It’s A little long review for those who don’t have patience please scroll down to Pros list.
Man Is Always Greedy And I Was Not From Other Planet. My Father Bought Me A Hero Splendor Pro To Commute To My School But I Want Something More As My Friends Have Something More. The Beast. The RTR.
This Is My Ownership Review On TVS’s Flagship Model Till 2015. TVS Apache RTR 180. RTR Stands For Racing Throttle Response. After Owning Two Beasts Of This Breed. Here It Goes.
Finally Convinced My Dad To Buy One For Me. went to nearest tvs showroom and booked the beast in black. the showroom guy said that we will get delivery after 3 days but he did it in 2. on sunday I got my bike. do all the pre-delivery inspection and drive the beast out. the feeling of like king of the road was in my mind at that time.
went home got the pooja done and then my dad gave me the keys and said to be familiar with the bike.i was very crucial of running in so I sticked to owner’s manual and did not cross 4.5 k rpm limit and 50 kph top speed in 5th gear. running in was done in 10 days. I got my bike’s registration number 0005. and then the story begins.
I didn’t any experiment to my bike and ride it for 4800 kms and then my friend borrowed it and made with an accident. my friend saved(thank god) but the bike was not so lucky. it just destroyed by every bit and my parents returned it to the company by a big loss. that was very bad day for me.
after 15 days later my dad made me surprised by giving me a new beast of the same color. the only difference was the registration number which pretendend to be BOSS(8055).Did The Run in again till 1000 kms and then started riding in my own way.
here are my list of pros and cons for the bike. good things are first.
Pros.
1. It’s a looker. looks are subjective but I personally love the way that the tank is sculpted. the beast like visor and agressive look. the led tail light.
2. Instrument cluster. it looks great and gives a lot of information like. speedometer, tachometer, odometer, fuel gauge, 2 trip meters, clock, 0-60 timing, high speed, service indicator, low battery indicator, low fuel indicator and it is illuminated in blue backlight which is pleasure to see.
3. Riding position is not very agressive and still comfortable.
4. There is enough power in low and mid revs so it is very easy to ride in bumper to bumper traffic and the stearing is light and bike is very easy to maneuver in traffic.
5. clutch is very light and progressive.
6. Front brakes are also good in terms or feel and feedback and have a very good bite.
7. Bike has a great pickup and enough torque.
8. Battery is also good and Horn is also loud enough.
9. The bike has the best sound among it’s competitors with stock exhaust.
10. Seats are not great but still are comfortable for the rider and pillion.
11. pillion also has grab rails to hold on.
12. Bike has very good acceleration And pickup.
13. The handling of the bike is just awesome.
14. the list of pros is endless. so I am limiting it.
Every machine has it’s own flaws.
Cons.
1. Vibrations. You just can’t get rid out them.
2. Engine lacks power in high revs and beggs a lot.
3. Rear brake feels a bit spoongy and locks quite easily.
4. Gears are not butter smooth and feels clunky sometimes.
5. There is a clear rattle in front viser at 5k rpm but it can be shorted out.
6. Also the plastic quality is not the best.
7. Tires by tvs are also not that much great and does not inspire confidence while leaning or in wet conditions.
And Finally The Million Dollar Question. Kitna Deti Hai?
I came to a descent mileage of 40 Kmpl with mixed city and highway riding.
Service Cost. It costs me around 500 rupees for a normal free service which includes. oil change+ oil filter+ chain spray of one time. But the worst thing is tvs service. it is very very bad. machenics don’t listen to you and every other problem except normal servicing which you will tell them. they will say it’s common in all bikes and can’t sorted out. it’s really very annoying.
Verdict
Every machine has it’s own pros and cons. but if you are very young at heart and want a performance bike under 1 Lac budget and can compromise some cons then the RTR Is your bike.
Ride Safe. Do Wear A Helmet At Least.