After a lot of speculation I decided to buy TVS Apache RTR 160 Hyper Edge dual disc variant. I had a plan to buy a motor-bike in the 150 cc segment.
I took test rides of Suzuki Gixxer, Bajaj 200 NS, Hero Xtreme, Honda CB trigger and TVS Apache 160 RTR. But I finally decided to go for the RTR beast.:-)
The reasons for buying Apache were obvious.
The things I didn’t like in other bikes are:
1.Suzuki Gixxer - Most of the body is fiber so it is light but its not durable. The sound of the exhaust is not giving any feeling of riding a 150cc segment bike.
2.Bajaj 200 NS - Is way too expensive and the maintenance is high with low mileage.
3.Hero Xtreme - Enough of Hero stuff I have seen on the roads and the bike is way to heavy.
4.Honda CB trigger - High in maintenance and unnecessarily expensive with no new features.
I am writing this review after I have done the 1st service and ridden around 900KMs. I like its exhaust sound the most, its like a beast roaring.
The Hyper Edge edition has some refreshing body graphics and nicely designed cowls. Initially I had some back issues from the riding posture but after a month its okay and now I am used to it.
The pickup is amazing and gear shifts are butter smooth. The disc brakes are rock solid and stalls the bike in no time. Just ensure that you are applying both the brakes at the same time.
I still have not ridden it above 50km/p though I have covered approximately 900KMs, as it is not recommended to go beyond it before the 2nd service.
If you want your machine to perform brilliantly you need to hold your excitement till then and follow the recommendations.
Coming to the mileage part, I have tested thrice to be very sure about it and my machine is giving constantly giving 52.5 KM/L which I think is very god for a 150 cc segment bike.
The only thing I don’t like about it is it’s front shocker which is not good. I will post another review when I complete the 3rd service.
5th Aug 2015 - Review after completing 3rd Service
I got 3 services completed and the ODO meter is clocking approx. 5000 kms. There was some crocking noise from the engine while opening the throttle. But the service center mechanic rectified it. The engine and gear shifts are butter smooth. Handling is very good and maneuverability in tough traffic conditions is amazing.
Wherever I take my Beast everyone admire it’s stunning looks. I had recently took my bike to a road trip to Vrindavan. It was all together a 350 kms run on the Yumuna expressway. Here I had experienced the power of Apache RTR and clocked 125 kmph as top speed. To reach the top speed I had run the bike for about an hour at 55 to 60 kmph. When the engine is well heated I opened the throttle(not full) and experienced bliss of the speed. I guess it could had touched 130 kmph if I had opened the throttle to its fullest. The average I am now getting is approx. 45 to 50 kmpl. It is an amazing product from TVS and I am glad I invested my money on this amazing BEAST!