2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 vs Yamaha FZ S V3 BS6 - Which One Should You Buy and Why?

Updated on May 18, 2021 - In this article, we have compared the 2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V vs the Yamaha FZ-S V3 BS6. TVS Motor Company has recently launched the new 2021 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6 and you can know more about it by clicking HERE.

Original Article - June 30, 2020; The 160cc motorcycle segment is very popular in India. This segment is very crowded and we have a lot of players fighting with each other. The Yamaha FZ was one of the first sporty premium commuters to be launched in India back in 2008 and it is very popular till date. Currently, the FZ is in its third generation avatar and is called the Yamaha FZ V3. The other motorcycle we have in our today's comparo is the Apache RTR 160 4V. The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V was launched in India in 2018 and it became an instant hit. Recently, both the motorcycles got the BS6 update. And, so today we will be comparing the 2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 vs Yamaha FZ S V3 BS6 to know which one should you buy and why!

2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 vs Yamaha FZ S V3: Looks and Colour Options

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is a very handsome-looking motorcycle. Recently, along with the BS6 update, it got some design tweaks and new features which made it even better. The 2020 Apache 160 4V gets a striking look with new all-LED headlamps. It also gets new twin LED DRLs and attractive body decals that give it an aggressive appeal. It features a sharp aerodynamic side profile and also gets an engine cowl. At the rear, the bike gets a LED taillamp and new dual-tone textured single-piece seat. The Apache 160 4V BS6 is available in three colour options: Racing Red, Metallic Blue and Knight Black.

Yamaha FZ is a muscular motorcycle. It is available in two trims: FZ and FZ S and the motorcycle we are comparing today is the FZ S. Both the bikes are completely identical in terms of hardware, engine & performance. Aesthetically, both can be distinguished on the basis of their colour variants, engine cowl, etc. The 2020 FZ S V3 BS6 gets a new muscular stance. Upfront, it gets an all-LED headlamp with LED DRLs. Moreover, it gets macho styling, all thanks to its bulky tank extensions, long single-piece seat, healthy rear-end, etc. The new FZ S is available in five colour variants: Dark Knight, Metallic Red, Matt Black, Dark Matt Blue and Gray & Cayan Blue.

2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 vs Yamaha FZ S V3: Engine, Transmission and Mileage

Specification	Apache 160 4V	Yamaha FZ S V3
Engine	159.7cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected	149cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected
Maximum Power	16.02 PS at 8250 RPM	12.4 PS at 7250 RPM
Maximum Torque	14.12 Nm at 7250 RPM	13.6 Nm at 5500 RPM
Cooling System	oil-cooled	air-cooled
Transmission	5-speed	5-speed
Mileage	45-50 kmpl (real-world)	45-50 kmpl (real-world)
Emission Norm	BS6	BS6

The new Apache 160 4V is powered by a BS6-compliant 159.7cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine. This motor pumps out 16.02 PS of power at 8250 RPM and 14.12 Nm of peak torque at 7250 RPM. The engine comes coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox. It gets TVS' Race-tuned (RT-FI) fuel-injection technology for enhanced power delivery and fuel economy. Moreover, it also gets GTT or Glide Through Technology feature for low-speed urban riding that offers an extremely smooth and controlled riding experience.

The new 2020 Yamaha FZ S V3, on the other hand, is powered by a BS6-compliant 149cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. This motor churns out 12.4 PS of power at 7250 RPM and 13.6 Nm of peak torque at 5500 RPM. It also gets a fuel-injection technology but with the BS6 update, the power and torque figures of the motorcycle have dropped by a noticeable margin. It is now the least powerful bike in its class. The new FZ V3 comes coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Both the motorcycles deliver a decent mileage of around 45-50 kmpl in real-world conditions.

2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 vs Yamaha FZ S V3: Chassis and Suspension

Specification	Apache 160 4V	Yamaha FZ S V3
Chassis	Double Cradle Split Synchro STIFF	NA
Front Suspension	Telescopic Forks with Hydraulic Dampers	Telescopic Forks
Rear Suspension	Mono-shock absorber	7-step Adjustable Mono-shock absorber

Both the motorcycles get telescopic forks at the front and a mono-shock absorber at the rear.

2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 vs Yamaha FZ S V3 BS6: Tyres and Brakes

Specification	Apache 160 4V	Yamaha FZ S V3
Tyre Size	Front 90/90-17 Rear 110/80-17 (drum version) Rear 130/70-17 (disc version)	Front 100/80-17 Rear 140/60-R17
Tyre Type	tubeless	tubeless
Wheel Type	alloy	alloy
Front Brake	disc	disc
Rear Brake	disc/drum	disc
Front Brake Diameter	270 mm	282 mm
Rear Brake Diameter	130 mm (drum) 200 mm (disc)	220 mm
ABS	single-channel	single-channel

Both the motorcycles run on 17-inch tubeless tyres. Also, it is worth mentioning that the FZ S V3 features the widest tyre in its class and also it gets radial unit at the rear. A radial tyre offers superb grip and aids in handling characteristics of the bike. Both the motorcycles get disc brake at the front and at the rear, the FZ gets only a disc unit while one can choose between a drum or a disc in the Apache. Both the motorcycles also get a single-channel ABS as standard as an additional safety aid.

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2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 vs Yamaha FZ S V3: Dimensions and Capacity

Specification	Apache 160 4V	Yamaha FZ S V3
Length	2035 mm	1990 mm
Width	790 mm	780 mm
Height	1050 mm	1080 mm
Seat Height	800 mm	790 mm
Wheelbase	1357 mm	1330 mm
Ground Clearance	180 mm	165 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity	12L	13L
Weight	147 kgs (drum) 149 kgs (disc)	137 kgs

2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 vs Yamaha FZ S V3 BS6: Features

The new Apache 160 4V gets an all-digital instrument cluster loaded with a ton of information. It displays digital speedometer, odometer, twin trip meters, fuel gauge, clock and even a gear-position indicator. The Yamaha FZ S V3 also gets an all-digital instrument cluster loaded with plenty of information but it is a smaller console compared to the Apache.

2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 vs Yamaha FZ S V3 BS6: Price and Verdict

The new 2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6 is available in two variants: Drum (rear) and Disc. The rear drum brake model is priced at Rs. 1,02,950 while the dual disc variant is priced at Rs. 1,06,000. The Yamaha FZ S V3 BS6, on the other hand, is available in only one variant but the price varies according to the selected colour variants. The Dark Knight colour variant is priced at Rs. 1,03,200 while all other colour variants are priced at Rs. 1,01,700. Yamaha also sells the FZ V3 that gets some less styling bits but all the other mechanicals are the same as the FZ S V3. The new FZ V3 BS6 is priced at Rs. 99,700. All prices stick to Ex-showroom Delhi.

Finally, talking about the verdict, so if you want a good-looking motorcycle with muscular styling, lots of features, decent performance and with an affordable price tag, then you should choose the Yamaha FZ S V3 BS6. But, if you want a more feature-loaded machine with punchy performance, great looks and good rideability, then you should definitely consider buying the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6.

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This was our spec-comparison of the new 2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 vs Yamaha FZ S V3 BS6. Which among these will be your pick? Tell us in the comments below. You can also join our 91Wheels Automobile Enthusiast group (click via mobile to join) curated exclusively for the fans, enthusiasts and the owners.