When Apache was launched, it felt like a copy of the Pulsar. It had muscular looks and beefy tyres. But people were complaining about unbearable vibrations. That was many years ago. After that Apache evolved with time. It was Apache 150 IE Surge. Later it became Apache RTR. RTR standing for racing throttle response. Then new tank scoops were added and it started looking better. Then they added FI to it. FI standing for fuel injection. The FI model was showcased in New Delhi Auto Expo in 2008 in orange colour. It looked great. But the FI model didn’t do well due to its pricing. Then RTR 160 was blown to 180. And now, it is RTR 2012 version.
Over time, TVS is one company which has constantly tried to learn lessons and improve. Their bikes are getting better and better. Let me describe you my experience with my RTR 180 2012 version.
I got my bike a month ago. Already completed 1st service.
Looks - Looks is a very subjective matter. When you look at the new RTR, initially you might feel, "Why did TVS upgrade it? The older model was so perfect!" But, when you actually keep it next to the older bike, you’ll understand that this upgrade has given the bike a much bigger feel and road presence. They have four colours. White, yellow, grey and black. These colours come only in 180. If you want 160, you will get different dual colour combinations. That’s a nice idea from TVS. Till now 180 and 160 always used to look the same except the sticker. Now both bikes look substantially different. Now it has LED parking lights which get switched on automatically when you turn on the key. An amazing feature. it looks great.
Ride - The ride quality is amazing. You feel like you’re a racer when you sit on the bike. The seat, handlebar & foot peg geometry is superb. You’ll not feel stressed even on long rides. But yes. If you were riding a commuter bike till now, you’ll find the Apache’s seating posture very sporty and little inconvenient in the beginning. But you’ll get used to it and will start loving it. The suspension is a little stiff. But if it is made softer, the handling of the bike might get hampered. Apache is an amazing handler. Specially the brakes. These are the most powerful brakes I ever saw on an Indian bike. It gives you so much confidence. And the best thing is RTR 180 default comes with a rear disc break. You’ll have to ride the bike to feel it.
Power - It is extremely powerful. Twist the throttle and it surges ahead with extreme urgency. It is a very powerful bike. I rode the Honda CBR 250R. I liked the Apache RTR180 more. CBR is double the price of RTR180. I did a 0-60 in 7+ seconds. I’m not a racer. A racer can do that in 4+ seconds. But for a layman like me, hitting 60 in 7+ seconds is just great. It very easily hits triple digit speeds. I hit a top speed of 123 kmph. The bike is capable of doing 130 kmph if you have a race track. Don’t try such stunts on public roads. On the hi-way, it easily crosses 100 kmph and you can cruise at around 100.
Features - Both wheels come with disc breaks. There is a blue back lit digital meter, and analog rev counter. the digital display has every information. It has 1 odo meter, 2 trip meters, 0-60 timer, top speed recorder, time and fuel gauge. there are beast eyed LED parking lights, fully LED tail lights. I don’t think any other bike in this category in India has all this.
Mileage - The biggest question for Indian biker. This bike gives a mileage of around 35 to 45 depending upon the speeds at which you drive. If you drive only in the city traffic, you can expect a mileage of 42-45.
Price - I got mine at 86000 on-road Bangalore. For that price, you can get Yamaha FZ, Pulsar 180, Hero Impulse, Honda Unicorn Dazzler etc. All are good bikes but none of them feels like Apache. It feels like a very special bike. The seat is very comfortable both for the rider and the pillion. Though it is sporty, it is perfect for family use also.
The only drawback - I really canlt call it a drawback, but there are still some vibrations coming from the handle bar between speeds of 60 and 70 kmph. They are not irritating though. They go well with the sporty character of the engine. You will get used to the bike in a week.
Some people told me that TVS service is horrible. I completely disagree. The service center I go to treats me like a king. I am very happy with their service. I have experience with Yamaha, Honda, Hero, Bajaj etc. I would rate TVS the best service center. Next would be Bajaj, then Yamaha, then Honda, last Hero.
Apache RTR 160 is also exactly the same, at 6000 lesser price, lesser power, lesser top speed and lesser vibrations and little more mileage (38-50 kmpl) and comes with front disc and rear drum brakes. (rear disc is optional at 3k more price).