TVS Apache RTX 300: Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) 2026

by Dhiyanesh Ravichandran · Published December 27, 2025 · Updated December 31, 2025

TVS Apache RTX is a “do-it all” motorcycle bridges the gap between a daily commuter and a serious weekend tourer.

The new TVS Apache RTX 300 is crowned as the Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) 2026. This victory marks the third time TVS Motor Company has secured this prestigious title, often referred to as the “Oscars” of the Indian automotive industry. The motorcycle truly stands as a testament to the Indian engineering prowess.

TVS Apache RTX Indian Motorcycle of the year 2026 — *TVS Apache RTX 300*

An expert jury consisting of 16 of India’s most seasoned automotive journalists from leading publication including Bike India, Evo India, Auto Today, and BikeWale evaluated the contenders over months of testing. The evaluation parameters included technical innovation, design, performance, efficiency, and most importantly, suitability for Indian riding conditions.

The competition this year was quite fierce, featuring a diverse lineup of motorcycles ranging from lightweight commuters to electric innovators and heavy-weight classics. The finalists included KTM 390 Adventure and Ultraviolette X47, who were declared as the first- and second-runner up respectively. Other contenders include Royal Enfield Classic 650, Yamaha XSR 155, Honda CB125 Hornet, KTM Enduro R, and Kawasaki KLX 230.

At the end, the TVS Apache RTX edged out the competition, proving itself as the most well-rounded package for the modern Indian rider. At the heart of the motorcycle’s victory is its all-new RT-XD4 engine platform. This 300 cc single-cylinder DOHC engine is quite impressive, producing a punchy 36 PS of power and 28.5 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. It comes with a 6-speed gearbox.

The bike is tuned for endurance, with its dual cooling jackets (water and oil) and dual oil pumps for optimal heat management and lubrication during intense off-road sessions or long highway rides. Weighing in at just 180 kg (kerb), the bike offers a power-to-weight ratio that makes it agile in the city and spirited on the trails. In fact, the Apache RTX bridges the gap between a daily commuter and a serious weekend tourer.

Moreover, class leading features of the TVS Apache RTX 300 such as Cruise Control, dedicated ride modes that adjust throttle response, traction control, ABS sensitivity on the fly, and 5-inch TFT display with Map Mirroring via TVS SmartXonnect may also have impressed the jury. By pricing it competitively with a starting price tag of ₹1.99 Lakhs (ex-showroom), TVS has made this high-end, “do-it all” motorcycle accessible as well.