TVS Apache RTX 300 review: First Adventure, Big Impressions!

The popularity of affordable adventure motorcycles in the Indian market is on a steady rise, and the latest contender in this segment is the all-new Apache RTX 300. We recently rode it through the winding hills of Shimla, covering around 120 km that included everything from broken paths and gravel stretches to smooth tarmac. This is TVS’s first-ever adventure motorcycle, and while the company has certainly taken its time bringing it to the market, the RTX 300 packs a lot of value for the Rs 1.99 lakh (introductory, ex-showroom) it asks. In this review, we’ll talk about how it feels to ride, how it handles the rough stuff, and also get into its design, features, specs, and the all-new engine that powers it.

DesignStarting with the visuals, TVS seems to have nailed the overall design language of the Apache RTX. The twin LED headlights, sharply contoured windscreen, and crisp creases flowing into that muscular fuel tank give it a purposeful stance without going overboard. There’s a sense of mass at the front, but it feels balanced rather than bulky. From the side and rear, the design stays practical yet well-executed, with the exposed subframe, luggage rack, and neatly placed LED taillight adding to the adventure-ready vibe.

Build quality, as expected from TVS, feels top-notch for this segment. The plastics, panel fit, and overall finish exude a sense of durability and attention to detail that you don’t always find at this price point. Everything felt tightly put together during our short stint, though only long-term use will tell how well it all holds up. Overall, the Apache RTX’s design leans more toward function than flair, but it still manages to look handsome and well-proportioned. The tall windscreen, wide tank, and split seats lend it an imposing road presence, making it appear larger than it actually is.

Features and ErgonomicsWhen it comes to features, TVS has loaded the Apache RTX quite generously. The bike comes with four distinct riding modes – Urban, Rain, Tour, and Rally, each fine-tuning the ABS and traction control levels to suit different terrains and rider preferences. Cruise control is standard across all variants, which is a thoughtful touch, especially for long highway stints. Higher variants take things up a notch with a crisp 5-inch TFT display operated via dedicated switchgear. Pair it with the TVS SmartXonnect app, and you get access to connected features like Google Maps mirroring and ride analytics, adding a layer of tech sophistication that’s rare in this price bracket.

Our 120 km test loop around Fagu in Shimla proved to be a proper challenge, with broken tarmac, deep potholes, and sections that could barely be called roads. Through all that, the RTX’s suspension impressed with its balance; it soaked up bumps effortlessly while staying composed. Even over rough patches, I never felt the need to stand up; the suspension did its job beautifully, keeping the ride smooth and controlled.

The ergonomics are spot-on for long hours in the saddle. The tall and wide handlebar offers excellent leverage, while the neutral footpeg position ensures you don’t feel cramped even after spending hours riding. At 5 feet 11 inches, I could comfortably swing a leg over the 835 mm seat and easily flat-foot one side, which should make most average-height riders feel at ease too. The seating triangle feels natural and commanding, giving you a clear view of the road ahead and great control both on and off the tarmac. Overall, the RTX strikes a fine balance between comfort and confidence, something many ADVs struggle to get right.Engine and hardwarePowering the Apache RTX is an all-new 299cc, liquid-cooled RT-XD4 engine, which was first showcased at TVS MotoSoul 2024. It delivers 36hp at 9,000rpm and 28.5Nm of torque at 7,000rpm, making it TVS’s second most powerful motorcycle after the Apache RR 310. The motor is paired with a 6-speed gearbox and comes equipped with a bidirectional quickshifter, adding to its sporty character.From the moment you thumb the starter, it’s clear that TVS has taken the lessons learned from the older 312cc platform and refined them here. The new engine feels noticeably smoother and more composed, both at idle and on the move. Vibrations are minimal, throttle response is clean, and there’s a crisper, more engaging exhaust note that gives it a lively personality. It’s evident that TVS has focused on making this motor not just powerful, but also more polished and enjoyable to live with.

During our ride through Shimla’s tight and twisty hill roads, we mostly shuffled between second and fourth gears and barely touched 80 km/h before slowing for corners, so a proper high-speed test remains for another day. But even within that limited window, the motor felt composed and tractable, pulling cleanly from low speeds without protest.In fact, the RTX impressed more with its flexibility than its outright speed. It can comfortably hold around 20–25 km/h in third gear, and once you roll on the throttle, it gathers pace in a predictable and linear manner. Being a small-capacity single-cylinder motor, it does need a downshift or two for quick overtakes, especially when the revs drop below its sweet spot. The gearbox itself feels crisp and well-calibrated, with light shifts and smooth engagement, the quickshifter working especially well when accelerating through the gears.

There were, however, a few moments of inconsistent fuelling that I experienced while upshifting, a brief hesitation where the engine seemed to bog down before resuming power delivery. It wasn’t frequent, but it’s something TVS could refine further before the production batches hit showrooms. The RTX feels eager up to 90 km/h and cruises effortlessly at 80 km/h in sixth gear, with very little vibration filtering through the pegs or bars. That gives confidence that it could be a comfortable mile-muncher on highways, though a proper 100–120 km/h test will better reveal its touring potential. For city commutes, the engine’s tractability and the option of switching between modes – Urban, Tour, Rain, and Rally make it versatile. Urban mode keeps power delivery smooth and friendly for newer riders, while Tour and Rally modes liven up the throttle and make the bike feel more responsive, especially on open stretches or broken trails. Overall, the new 299cc motor strikes a fine balance between refinement and usability. It’s smooth, flexible, and engaging enough to make everyday rides as enjoyable as weekend getaways, though a longer highway stint will truly show what it’s capable of.

The Apache RTX is built around a completely new steel trellis frame, paired with a 41mm upside-down front fork and a rear monoshock. Both ends offer 180mm of suspension travel, while ground clearance measures a healthy 200mm, giving the bike confidence over uneven terrain. It rolls on a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel setup, shod with tyres that TVS says were specifically developed for this machine. Stopping power comes from disc brakes at both ends, complemented by dual-channel ABS for added safety. The RTX sits at a seat height of 835mm and tips the scales at a kerb weight of 180kg, striking a good balance between agility and stability for an adventure motorcycle of this class.Ride and handlingOn the road, the Apache RTX strikes a fine balance between stability and agility. It feels composed at speed yet nimble enough to flick through quick direction changes. Combine that with plush suspension and spacious seating, and you have a bike that makes both rider and passenger eager to plan longer trips. What’s impressive is that comfort hasn’t come at the expense of handling. Thanks in part to the fat tyres, 110-section up front and 150 at the rear, developed by Eurogrip. Even when we hit off-road patches with slush, gravel, and rocky inclines, the tyres offered reassuring grip, keeping the bike composed.

Through steep uphill turns, rough gravel trails, and unevenly packed dirt, the RTX never faltered. The clutch is light, the engine tractable without being overly punchy, and all these factors combine to give beginners real confidence. Braking performance is reassuring, too. The initial bite is intentionally mellow for off-road safety, but as you apply more pressure, feedback and modulation are excellent. Dual-channel ABS works smoothly, intervening only when necessary, without ever feeling intrusive.Handling is equally impressive given the 19-inch front wheel. The wide handlebars provide ample leverage, making it easy to lean into corners, while quick directional changes require minimal effort. Cornering stability is excellent, and the tyres maintain strong grip in dry conditions, giving the RTX a composed, planted feel whether on twisty roads or rugged trails.Should you buy one?The TVS Apache RTX 300 makes a compelling case as an entry-level adventure bike that doesn’t compromise on comfort, features, or style. It combines a sharp, purposeful design with thoughtfully engineered ergonomics that suit both city commuting and long-distance touring. The new 299cc RT-XD4 engine strikes a fine balance between refinement and usability, offering tractable performance at low speeds and a smooth, composed ride even over rough terrain.

While there are minor areas for improvement, such as occasional fuelling inconsistencies and limited high-speed testing on open highways, the Apache RTX 300 succeeds in delivering a versatile, capable, and well-rounded adventure motorcycle. For riders looking to step into the world of touring and light off-roading without breaking the bank, this bike is an exciting and very competent option.