidirectional quickshifter, enhancing its sporty character and rider engagement.
From the moment you engage the starter, it’s evident that TVS has meticulously applied lessons learned from its earlier 312cc platform, resulting in a significantly refined engine. The new motor feels noticeably smoother and more composed, both at idle and when in motion. Vibrations are minimal, throttle response is precise, and the crisper, more engaging exhaust note injects a lively personality into the ride. It’s clear that TVS aimed not just for power, but for a more polished and enjoyable ownership experience with this engine.
During our ride through Shimla’s winding and challenging hill roads, we primarily operated between second and fourth gears, rarely exceeding 80 km/h before slowing for corners. Consequently, a comprehensive high-speed test awaits another opportunity. However, even within this constrained environment, the engine felt composed and remarkably tractable, delivering power smoothly from low speeds without a hint of protest.
Indeed, the RTX impressed more with its inherent flexibility than with its outright speed. It can comfortably maintain speeds of 20–25 km/h in third gear, and with a roll of the throttle, it gains momentum in a predictable and linear fashion. As a small-capacity single-cylinder engine, it occasionally requires a downshift or two for swift overtakes, especially when the revs dip below its optimal range. The gearbox itself is commendably crisp and well-calibrated, offering light shifts and smooth engagement, with the quickshifter performing exceptionally well during rapid acceleration through the gears.
Nevertheless, I did encounter a few instances of inconsistent fueling during upshifts, characterized by a brief hesitation where the engine seemed to momentarily lose power before resuming smooth delivery. While not frequent, this is an area TVS could further refine before the production units reach showrooms. The RTX demonstrates eager performance up to 90 km/h and maintains an effortless cruise at 80 km/h in sixth gear, with minimal vibrations transmitted through the footpegs or handlebars. This instills confidence in its potential as a comfortable highway tourer, although a dedicated 100–120 km/h test will truly reveal its long-distance capabilities.
For urban commuting, the engine’s tractability and the flexibility of its riding modes—Urban, Tour, Rain, and Rally—make it highly versatile. Urban mode ensures smooth and predictable power delivery, ideal for new riders, while Tour and Rally modes sharpen throttle response, making the bike more engaging on open roads or challenging trails. Overall, the new 299cc engine achieves an excellent balance of refinement and usability. It’s smooth, adaptable, and engaging enough to make both daily commutes and weekend adventures equally enjoyable, though its true highway prowess will shine in longer tests.
The Apache RTX is constructed around an entirely new steel trellis frame, complemented by a 41mm upside-down front fork and a rear monoshock. Both front and rear suspension systems offer a generous 180mm of travel, while a healthy 200mm of ground clearance enhances the bike’s confidence over challenging terrain. It rides on a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel setup, fitted with tires specifically developed by TVS for this machine. Stopping power is provided by disc brakes at both ends, further enhanced by dual-channel ABS for superior safety. With a seat height of 835mm and a kerb weight of 180kg, the RTX achieves an impressive balance between agility and stability, fitting perfectly within its adventure motorcycle class.
Ride and Handling: Confident on Any Terrain
On the road, the TVS Apache RTX maintains a superb equilibrium between stability and agility. It feels planted and composed at higher speeds, yet it remains nimble enough for quick direction changes. This, combined with its plush suspension and ample seating, makes both rider and passenger eager to plan longer trips. What truly impresses is that this comfort hasn’t come at the expense of handling prowess, thanks in part to its robust Eurogrip tires—a 110-section up front and a 150-section at the rear. Even when we ventured onto off-road sections laden with slush, gravel, and rocky inclines, these tires provided reassuring grip, keeping the bike remarkably composed.
Through steep uphill turns, loose gravel trails, and unevenly packed dirt, the RTX never faltered. The clutch operation is light, and the engine’s tractable power delivery is smooth rather than overly aggressive, factors that collectively instill genuine confidence in novice riders. Braking performance is equally reassuring. The initial bite is intentionally mellow for enhanced off-road safety, but with increased pressure, both feedback and modulation become excellent. The dual-channel ABS system operates seamlessly, engaging only when necessary and never feeling intrusive.
Handling remains impressive, especially considering the 19-inch front wheel. The wide handlebars offer abundant leverage, simplifying the process of leaning into corners, while quick directional changes require minimal effort. Cornering stability is outstanding, and the tires maintain strong grip in dry conditions, contributing to the RTX’s planted and composed feel, whether on winding roads or rugged trails.
Should You Buy One? A Capable Entry into Adventure Touring
The TVS Apache RTX 300 presents a compelling proposition as an entry-level adventure bike that truly compromises little on comfort, features, or style. It elegantly combines a sharp, purposeful design with meticulously engineered ergonomics designed to cater to both daily city commutes and ambitious long-distance tours. The all-new 299cc RT-XD4 engine strikes an impressive balance between refinement and raw usability, offering tractable performance at lower speeds and a smooth, composed ride even when traversing challenging terrain.
While there are a few minor areas for potential enhancement, such as the occasional fueling inconsistencies and the need for more extensive high-speed testing on open highways, the Apache RTX 300 largely succeeds in delivering a versatile, highly capable, and exceptionally well-rounded adventure motorcycle. For riders eager to enter the exciting world of touring and light off-roading without a significant financial outlay, this bike stands out as an exciting and thoroughly competent option.