For years, Indian enthusiasts asked one question: “Why doesn’t TVS make an Adventure bike despite their Dakar racing heritage?”
Well, they finally answered. Launched late in 2025, the TVS Apache RTX 300 is Hosur’s first legitimate attempt at the ADV segment.
Unlike the BMW G 310 GS which feels premium but pricey, the RTX 300 promises accessible performance. It runs on an all-new 299cc liquid-cooled platform (not just a re-tuned 310 engine). Is this the “Himalayan Killer” or just a tall street bike? I took it for a 400km spin to find out.
The Price: It starts at a very aggressive ₹1.99 Lakh (Ex-showroom), significantly undercutting the KTM 250 Adventure and even the Suzuki V-Strom SX.
1. QUICK SPECS TABLE (Key Highlights)
| Parameter | Specification |
| Engine | 299cc, Single Cylinder, Liquid Cooled (New RT-XD4) |
| Power | 35.5 BHP @ 9000 rpm |
| Torque | 28.5 Nm @ 7000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed with Quickshifter (Bi-Directional) |
| Kerb Weight | 180 Kg |
| Fuel Tank | 15 Litres |
| Seat Height | 835 mm (Accessible due to narrow inseam) |
| Ground Clearance | 200 mm |
2. EXTERIOR DESIGN & ROAD PRESENCE
The Apache RTX 300 doesn’t look like an Apache; it looks like a rally raid machine.
- The Stance: It sits tall on a 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear. The beak is sharp but not comical.
- Lighting: The front features a menacing split LED headlamp with integrated DRLs that look like fangs.
- Build: The exposed steel trellis frame (painted white on the top variant) gives it a rugged, industrial look. It feels solid, though some plastic panels around the tank feel a bit flexy.
- Does it turn heads? Yes. Mostly because it looks significantly bigger than a 300cc bike.
3. INTERIOR, COMFORT & FEATURES
TVS has always been the “Tech King,” and the RTX 300 is no exception.
The Dashboard
You get a 5-inch TFT Color Display that is arguably the best in the segment. It’s crisp, bright, and connects to the TVS SmartXonnect app for turn-by-turn navigation and call alerts.
Comfort & Ergonomics
- Seat: The seat is long and flat-ish, allowing you to move around easily off-road. The cushioning is firm—great for long hours, bad for short city hops.
- Wind Protection: The windscreen is adjustable (manually, 2 steps). It deflects wind well up to 100 kmph.
- Pillion Comfort: Spacious. The grab rails are chunky and easy to hold.
Features
- Riding Modes: Urban, Rain, Sport, and Off-Road (disables Rear ABS).
- Cruise Control: A segment-first feature that actually works above 40 kmph.
- Ventilated Seat: Optional accessory (Yes, on a bike!).
4. ENGINE PERFORMANCE & RIDING DYNAMICS
This is the big news. The engine is NOT the old 312cc unit from the RR 310. It’s a new 299cc “square” engine designed for torque.
City Drive
The low-end grunt is immediately noticeable. Unlike the KTM 250 which needs to be revved, the RTX 300 pulls cleanly from 3000 rpm. The clutch is light, and the heat management is excellent—the radiator fan rarely kicks in during traffic.
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Highway Drive
- Cruising Speed: It sits happily at 110-120 kmph all day.
- Vibrations: Mild buzz in the footpegs past 7000 rpm, but the handlebars stay surprisingly smooth.
- Top Speed: We hit a speedo-indicated 148 kmph.
Off-Road & Suspension
The WP Apex Suspension (tuned by TVS) is the star here. It eats potholes for breakfast.
- Front: Long travel USD forks absorb landings well.
- Rear: The monoshock is plush.
- Handling: It’s not as sharp as a KTM on tarmac, but off-road, it is far more forgiving and stable.
5. SAFETY
- Braking: 320mm front disc with Sintered pads. The bite is sharp.
- ABS: Dual-Channel ABS is standard. The Supermoto Mode (Switchable Rear ABS) works perfectly for sliding in the dirt.
- Traction Control: Yes, and it’s switchable. Crucial for loose gravel uphill climbs.
6. REAL WORLD MILEAGE (The Truth)
Adventure bikes need range. Here is what the RTX 300 delivered in our test:
- ARAI Claimed: ~35 kmpl
- Real World (City): 29 – 31 kmpl (Traffic dependent).
- Real World (Highway): 34 – 36 kmpl (Cruising at 90-100 kmph).
Tank Range: With a 15-litre tank, you can realistically do 450+ km on a highway run. That is proper touring territory.
7. THE COMPETITION: RTX 300 vs Rivals
Based on price and purpose, the RTX 300 fights the KTM 250 Adventure and the Suzuki V-Strom SX.
| Feature | TVS Apache RTX 300 | KTM 250 Adventure | Suzuki V-Strom SX |
| Price (Ex-Showroom) | ₹1.99 Lakh | ₹2.45 Lakh | ₹2.12 Lakh |
| Power | 35.5 BHP | 30 BHP | 26 BHP |
| Torque | 28.5 Nm | 24 Nm | 22.2 Nm |
| Suspension | Long Travel (USD) | Long Travel (USD) | Standard Travel (Tele) |
| Tech | Cruise Control, TFT | LCD, Slipper Clutch | Bluetooth, LCD |
| VFM Score | 9/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 |
Winner: The TVS Apache RTX 300 simply destroys the competition on Value For Money. It has more power than the KTM and is cheaper than the Suzuki.
8. FINAL VERDICT: Should You Buy It?
Score: 9/10
The TVS Apache RTX 300 is the most “complete” sub-400cc adventure bike in India right now. It fixes the vibration issues of the BMW platform and offers more features than the KTMs. It is a fantastic first adventure bike.
Buy it if:
- You want a versatile bike for daily office commutes AND weekend trails.
- You want segment-leading features like Cruise Control and a Quickshifter.
- You are on a budget but don’t want to compromise on power.
Skip it if:
- You are very short (under 5’5″)—the 835mm seat is still tall.
- You want extreme hardcore off-road capability (The Himalayan 450 is still better in deep mud).
- You prefer a quiet, refined engine (It still has a raw, mechanical character).
9. FAQs (People Also Ask)
Q: What is the waiting period for the TVS Apache RTX 300?
A: Due to high demand, the waiting period in Tier-1 cities (Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi) is currently 4 to 6 weeks.
Q: Is the RTX 300 engine same as the RR 310?
A: No. The RTX 300 uses the new RT-XD4 engine (299cc). It is tuned for better low-end torque and cooling compared to the high-revving RR 310 engine.
Q: Does it have tubeless tyres?
A: No. The RTX 300 uses the new RT-XD4 engine (299cc). It is tuned for better low-end torque and cooling compared to the high-revving RR 310 engine.
Q: Does it have tubeless tyres?
A: Yes! The RTX 300 comes with Tubeless Spoke Wheels on the top-end BTO variant, while the standard variant gets Alloy wheels (also tubeless).
Q: Can I tour comfortably at 120 kmph?
A: You can, but the engine is most comfortable at 100-110 kmph. Above 120, you will feel the wind blast and some engine stress.
