Jul 10, 2007 03:19 PM
71492 Views
Hey Folks, This is john from bangalore, here i'm posting some information on new Apache 160 RTR
What is different on the RTR( Ready to Race or Racing Throttle Response), is the handling, and ride comfort, the seating felt a bit lower, the adjustable handle bars not too tough to get used to, and the longer wheelbase making for a machine that could eat a twisty with ease, even if pushed. A nice little tool to zip through traffic if in a rush, it does inspire confidence to throw around.
The all-new apache, packed with 15.2 BHP had a number of first time features and spoke pure aggression. High on performance by combining TVS racing technology with strong in house R and D, Apache RTR packed enormous power. With an astonishing 15.2 Brake Horse Power made it the most powerful bike of its class on Indian roads, he said adding that it had a top speed of 118 km per hour and could reach 60 km per hour in just 4.8 seconds and 100 km in 17.7 seconds, making it the fastest two wheeler in its class.
The RTR features.
A stripe on its body(a la Ford GT), which runs from the front mudguard to the tank and finally to the tailpiece A 270 mm petal shaped front disc The engine of the Apache has been also given an all black treatment along with the alloys and exhaust A small engine guard finished in body colors is nestled at the bottom of the engine The side panels have a matt black plastic finish instead of the earlier body colored ones The RTR also sports a Digital Speedo like the Pulsar The tail lamp now incorporates bright LEDs A split grab rail Clip on adjustable handlebars Aluminium finish brake levers Toe operated Gear Shifter The wheelbase of the RTR has also been stretched to 1300 mm from its previous 1260 mm. The RTR now looks smashing and definitely is one of the best looking bikes in the country.
Riding Position: The RTR now has rear set foot pegs. Along with the low handle bars it translates into a very sporty riding position. After the Pulsar DTS-I 200, I would rate the riding position of the Apache RTR 160 as the sportiest. Compared to the “Stupid” riding position of the Apache 150, I found the riding position of the RTR very comfortable. I did not get the chance to adjust the handlebars of the RTR(it has two settings), but I just loved the sporty riding position of the RTR.
Engine/Performance: Smooth, powerful and definitely an improvement over the Apache 150. I did not get to rev the RTR much but the engine remained smooth with out any significant vibrations till 5000 rpm.The engine of the RTR is now an oversquare 160 cc compared to the earlier 150 cc square engine. The spec sheets also claim an increase in max power from its earlier 13.5 Bhp to 15 Bhp( the highest in the 150 cc segment in India). So does that makes the RTR the new king of Indian roads in the 150 cc class(or near about the 150 cc class).?The first impression of the Apache RTR 160 after my test ride was, “It’s gonna beat the CBZ Xtreme and the Pulsar DTSi 150.!” I did not put the RTR on a drag strip, but the RTR did feel faster and a bit more powerful than the CBZ Xtreme or the Pulsar DTSi 150.
Exhaust Note: I have to make a special mention of the exhaust note of the Apache RTR 160 here. The matt black exhaust can of the RTR makes one of the most gorgeous two wheeler music in India. Unlike most of the present crop of bikes which sound slighty better than the "whirr" of the scooty pep, the RTR has a Soul Soothing "Bass" to its exhaust note reminiscent of the first generation Pulsar(but softer than the first gen Pulsar).Gear Box: Slightly clunky, but ok.
Handling: The Apache RTR no longer feels or handles like a small bike anymore. The extra 40 mm on the wheelbase has done its trick. The bike now feels stable even with a pillion behind. Stability around corners was great.
Ride Quality: The ride quality of the RTR was a little bit hard. It was not exactly uncomfortable but wasn’t exactly plush either. But this actually aided in improving the handling of the bike.Brakes: The front brakes did the job of bring the RTR to a stop pretty well. No complaints here.
Price: The price of the vehicle was Rs 57, 700 ex-showroom in Bangalore.
Rs. 66, 250(On Road Bangalore)
The TVS motorcycle still weighs some 7 kilograms less than the CBZ X-Treme and Pulsar 150.*
Apache RTR 160 Verdict:
Positives: Previous flaws of the apache 150 have been ironed out Sporty riding position Smooth and Powerful engine Bike looks and feels and handles like a bigger bike now Stable and predictable handlingNegatives: I could hardly find anything on the Apache RTR 160 that I did not like. But then here are a few, which I think could have improved. The Ride quality is a bit hard Foot peg sub frame finished in black(Too much of black. A silver/aluminum finished sub frame would have given a nice contrast look) The RTR might still feel small for taller guys(Wheelbase is still 20 mm shorter than the Pulsar 150)
The more noticeable difference is the length - the TVS Apache RTR stretches a 2020 mm end to end. The swingarm is 40 mm longer in the RTR 160, all the better for stability. There is a 270 m petal disc- new for India - that cools better and stops great. There is nice styling touches all over in all those places no one would bother earlier. So you have clip-on aluminum handlebars(yay!), LED tail lamp, so-called aircraft-style fuel cap, split grab rail . The Apache RTR 160 also features the now standard tachometer, clock, trip meter, fuel guage and odometer.
Conclusion: I liked the Apache RTR 160 very much. It looks handsome, has excellent build quality, a sporty riding position, smooth engine and good handling. It definitely is more powerful than the Pulsar 150 and the CBZ Xtreme and still is priced similar to the Pulsar.In fact I see no reason why I should not go ahead and put my money on the RTR.If you are tired of watching too many Pulsars, don't like the styling of the CBZ Xtreme, want goodies like digital speedo and need something more powerful than both the Pulsar 150 or the CBX Xtreme, think no further and get yourself the Apache RTR 160.But also be prepared for a "probable" 5 km/litre less mileage than the Apache 150
You are not going to complain about style with the Apache RTR 160. I don't care much for the front fairing(didn't like it in the original Apache either), but the RTR's engine cowl is a neat touch - and the racing stripes, yes! Even the wheels will have a nice pinstripe running along the rim, adding to the style. Some don't care much for the racing stripe on the front mudguard and elsewhere - but that is a standard complaint between the ones who like their motorcycle plain vs embellished.
Finally, i wanna to say you all that i'm currently using Apache 150cc, will surely get new Apache 160 RTR, since its rock.all the information provided above are collected from internet, kindly post if u got any sugesstion reagarding this ROCKY.
