TVS Motor’s engine journey is a testament to the relentless pursuit of innovation, performance and technological breakthrough. From the iconic Apache 150 to the cutting-edge Apache RR 310 and RTR 310, every Apache engine is infused with TVS Racing’s decades-long motorsport heritage.
At the dawn of the millennium (early 2000’s), TVS Motor embarked on a bold path - investing heavily in R&D for new engine platforms, marked by industry-first indigenous breakthrough with a commitment to delivering advanced, reliable and rider-centric powertrains.
Here’s an in-depth look at the technological progression of TVS engines, each milestone reflecting our passion for engineering, our dedication to riders and our vision for the future of motorcycling.
Back to Basics: TVS’s Carbureted Legacy
In 2005, TVS unveiled its latest engineering breakthrough and a design masterpiece; it was the TVS Apache 150. It aimed at redefining the 150cc category in India with a key focus on acceleration, handling and sporty design, inspired by TVS Racing.
Technology
● TVS Apache 150 was powered by a 147.5cc, single cylinder, 4-stroke carbureted engine, producing a peak power output of 13.7 PS @ 8500 rpm | 12.3Nm @ 6000 rpm, paired with a 5-speed gearbox.
● The IE Surge (intake and Exhaust surge) technology, incorporating intake and exhaust resonators to deliver excellent initial pickup with response acceleration.
● Carbureted engine provided straightforward maintenance and reliability.
● The engine also features Inductive Digital Ignition (IDI) with lean burn technology for improved engine response, especially cold starts.
● It also featured Roller Cam follower technology for reducing friction among internal parts for longer engine life.
Injecting Power, Igniting Passion: Apache’s RTR 160 (2008)
In 2008, TVS elevated the performance standard with the newly launched TVS Apache RTR 160. Designed for the riders who demand more, Apache RTR 160 blends cutting-edge technology with TVS’ racing DNA. It was a technological leap over the previous generation, offering more power, better refinement and advanced features.
Technological Leap
● Fuel Injection technology – TVS changed the game with the launch of Apache RTR 160, it was the first Apache to wear the RTR badge. The newly developed EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection system) offered smooth acceleration, improved fuel efficiency and effortless cold start capability, giving the rider an edge on city roads and on the racetrack.
● Bump in Displacement and Power – the new Apache RTR 160 was based on a similar platform but with increased engine size from 147cc to 159cc, offering more power and more torque, amplifying the thrill of every ride.
● No choke or reserve knob – the fuel injection technology eliminated the need for a manual choke and a traditional reserve knob as it offered cleaner combustion, smooth operation and improved throttle response.
Raising the Bar: Meet the Apache RTR 180 (2009)
Building on the RTR 160’s dominance, in 2009, TVS Apache RTR 180 was launched with an over-square powerhouse, offering a peak power output of astonishing 17.3 PS, 0-60km/h in 4.1 seconds and 125km/h top speed.
From the day of launch, Apache RTR 180 clearly dominated the category while also addressing the consumer sentiment of more power and a technologically advanced engine platform.
In 2011, the updated TVS Apache RTR 180 became the first-ever bike in India to feature an indigenously developed ABS System.
Shift to Oil Cooled Engine: Apache RTR 200 4V Debut
2016 saw the arrival of the TVS Apache 200 4V with several technological advancements as a testament to TVS’s relentless pursuit of innovation. It positioned itself as one of the most sophisticated single cylinder bike in India. Here’s an in-depth into its key innovations.
1. Race Derived O3C Technology
● TVS introduced its patented O3C (Oil-Cooled Combustion Chamber) technology, which deploys a unique jacket around the combustion chamber. It is a dedicated channel/ cavity that wraps the engine chamber through which oil circulates and draws away excess heat generated during combustion, and reduces the overall temperature up to 10°C.
● This system, combined with ram-air assist, helps in reducing the engine temperature by up to 10°C, offering consistent performance and improved engine longevity.
2. Oil-Cooled, 4-Valve Architecture
● The 4-valve architecture allows for faster and better air-fuel mixture, resulting in superior combustion, higher power output and faster exhaust gas evacuation compared to the traditional 2-valve head engine.
3. Slipper Clutch and GTT (Glide Through Technology)
● The introduction of the Slipper clutch allowed for more aggressive downshifting without rear-wheel hop, enhancing both safety and performance. It ultimately enabled the racer to ride effortlessly without much engagement on brakes.
● The patented GTT allows the rider to crawl at low speed in traffic without throttle input, making urban riding smoother without the risk of stalling.
4. Lightweight, High-strength Material
● The engine is manufactured using a lightweight, high-strength piston with a special coating known as “NanofriKS”. This specially designed coating reduces wear and tear and enables the rev engine at higher revs for a longer duration.
Liquid-Cooled Powerhouse: TVS Apache RR 310
TVS Apache RR 310’s engine represents a pivotal breakthrough and stands as our flagship, boasting a 312cc, liquid-cooled, single cylinder, DOHC (Dual overhead camshaft). It featured a reverse inclined engine setup by tilting the engine backwards.
TVS achieved better mass centralisation, allowing the engine to be placed further forward in the chassis. This, in turn, offered more space for a longer swing arm, resulting in improved acceleration and straight-line stability.
Engineering Highlights
● Advanced Liquid Cooling system – Apache RR 310 comes integrated with advanced liquid-cooled oil coolant technology, which ensures the engine oil maintains its lubricating properties, even when the engine is consistently at higher revs.
● DOHC, 4 Valve Head – the engine is designed with a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) with four valves per cylinder, allowing for an efficient air-fuel mixture and exhaust. This design enables the engine to rev comfortably up to 9700 rpm, offering impressive performance figures for a single cylinder in its class.
● Horizontally Split Crankcase – this design layout is primarily used in performance bikes. The split crankcase layout offers increased structural rigidity and improved oil sealing, which in turn enhances the ability of the engine to handle higher loads and extended high-speed operations.
● Bosch Closed Loop EFI – TVS Motor is known to integrate industry-best hardware in its bikes. The system uses an oxygen sensor to monitor exhaust gases and feed this information back to the ECU, which directly controls the fuel injector, leading to consistently enhanced power delivery.
● Hydraulic Cam Chain Tensioner – it is primarily known for its ability to maintain consistent tension and automatically adjust as per the engine temperature, offering reduced NVH level, improved durability and even fuel efficiency gains.
A New Chapter: Apache RR 310 Engine Evolution (2024)
Built to deliver unparalleled power, the new TVS Apache RR 310 retains the iconic 312cc powertrain, now meticulously re-engineered by TVS to deliver even more power and torque, while also meeting stricter emission standards.
The new Apache RR 310 comes with a suite of advanced electronics, customization options and extensive rework on the powertrain. Here’s how TVS has elevated the riding experience to an entirely new level:
● Increased compression ratio – TVS has bumped up the compression ratio in this powertrain. The result is a more complete and efficient burn, and maximising the energy extracted from it.
● Larger airbox & throttle body – the airbox volume has been increased by 13%, and a bump in throttle body diameter. This improvement in volumetric efficiency translates to the engine breathing better and delivering exhilarating power and responsiveness.
● Lighter Forged Pistons – the new pistons are 10% lighter, forged by compressing aluminium under higher pressure. This not only makes them stronger than cast pistons but also reduces the reciprocating mass, enabling quicker revs and enhanced durability.
● Optimised Engine Tuning – TVS has worked on refining ECU mapping, engine tuning and ignition parameters of the new hardware. The updated engine tuning delivers a broader, more usable mid-range and a stronger top-end, ensuring improved in-gear acceleration and crisper throttle response.
The engine now feels smoother and more refined than ever before, thanks to the intelligent engine calibration. Here is what riders can expect:
● Crisper Throttle – experience immediate, linear power delivery, especially in Sport and Track Mode – allowing for precise control and exhilarating acceleration.
● Improved Acceleration – The new TVS Apache RR 310 can accelerate from 0-60km/h in 2.8 seconds and 0 -100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. These astonishing acceleration figures are a direct result of lighter pistons and other supporting upgrades. It is among the most powerful cylinder engine bikes.
TVS RT-XD4: Next-Gen Engineering
TVS RT-XD4 was conceptualised, designed and developed entirely in-house at TVS’s Research and Development centre in Hosur. This brand-new engine showcases our engineering and tech prowess.
TVS has developed some of the first in industry tech, namely: dual oil pump with a split chamber crankcase, dual cooling jacket cylinder head and a dual breather system, preventing oil contamination and reducing oil consumption. The engine is a major milestone for TVS, designed to offer a unique and refined riding experience.
Book Now!
Engineering Highlights
This engine revolves around four key technologies.
1. Dual Oil Pump – offers optimal lubrication, which leads to consistent torque delivery without any power loss, improving the overall engine reliability and endurance.
2. Dual Breather System – this technology excels in preventing oil contamination, reduces oil consumption and maintains performance over demanding rides.
3. Dual Cooling Jacket Cylinder Head – the engine features an oil jacket below and a water jacket on top of the cylinder head, ensuring superior thermal management and stable performance.
4. Dual Overhead Cams – it allows for efficient air flow and enables the engine to rev higher, resulting in improved combustion and performance.
Advanced Components
● High-Intertia Shell Bearing Crankshaft – offers improved stability and refinement, especially at higher RPMs.
● Plasma Coated Cylinder – improves heat management, reduces friction and improves fuel efficiency.
● Helical Gear Driven Balancer – reduces NVH level, enhancing load carrying capacity and more efficient power transmission.
TVS RT-XD4 is the product of TVS’s deep racing roots, sophisticated R&D capabilities, user-driven design and a strong commitment to future-ready technology. It is also engineered for ethanol-blended fuel and lower emissions, aligning with TVS’s vision for sustainable and global mobility.
With every evolution, TVS Motor has redefined what’s possible in the world of motorcycling. From advanced engineering innovations to cutting-edge electronics. Backed by world-class manufacturing, rigorous quality standards, and a passion for performance, TVS empowers millions of riders with reliable, cutting-edge mobility solutions—built to race ahead, every day.
Know More about the TVS Apache RTR series
RELATED BLOGS:
TVS Apache RTR: Creating A Legacy Of Race Machines
Apache RR310 - Setting New Benchmarks in Performance
Apache RR310 - 4 Reasons It Is A Game Changer
Note: These Images are for reference only. The brand team may use these or select alternatives as preferred.
