TVS Motors MD Sudarshan Venu Spotted Testing Company's First ADV Bike - Apache RTX 300
The sub-500cc adventure motorcycle segment has been having more footfalls than ever, in recent years. We see more manufacturers entering the space, and existing players expanding their portfolios. TVS Motor Company is a big name in the Indian two-wheeler space. We expect the Chennai-based manufacturer to come up with an adventure motorcycle sometime soon, and looks like the first photos of the prototype are now out!
The motorcycle will reportedly be called Apache RTX 300 upon launch. TVS MD Sudarshan Venu has now been spotted testing the near-production prototype. The company has lately been testing the RTX 300 extensively, and the pictures likely come from one such session.
TVS is known to be benchmarking the ADV against the best in the segment. The end product could thus be an impeccable adventure motorcycle, especially considering the immense engineering efforts that the company puts into the development of each of its products. The production form will have to compete with the likes of Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and the KTM 390 Adventure. The Himalayan, in particular, holds its spot as one of the best mid-capacity ADV motorcycles in India.
Sources aware of the project and its development, suggest that the launch could commence in the next two-to-three months. Also to be noted is the fact that the RTX 300 will be the first-ever ADV motorcycle from TVS.
More About The TVS Apache RTX 300
The Apache RTX 300 has all the hallmarks of a proper adventure tourer. The test mule features a tall stance, long-travel suspension, upright seating, and knobby tyres. Spy shots also reveal a semi-faired design, a large muscular fuel tank, split seats, luggage rack, and an upswept exhaust. The bike also gets LED turn indicators, LED tail lamp cluster, and high-set handlebars for comfortable long-distance riding.
The suspension setup includes USD front forks and a rear mono-shock, as seen in the images. The production motorcycle is likely to come with a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels. Braking will be carried out by petal disc brakes at both ends. There will be switchable dual-channel ABS offered as well.
To Use TVS's New Engine
Powering the upcoming RTX 300 will be TVS’s brand-new RT-XD4 engine. First shown at the 2024 MotoSoul event and then at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025, this is a 299cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve engine. It is expected to produce around 35 bhp and 28.5 Nm of torque on the RTX 300. It will be paired with a 6-speed gearbox and will come with slipper clutch, and a bi-directional quick-shifter. The motorcycle would thus excel on both highways and terrains.
Will Be Loaded With Features!
While it may not feature the large vertical TFT screen seen on the RTR 310 or the new RR 310, TVS RTX 300 is expected to come with a horizontal digital display. This screen will likely have Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, call and message alerts, and could even come with music controls (via the TVS SmartXonnect app).
Launch Timeline and Expected Price
TVS has already trademarked the Apache RTX name in India, and the increasing number of mule sightings suggests the bike’s launch is very close. The pricing will likely fall between ₹2.4 lakh and ₹2.7 lakh (ex-showroom).
Once launched, it will take on strong competitors like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, KTM 390 Adventure, Suzuki V-Strom SX 250, and Yezdi Adventure. The Himalayan and the KTM Adventure are undoubtedly the strongest among these. Currently, there is an interesting duel going on between these, and it would be interesting to see how the fight evolves with a third name joining.
Image source: Rushlane