When TVS Motor Company unveiled its first adventure‑tourer on Tuesday, October 15, 2025, the Indian two‑wheeler world sat up straight. The bike – Apache RTX 300 – rolled out of TVS’s Chennai headquarters at an introductory ex‑showroom price of ₹1.99 lakh for the base model, instantly flagging a new price battle in the sub‑300 cc adventure segment.
The launch took place at the company’s sprawling campus in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, under a sleek event banner that TVS called the "Adventure Unleashed" showcase. Bookings opened on the spot, and deliveries are slated to begin on November 15, 2025. Here’s why that matters: a well‑priced, feature‑rich adventure bike could tip the balance for riders who have been eyeing pricier rivals like KTM, Yezdi and Royal Enfield.
Background: TVS’s Journey into Adventure Touring
TVS has spent the last decade cementing its reputation with commuter favorites and performance‑oriented sport bikes. The Apache series, launched back in 2005, grew into a household name for its blend of style and city‑friendly performance. Yet, until now, the line never ventured past the urban arena. The company’s strategic pivot began in 2024 when it revealed the RT‑XD4 engine platform at the MotoSoul event, signalling an ambition to move beyond everyday commuting.
"Our goal is to give Indian riders a machine that can tackle a weekend trip to the hills without draining the wallet," said K. N. Raghavan, managing director of TVS Motor Company, during the launch. The comment underscores a broader trend: Indian manufacturers are finally chasing the adventure‑touring niche that, until recently, was dominated by foreign brands.
Key Specs and Features of the Apache RTX 300
The heart of the RTX 300 is a brand‑new 299.1 cc single‑cylinder, liquid‑cooled RT‑XD4 engine. Reported output varies slightly across sources – BikeWale lists 35.5 hp at 9,000 rpm and 28.5 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm, while Autocar India notes a rounded 36 hp. The dual‑cooling system, boasting both water and oil jackets, promises durability on long hauls.
Power reaches the rear via a six‑speed gearbox equipped with a bi‑directional quick‑shifter and an assist & slipper clutch – features usually reserved for premium sport machines. The frame is a steel trellis paired with an aluminum die‑cast swingarm, giving the bike a sturdy yet nimble feel on off‑road tracks.
- Wheel setup: 19‑inch front, 17‑inch rear, both on dual‑sport tires.
- Electronics: Color TFT display, three ride modes, switchable traction control, cruise control.
- Lighting: ‘Eye‑shaped’ LED headlamp, LED turn indicators.
- Ergonomics: Split rear seat for pillion comfort, transparent windscreen, muscular fuel‑tank styling.
- Accessory system: Quick‑release panniers and top box from GIVI, plus modular mounts for crash guards.
Pricing Strategy and Competitive Landscape
The RTX 300 rolls out in three trims: the base at ₹1.99 lakh, a mid‑range version at ₹2.14 lakh, and a Build‑to‑Order (BTO) spec at ₹2.29 lakh. All are introductory, ex‑showroom figures – taxes and registration will push the on‑road price a bit higher, but the gap with rivals remains significant.
For context, the KTM 250 Adventure clocks in around ₹2.15 lakh, Yezdi’s Adventure at ₹2.04 lakh, Royal Enfield’s Scram 440 at ₹2.35 lakh, and Suzuki’s V‑Strom SX near ₹2.39 lakh. A YouTube reviewer summed up the market reaction: “The price TVS has set is totally unbelievable – I expected it to be closer to ₹2.7‑2.8 lakh.” The sentiment is echoed across rider forums where price‑sensitivity remains king.
Analysts at Autocar India note that the RTX 300’s pricing puts it “on par with key rivals” while offering a richer tech suite. The implication? TVS hopes to capture first‑time adventure buyers and siphon off those who might otherwise stretch for a pricier foreign‑made bike.
Market Reaction and Analyst Views
Initial bookings surged within minutes of the launch. Dealerships in Bangalore, Delhi, and Hyderabad reported waiting lists forming for the BTO variant, where riders can cherry‑pick luggage configurations and colour schemes.
"The sub‑300 cc adventure segment has been underserved in India," says Ananya Sharma, senior market analyst at Motoro Insights. "TVS has timed this perfectly – the monsoon season is winding down, and riders are planning October‑December road trips. A competitively priced, well‑equipped bike can dominate sales charts this quarter."
Competitors are already whispering about price revisions. Sources close to KTM suggest a possible mid‑year discount on the 250 Adventure, while Yezdi is reportedly accelerating development of its next‑gen adventure model to close the feature gap.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for India’s Two‑Wheeler Market
Beyond the immediate sales push, the RTX 300 could reshape how manufacturers think about adventure bikes. Historically, Indian riders gravitated toward larger displacement machines (350‑500 cc) for touring, citing power and comfort. TVS is betting that a lightweight, tech‑laden 300 cc platform can deliver comparable confidence with lower fuel consumption – a winning formula for the cost‑conscious Indian consumer.
The launch also reinforces Chennai’s status as a motor‑bike innovation hub. The city, home to multiple OEMs and a thriving supplier ecosystem, now hosts yet another marquee event that could attract talent and investment.
Future steps? TVS plans to roll out a dedicated adventure riding kit – including skid plates, off‑road tires, and a navigation‑ready smartphone mount – by early 2026. If the RTX 300 hits its forecasted 12,000‑unit sales target for the first year, we could see a ripple effect, prompting more Indian brands to explore the sub‑300 cc adventure niche.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Apache RTX 300 compare to the KTM 250 Adventure?
Both bikes sit in the sub‑300 cc adventure class, but the RTX 300 undercuts the KTM by roughly ₹15,000 in its base form. TVS offers a TFT display, quick‑shifter and a partnership with GIVI for luggage, whereas KTM leans on its brand heritage and a slightly higher power output. Ride‑feel reviews suggest the RTX is a touch lighter, which many riders find beneficial on technical trails.
What financing options are available for buyers?
Most major banks and TVS’s own financing arm are offering low‑interest loans starting at 8.5% per annum, with flexible tenures up to five years. Some dealers also provide zero‑down‑payment schemes for the base variant, provided the buyer has a stable credit history.
When will the full accessory kit be available?
The GIVI quick‑release panniers and top box are slated for launch alongside the bike in October, with additional rugged accessories – such as skid plates and off‑road tires – expected in Q1 2026.
Will TVS expand the RTX line with larger engines?
Industry insiders hint that TVS is already prototyping a 400 cc adventure sibling, aiming for a 2027 release. The company hasn’t confirmed details yet, but a broader engine range would help it cover the entire adventure market spectrum.
What impact could the RTX 300 have on Indian two‑wheeler sales trends?
If the RTX 300 meets its projected sales, it could push adventure‑tourer volumes up by 10‑15% year‑on‑year, forcing established players to rethink pricing and feature bundles. The knock‑on effect may also stimulate ancillary markets, from luggage manufacturers to adventure‑touring gear retailers.
