In an industry where every new bike faces scrutiny, TVS has just dropped a signal-flare with its first adventure-touring machine: the Apache RTX 300. With a starting ex-showroom price of ₹1.99 lakh, the RTX 300 is poised to shake up the mid-capacity ADV (adventure) segment in India. But can it deliver performance, features, and real utility to beat rivals and win hearts? Here’s what you need to know.
TVS has officially entered the adventure touring segment with the Apache RTX 300, powered by its new 299.1 cc RT-XD4 engine and packed with ride modes, traction control, cruise control, and more. Offered in three variants (Base, Top, BTO), with deliveries starting November 2025, the RTX 300 takes aim at KTM 250 Adventure, Yezdi Adventure, Suzuki V-Strom SX, and Royal Enfield Himalayan.
Below is the full breakdown – specs, features, competitive context, early impressions, and more.
1. Launch Details & Market Strategy
- TVS launched the Apache RTX 300 on October 15–16, 2025, with introductory ex-showroom pricing from ₹1.99 lakh for the base variant, going up to ₹2.29 lakh for the built-to-order (BTO) spec.
- The bike will be available in three trims: Base, Top, BTO, and in five color options — Viper Green, Metallic Blue, Pearl White, Lightning Black, and Tarn Bronze.
- TVS is using this launch to further its premiumisation push: in FY2025, sales in the >150cc segment grew ~30% year-over-year, establishing that the Indian market is increasingly open to higher-capacity bikes.
- According to market watchers, the RTX 300 launch is also drawing investor interest, as TVS diversifies beyond street bikes into adventure/touring territory.
2. Engine, Performance & Underpinnings
Powertrain & Output
- The heart of the Apache RTX 300 is the new RT-XD4 299.1 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine.
- It makes ≈ 36 PS at 9,000 rpm and 28.5 Nm at 7,000 rpm according to multiple sources.
- Transmission is via a 6-speed gearbox with assist & slipper clutch.
- The engine features dual cooling (water + oil jacket), a bi-directional quickshifter, and is tuned for linear power delivery tailored for both road and mild off-road riding.
Chassis, Suspension & Geometry
- The RTX 300 uses a steel trellis frame, paired with a cast-aluminum swingarm.
- Suspension setup: 41 mm inverted (USD) forks with ~180 mm travel and a monotube rear shock with floating piston also ~180 mm travel.
- Ground clearance is claimed at 200 mm, and the kerb weight is ~180 kg.
- Seat height is 835 mm, which may be a stretch for some riders.
- Wheel/tyre combo: 19-inch front, 17-inch rear wheels, with dual-sport (road-biased) tyres. Front disc: 320 mm, rear: 240 mm.
3. Features & Electronics
The Apache RTX 300 is not just about mechanical hardware — TVS has loaded it with modern rider aids:
- Four ride modes: Urban, Rain, Tour, Rally — adjusting engine response, ABS/traction control levels.
- Traction Control, with at least two levels.
- Switchable ABS: ABS sensitivity adapts depending on mode (e.g., more permissive in Rally mode).
- Cruise Control included across trims.
- 5-inch TFT display with smartphone mirroring (map, navigation), Bluetooth connectivity.
- TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) in higher variants.
- Quickshifter (bi-directional) — up and down shifts without clutch in certain situations.
- Accessory compatibility: modular mounts for luggage, crash guards, etc., and a collaboration with GIVI for touring luggage.
4. Variant Differences & Pricing
Here’s how TVS has structured its trim levels and pricing:
| Variant | Ex-Showroom Price | Key Differentiators |
|---|---|---|
| Base | ₹1.99 lakh | All core features: ride modes, traction control, basic electronics |
| Top | ~ ₹2.14 lakh | Adds Class D headlamps (DRLs), TFT cluster, quickshifter |
| BTO (Built To Order) | ~ ₹2.29 lakh | Adds adjustable suspension, TPMS, custom options |
Prices are introductory and likely to be reviewed after the initial delivery phase.
By pricing this way, TVS undercuts KTM 250 Adventure (which is priced higher) while staying comparable with Suzuki V-Strom SX and Yezdi Adventure in India.
5. Competitive Landscape & What RTX 300 Brings
Key Rivals
- KTM 250 Adventure — established name in the segment, but more expensive.
- Yezdi Adventure — robust engine, strong fan following.
- Suzuki V-Strom SX — road-oriented tourer.
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 — higher displacement, off-road leaning.
Advantages of RTX 300
- Strong feature-per-rupee proposition.
- Lighter weight than many ADV bikes, which helps in everyday usability.
- TVS’s deep service and parts network in India can reassure buyers.
- Modern electronics and ride aids that match or exceed rivals.
Challenges / Risks
- Brand perception — TVS doesn’t yet have legacy in the ADV space.
- Seat height and ergonomics might alienate shorter riders.
- Real-world reliability and durability on rugged terrain is stress test.
- If price creep happens (on-road, accessories), value advantage may erode.
6. Early Impressions & Community Signals
- Early reports from Autocar review teams suggest TVS is positioning the RTX 300 as a tarmac-friendly adventure tourer, rather than a hardcore off-roader.
- In spy-shot forums and enthusiast circles, there’s curiosity about its real-world performance, especially in mountains, exposed roads, and with full luggage loads.
- Some forums raise concerns about seat height (835 mm) and ground clearance under heavy loads.
- The collaboration with GIVI for luggage and accessories is seen as a smart move to offer full touring readiness out of the box.
7. What It Means for TVS & the Segment
TVS is signaling ambition: expansion into adventure / premium touring with a homegrown 300cc platform rather than relying on tie-ups. This launch could push other manufacturers to refresh their mid-displacement ADVs or to introduce variants.
In Indian consumer psyche, the “first reliable Indian 300 ADV” could become a marketing anchor. If TVS delivers on service, parts, and ride experience, the Apache RTX 300 may not just compete — it may help redefine expectations in the segment.
FAQs About TVS Apache RTX 300
It starts at ₹1.99 lakh for the base variant, rising up to ₹2.29 lakh for the top BTO spec.
The 299.1 cc RT-XD4 engine produces around 36 PS @ 9,000 rpm and 28.5 Nm @ 7,000 rpm.
While KTM is a well-established name, it’s priced higher and may lack some of the convenience electronics. Yezdi has strong heritage but fewer ride aids. The RTX 300 offers a compelling balance of features and price, though its off-road credentials must be proven in real-world tests.
Deliveries are slated to begin from November 15, 2025 for bookings made soon after launch.
TVS already has one of India’s largest two-wheeler service networks. However, for specialized ADV parts (suspension, electronics, accessories), performance will depend on how swiftly they scale distribution.
Base offers solid essentials.
Top adds quickshifter, TFT, etc.
BTO adds adjustable suspension, TPMS, and customization — ideal for avid tourers.
The BTO offers more flexibility but at a higher cost premium.
Conclusion:
The Apache RTX 300 is a bold statement from TVS: not just to join the adventure bike game, but to compete on features, utility, and rider experience. While numbers and spec sheets are impressive on paper, its long-term success will depend on how it rides in the real world, how well TVS supports it, and how the community — riders, reviewers, and adventurers — perceives it.