TVS APACHE RTR 180 - USER REVIEW

133kmph TVS Apache RTR 180 User Review by Vinay CK: My Racing DNA

Hi, I am Vinay from Bangalore. A pure automobile enthusiast by heart and Software engineer by profession. This review is very special for me since it is my first review about my first bike. I will try to keep it as simple as possible. The entire review is purely based on my own experience with my TVS Apache RTR 180.

My requirements:

·         Aggressive look

·         Good Handling

·         Light weight

·         Descent mileage – My College was about 13 km from my home. Total roundtrip = 30km. so my mileage criteria was 40-50 km per liter.

·         Budget was around 8Ok

Choice:

Frankly saying, there were no other bikes in the list other than Apache, the RTR series always stirred me up like none other. The perfect proportions, the unique color options, that wonderful instrument cluster, Beast Look - everything about it feels perfect and any other bike will leave me wanting for something that was present in the RTR. It was just me who was so used to the perfect RTR (personal opinion) that the other bikes felt pale in comparison.

Engine:

Heart of the matter and it is very strong. Very torquey for the city and high revving for the highways. Good balance of low, mid and high end torque. Never feels short of power. Yes, the vibrations are present but they are much much less compared to the RTR160. And again yes, the vibrations are present in the 4k-5.5k rpm when accelerating and from 6k-4.5k during deceleration. RTR which stand for “Racing Throttle Response” can be described as having a “Restless engine”. By “Restless” I mean to say always ready to race. TVS Apache RTR 180 is powered by a single-cylinder, 2-valve, 177cc engine producing 17.03 PS of power at 8500 RPM and 15.5 Nm of torque at 6500 RPM. Don’t expect a smooth or vibe free power delivery. It’s aggressive once you are above 6k rpm. You can hear its roaring.

Gearbox:

Rather than gearbox, I would like to call it gearshifts. Highly notchy in the first 1000kms with false neutrals, slight improvement in the next 1500kms, and by around 3500kms on the odo, either you are used to the amount of pressure required to shift or the gearbox would have bed in nicely.

Suspension and Tires:

The RTR 180 comes with telescopic forks in the front and inverted gas charged shock absorbers at the rear. Although the rear suspension is adjustable, it is more towards the hard side leading to slight discomfort when going over speed breakers or potholes.
Also, the stock tires aren’t exactly traction friendly and go a little off track under hard braking or insane cornering. So be careful while leaning as you might lose control and start fishtailing.

Ride quality and Comfort:

Now TVS advertises this bike as a racing bike which was evident from the front leaning aggressive riding position – the clip on handlebars give a good sense of control over the bike but when I started riding the bike for the first time, I did face some pain in the back. Now that I’m used to the seating position, I have no issues with the comfort at all. The seat is one of the best among all Indian bikes because every other person who has ridden pillion with me has always told me how comfortable and cushioned the stock seat is.

Handling:

The Apache owing to its weight and aerodynamic design is very stable & cross winds on highways don’t seem to affect it! The seating position provides a great control over the bike. The bike is well-balanced while cornering and enables you to carry a great amount of speed into & out of the corner, the pick-up of the bike is definitely an advantage!

Instrument Console:

The best I have come across so far, barring probably the Duke which has almost MFD like cars. But still I am not a fan of digital RPM meter. I like the way the digital Speedo and analog tacho are integrated on the RTR. The console shows digital Speedo, time, Odo, 2 Trip Meters, Top Speed, 0-60 timings. The cool blue back light of the console is soothing and looks good at night.

Fuel Efficiency:

This is thing that I love in my RTR, after performance and roaring ability. A 18o CC performance motor is not meant for returning high mileage. But I was amazed by its fuel efficiency. It is returning me about 45+ km/l always. Believe me, 45+ km per liter.

In a highway ride I almost got 51 km/l. In city 42-48. Average 45km/l. Don’t know if it is because, am shifting gears at right RPM. But if there is a pillion, mileage drop down to 38-42km/l. Anyway anything above 45 km/l for this performance is superb.

WHAT YOU WILL LIKE:

• Dc lightning system- In DC lighting, the lights are connected to the battery which gets the benefit of a constant intensity beam of light from the headlamps regardless of whether engine is at idle, at full throttle or off. This comes in handy while visiting rural area
• Large fuel tank -16 LITER FUEL TANK 
• Aggressive  and  sporty  looks  that  doesn't go overboard and look in-your-face
• Immaculate paint-job and eye-catching colors on offer throughout the Apache range
• Deep and sporty exhaust note that's sheer music to an enthusiast's ears (relatively)
•  Nimble racing-inspired handling and superb braking that tempts us to lean into corners
• A practical daily-commute that can easily combat a race-track over a weekend.

      WHAT YOU WON'T:

•          TVS Tires – Though they are reliable, they lack grip.
•          Notchy gearshift that takes some time getting used to.
•           Average fit and finish in some areas (like rear-view mirrors and seats)
  

      Modification:

      There are no modifications done by me. But planning to change the stock park lamps to white L.E.D.  Thinking of installing a K&N filter after few thousand kilometers.

       Verdict:

      A perfect VFM bike in the country. You are getting a lot of things under an 85k, which other bikes in that price range is not giving. Revs free engine. Accelerates faster (Racing Throttle Response). Smokes others out with just a twist in the Throttle! Only threats to this one are duke 200, pulsar 200ns and other higher bhp rides.

     OTHER SMALL BUT SIGNIFICANT THINGS:

      Though every other manufacturer uses LED tail lamps now, I still think TVS has done it the best. These lamps look terrific, especially when lit.

      The gold coating used in a few places (like this rear gas shocks) adds to the overall appeal of the bike.

     The petal discs, both at the front and the rear, look great.

      The switchgear feels robust and built to last.

     Though the engine fairing improves the looks of the bike, its a pain to maintain.

     Tank cowl on RTR series are one of the best designed on indian bikes.

 

 Stickiring on bike is well designed and Indian flag on the bike looks awesome.                                

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      Some Useful Tips:

•      Follow proper run-in period. It determines the life of bike.
•      Always wear helmet. Please remember being stylish is not so important than being Safe.
•      Maintain correct tire pressure. This plays major role in reducing vibration, mileage, tire life,acceleration and comfort.
•      Take good care of your bike. Spend some time in cleaning your bike.
•      Always warm-up your bike in the morning before taking rides. It’s simple and effective but most of us don’t follow or aware of it.
•      Check the engine oil quality and quantity periodically. It plays major role in keeping Engine and other mechanical systems healthier.

      Am concluding my review here guys, the only thing I can say about the bike is that" if you show true love and care it does give the same back to you". Photo credits- ME, My friend Abuzar and some random pictures by my other friends. RIDE SAFE, RIDE LONG!!

     

      Regards,

      Vinay Ck