TVS Motor Company launched the Apache way back in 2005 which marked the beginning of the racing DNA. Since then the bike has undergone quite a few small as well as big changes to keep interests high. Though not very extensive, the changes were significant enough to get noticed by the buyer. The Apache first came with a 150cc mill followed by a new engine which was bored to 160cc. TVS also launched a more powerful 180cc.
In 2011, TVS launched the RTR series of the Apache with a new Racing DNA that was necessary for the bike to compete with others and to stay in the market. The year also marked the launch of the ABS variant which a first on a 180cc bike and most importantly by a Indian two-wheeler maker.
Since 2006, The Apache has won many awards but TVS motors was not satisfied and wanted to take the bike to new heights. This has propelled TVS to come out with an improved version of the existing bike, The Apache Facelift. With this launch TVS has given all the RTR lovers a reason to love the bike even more than what they did earlier.
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Design & Engineering
The recently launched 2012 Apache RTR Series avatar has an all new design and sports a Beast styling. This machine is far ahead of the outgoing variants of Apache RTR range in terms of styling, riding comfort, and features.
The New avatar of Apache (160 and 180) features bigger fuel tank, new body graphics and all-new headlamps with day-time running LED pilot lights. The new Apache RTR range also features redesigned seat, side panels, crash guard, mudguard and footrests. In addition the new RTR 180 now comes with Apache emblem on the fuel tank.
The instrument cluster of 2012 New TVS Apache RTR 180 & Apache RTR 160 has been left untouched from the previous models and sports the same digital plus analogue combination, the only change though is the carbon-fibre finish around the instrument cluster.
The digital screen has blue back lighting and looks awesome in the dark. This power packed machine has the ability to make the crowd stare when in motion and even when it is stationery and that indeed could well seal the deal in favour of the Apache.
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Ride & Handling
With every facelift to the Apache, TVS has worked really hard on improving the ride and handling of the bike. This is evident from the fact that the RTR had set new standards in the ride and handling department. If you thought that the RTR was good then wait until you ride the latest version.
The Latest version is even better; it is lighter than the outgoing model and handles the curvy roads at ease. Riding this bike is genuinely fun and is one of the strong points of the Bike. The engine is smooth and punchy and surprisingly there are no vibrations till 5000 RPM. This is the only bike in India in its segment to offer ABS so even at high speeds there is minimum risk of wheels getting locked.
Performance Figures of 2012 New TVS Apache RTR Series (Top Speed)
2012 New TVS Apache RTR 160 – 118 kmph
2012 New TVS Apache RTR 180 – 124 kmph
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Fuel Economy
TVS claims a mileage of around 50-55 kmpl on the Apache RTR 160 and 40-45kmpl on the180 respectively. This is quite good considering the performance on hand from the two motors. Mileage isn’t the best but is acceptable and is not that bad to burn a hole in your pocket.
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Verdict
Our team riders recently took test ride of the beast machines (the Apache RTR 160 and 180) and here’s what they got to say.
Thanks to the powerful engines, the Beast machines have very good pickup. As a result of which the Apache can not only compete but can outperform the bikes from its segment.
With the low positioned clip-on handlebars, the riding posture is definitely sporty but at the same time it is comfortable enough for most journeys. Handling of the bike is good at slow speeds as well as in top gear. It looks like TVS engineers have worked on the gear shifts of the bike. Unlike the outgoing variant, gear shits are refined and are much smoother.
This is a boon when you are riding in city traffic. Engines fitted in these bikes are one of most powerful engines in both 150 and 180cc segment, which undoubtedly gives you great pick up and immense power.
We could feel some vibrations on the Apache RTR 180 while the RTR 160 was pretty quiet and outperforming. Overall performance of the new men machines – Apache RTR 160 and 180 is good. If you want power, styling and mileage then the Apache RTR 160 is the bike you should be looking at.
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Quick List of What’s New in TVS Apache RTR 2012
- Faux carbon fibre insert on the fuel tank and around the instrumentation console
- New fuel tank scoops/faux air intakes plus new graphics
- All-new redesigned seat
- New all-metal foot pegs for the pillion plus pillion foot peg mounts
- Redesigned side panels and new crash guard design
- New rear mudguard and redesigned saree guard
- Blue back-lit digital plus analogue instrument cluster
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On Road Price of the New TVS Apache RTR
2012 New TVS Apache RTR 160:-Rs. 74,718.00/-
2012 TVS Apache RTR 160 (rear disk):– Rs.76,589.00/-
2012 New TVS Apache RTR 180:- Rs. 72,000.00/-
2012 New TVS Apache RTR 180 ABS:-Rs. 82,800.00/-
Prices taken from Manguirish motors (TVS dealer in Margao Goa).
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