The bike is primarily designed with a racing approach, resulting in the inclusion of a lap timer and provision for the last three 0–60 km/h timings. Apache is the first bike in India to feature a petal disc brake.[2]==[3]==
This bike evolved from Circa 1999 Suzuki Fiero which TVS used to manufacture in India. It is TVS’s R&D on Fiero model with an overbore on 147 cc Fiero Engine.
Since the bike is optimized for handling, the ride quality is on the stiffer side.[2] Previous versions of Apache had a wheelbase of 1260 mm which resulted in better turning in at the expense of stability. TVS increased the wheelbase by 40 mm to improve the stability. The Apache 180 introduced ABS to the lineup.[4]. It is the first Indian made bike to have ABS.[5] With the ABS technology, an average rider will have 10-25 per cent quicker stopping distance on dry roads and 20-30 per cent on wet roads. Whereas, the professionals will be able to achieve 16 percent quicker stopping distance on wet roads.[citation needed]
The top of the line Apache RTR FI 160 features a fuel injected 160 cc engine. It does 0–60 km/h in 4.3 seconds and 0–100 km/h in 15.07 seconds. It is capable of a top speed of around 127 km/h and returns 54 km/l(150 mpg[vague] or 1.5 l/100 km) on the highway and 48 km/l(110 mpg or 2.08 l/100 km) in city riding.[6]