New Delhi, Feb. 27 -- The first time I set eyes on the TVS Apache RTX 300, I stopped mid stride and stared in appreciation. Not surprising because the RTX has a captivating presence that made me momentarily wonder if it was truly powered by just a 299.1cc engine, rather than something closer to the 500cc mark.

Up close, my initial appreciation was reaffirmed. The fit and finish are excellent, from the switchgear and the paint, to the meticulous stitching on the seat and the detailing on the tank. At Rs.2.29 lakh for the fully loaded Built to Order (BtO) version, it looks and feels like it is punching well above its weight. This is a motorcycle that will cause passers-by to slow their walk and run a long, unhurried eye over it.

The stanc...