Brought Blue Apache on Gudi Padwa day (30th March). Today 11th April completed 500 Kms. (Max speed attained 60 Kmph - Running in limitation)
My personal Background: Age 56, Height 5-10. Previously used Ind-Suzuki (10 Years-1, 35, 000Kms), Samurai (3 Years), Bajaj 4S-Champion (9 Years-55, 000 Kms-still using), I have not driven other bikes like pulsar, splendour etc. so I will compare <Apache> with only the bikes I have used.
I liked the appearance, and gereral get up of the bike. Individual part quality is excellent.
Engine: Excellent low grunting sound, Sometimes one feels electric motor is rotating instead of engine. Excellent acceleration. On smooth road the bike feels as if gliding on water uptill 50 kmph speed, after that vibration starts. Though acceleration is smooth, accelerator cable requires much force to turn compared to my earlier bikes. On my Ind-suzuki & Samurai I could cruise at 70Kmph for Hours. With 4s-Champion it is uncomfortable at 50 Kmph & above. With Apache also it is uncomfortable after 60 Kmph due to vibrations. May be this is due to difference between 2 stroke & 4 Stroke engine.
Braking: Rear - ordinary, Front Disk - Excellent.
Shocks: In the beginning were excellent now after 500Km ride quality has slightly deteriorated. May be I have to readjust them.
Starter: With electric starter, starts at once with kick 2-3 kicks are required. Kick has to be taken out and returned back by hand. In 4S kick can be taken out by foot and after kicking automatically returns to original position. Possible to start in any gear by pressing cluth.
Clutch: Very smooth and gradual - Excellent.
Horn: Two Horns give excellent sound. not very low nor irritating.
Head Lamp: Halogen 35 W , bright light for night driving. Other lamps are also OK
Fuel gauge: About 20% inaccurate. Seems to be responding only to the petrol height in the tank ignoring changing width (with height). The result is that after full tank level, the needle goes down somewhat fast and then lingers at the bottom level for a long time.
Locking: By ignition key- Centrlised-handle can be locked on both sides.
Putting on stand-I was told to hold ’’tail handle’’ lift it, at the same time pushing the stand. This is easy. But I found it is easier to put left leg on stand, raise right leg and put whole body wt. on stand and the vehicle automatically lifts and comes on stand. Further for putting on or off from stand very little spae is required, this is advantageous in cramped parking space.
Foot Rests- for the rider are given foldable, but stopper is welded to prevent their folding. This is extremely funny. Foldability is required when punctured vehicle is to be taken along with you walking at side. The foot rest if not folded fouls with your leg when walking. Generally I raise idle speed so that I can start the punctured vehicle keep acc. low and m/cycle runs besides me at my walking speed.
Gear Box: Finding neutral is problem. lever goes on shifting between 1-2 escaping neutral. 2-3-4 shifting is also not smooth and positive. 4-5 and back is ok. The gear ratios are such that one starts wondering which gear one is travelling. after hitting lever one is not sure if the gear has changed or not, only when clutch is engaged one comes to know whether it has changed. I am not sure whether this problem will disappear after some running in.
Tyres: Both tyres are appropriate and road grip is fantastic. In Mumbai there is uneven line between two concrete slab (Road), I always felt unsafe while travelling on this line, but with Apache it is not felt underneath its broad tyres.
Manuvourability: Absolutely exellent, in slow moving bumper to bumper traffic you can rush ahead easily. Cornering is never a problem. Instant acceleration and fast stop helps.
Seat: comfortable for me, but handle position gives me backache. I would suggest TVS to reduce height of center chassis frame and provide seats with three different heights to suit individuals. Since seat is detachable this should not be a problem. Also some bikes may be fitted with Victor like tall handlebar for those who want comfort more than sporty look.
Pillion rider seat is quite at a height and my wife and daughter do not find it comfortable.
Those who want to learn the bike will not be able to do so, beause the person sitting behind (teacher) will not be able to reach ground level and balance.
The only part needs to be protected in rain (with antirust) is crash guard with cromium plating. Handle is silver colour.
Mileage: On 2 Liters petrol (reserve to reserve) I got 122 Kms. That is about 61 Kms/Liter on Highway at a uniform speed of 45-60, No signals, Single seater.
Petrol Tank Cap. Comes out and you need to hold it in hand while the petrol is being filled. I would appriciate tilting cap. The cap needs to be pushed inside for locking.
Oil filler plug: Has dipstick for level checking, I would prefer sight glass like bajaj pulsar.
Tool Bag and first aid box is under the seat. first aid box jumps and strikes the seat on speed breakers. Some kind of belt needs to be provide for holding it in place inside seat.
Lastly my desire of cruising at 70-80 Kmph ’’comfortably’’ is not met by this bike, but even then I would like to recommend this bike to those who feel like purchasing it.
I hope TVS will improve on the points suggested and offer better Apache in the moths to come. With good wishes to makers and purhaser of Apache
Kishore R. Potnis