Are you one of those riders who has a passion for exploring mountains, deserts, and long roads? If so, there’s good news for you. The 300cc adventure bike segment in the Indian market is heating up, with two new and powerful contenders. On one side is India’s TVS Motor Company’s latest marvel, the Apache RTX 300, and on the other, there’s the trusted V-Strom SX from Japanese brand Suzuki. Both bikes promise to satisfy your thirst for adventure, but the question is, which one will be the right fit for you? Let’s compare these two giants in simple terms and find out which one is worth investing your hard-earned money on.
Engine and Performance
The heart of any bike is its engine, and this becomes even more important when it comes to adventure bikes. The TVS Apache RTX 300 features a 299.1cc DOHC engine that produces 36 PS of power and 28.5 Nm of torque. The Suzuki V-Strom SX, on the other hand, uses a 249cc SOHC engine that produces 26.5 PS of power and 22.2 Nm of torque. Simply put, the Apache RTX 300 is clearly more powerful and advanced in terms of engine. It also features a liquid cooling system that ensures better cooling during long rides and extreme heat, while the V-Strom SX relies on oil cooling. However, the Suzuki’s engine is no slouch and can deliver superior performance even in challenging off-road conditions. Both bikes come with a 6-speed transmission.
Design
When choosing an adventure bike, its dimensions and build are crucial. Is it comfortable for long journeys? Will it be easy to control while off-roading? In terms of dimensions, both bikes are quite similar. Both have a seat height of 835 mm, which should be suitable for most riders. The TVS Apache RTX 300 weighs 180 kg, while the Suzuki V-Strom SX is lighter at 167 kg. The advantage of the lower weight is that the bike may be easier to handle in city traffic or on narrow roads. The fuel tank capacity of both is also almost the same – 12.5 liters for the RTX 300 and 12 liters for the V-Strom SX. In terms of ground clearance, the V-Strom SX has a slight advantage with 205 mm, while the RTX 300 has a ground clearance of 200 mm.
Safety and Suspension
When you set out on an adventure, the road isn’t always smooth. In such situations, your bike’s suspension and braking system become your greatest strengths. On this front, the TVS Apache RTX 300 wins hands down. It features 41mm USD forks in the front and a monoshock suspension with 180mm of travel at the rear. This long travel means that even large potholes and rough terrain won’t bother you. The Suzuki V-Strom SX’s suspension travel is less. The RTX 300 also excels in braking, with 320mm discs in the front and 240mm discs in the rear. Most notably, it offers switchable dual-channel ABS. This means you can disable the rear ABS when venturing off-road. The V-Strom SX also has dual-channel ABS, but it’s not switchable. The RTX 300 also offers larger and wider tires, which provide better off-road grip.
Technology and Features
These days, bikes are not just for riding, but have become an experience. In terms of features, the TVS Apache RTX 300 appears to be significantly ahead of the Suzuki V-Strom SX. It seems as if TVS has packed the entire feature-packed bike with it. You get four riding modes: Urban, Rain, Tour, and Rally, along with premium features like multi-level traction control, a bi-directional quick shifter, cruise control, and a 5-inch TFT instrument cluster. It also features TVS’s SmartXonnect technology, which helps connect the bike to your smartphone. The Suzuki V-Strom SX also has some good features like an LED headlamp, Suzuki Ride Connect, navigation, and a USB outlet, but they aren’t as impressive and advanced as the RTX 300.
Price
Now comes the most important issue: price and the final decision. The TVS Apache RTX 300 is priced at approximately ₹1.99 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Suzuki V-Strom SX is priced at approximately ₹2.01 lakh (ex-showroom). From here, things become quite clear. The TVS Apache RTX 300 not only offers a bigger and more powerful engine, but also better suspension, brakes, and a long list of premium features, all at a lower price than the Suzuki V-Strom SX.