Friends, here I’m to share some of my experiences of riding Apache.
Rather being a ‘Review expert’ I just want to put it as a friendly chat. Hope
it may give you all valuable information you are looking for so far.
Test ride
Well, as every one do, I had done few test rides, read ‘n’ number
reviews and articles about Apache and other bikes of this segment. I was firm
to go for 150CC only, although I had RX135, Splender+, RX100 & P150 earlier,
150CC was neither out dated nor too advance for me. To be frank I wasn’t quite happy
with Apache after test ride. One of the reasons is being so used to of riding
P150, I found it very difficult to get into proper riding position on Apache,
again the gear-lever position, shifting system, handle position are quite
different then Pulsar. There is no wonder why Pulsar riders find Apache quite
complicated in getting command on it.
Some of the options I was thinking about were New Pulsar and
Unicon. New Pulsar was too new in market at that time (with totally new gear
box and clutch system). Again my P150 was giving me some starting problem, even
it used to loose ignition uncertainly while riding. Hence there was no confusion on keeping New
Pulsar aside. Unicon is a good machine but its body is a question mark, also I
was not interested in Spoke wheel model. So finally, after good brainstorming
on design, style, mileage, price, performance and long term benefits, all
conclusions came to an end on Apache.
Early ride
Company manual book says to be patient till 1500kms and ride below
60kms/h. I would suggest being more patient and riding below 50kms/h till 2000kms.
Apache engine, gear box does take time to get free. I have done 4000+kms and
it gives 65-68kmpl, regularly.
The very common problems you will get till 2000kms are 1- Hard
clutch, 2- Tight gears, 3- Slow pickup, 4- Difficulties to break top speed
barrier. You may think its common with all bikes, but in Apache…. your
tolerance will be tested till frustration and frustration till panic. The clutch was so tight, I used to feel my
left forearm is getting muscular and bigger then right one. Gear box is snobby,
any movement between 1-N-2 will make you go mad, and it’s bound to get stuck on
each shift. But after 2000kms mark, gradually it became smooth like ‘Maska’.
The key is to match the minimum rotation speed requirement for each gear. Like,
shift from 1st to 2nd gear after 10kmph, 3rd at
30, 4th at 40 and 5th at 50kmph speed. You ensure it’s
followed and there will be no gear problem at all (at least in Apache). Pickup
– earlier you may feel Apache is slower then other bikes, but don’t worry it’s
just a matter of time. After 2000kms things will change rapidly like light
changes after solar eclipse. Same with top
speed also, when you hit 50kmph first time you will feel it was quite difficult
to touch it. There will be same experience each time you hit new top speed. In
fact for engine also it was a first time to rotate at high speed, it’s quite
natural.
To tell you more about speed, I prefer to ride around 95-100kmph
on ‘Eastern Express high-way’, Mumbai. I need to ensure regularly it’s not crossing
100kmph mark. It was just to tell you
that Apache is very smooth and quick if you like to ride at ‘Good’ speed.. I have
done 110kmph and would have touched 120kmph as well but there was hardly any
space on road. Again, it’s not safe to ride at that speed in Mumbai traffic.
Apache is very quick between 60 to 100kmph.
After 2000kms
Needless to tell, all problems mentioned above have been
disappeared. Gear box is being smoother day by day; clutch is still quite hard
but much better then earlier. And yes, there is NO so called ‘Vibration’
problem at any speed.
What I like about Apache
Breaks: You won’t believe, it has 3 times prevented me from
accident. Once I was at 95kmph on highway, going strength and suddenly an
‘Autowala’ changed the lane and got right in front of me. I pushed horn loud
and continue but that fr didn’t move. I released throttle, clutched gears and
tighten both breaks fully (I never do it but had no option). Bike maintained hold on road and went
straight. No stunt, No slip. After few seconds I got control on speed and
immediately changed the lane.
Balance & handling: Bike is easy to handle, can toggle between
the lanes ‘Frequently’. Easy to make sharp turns, pickup gaps – cuts. Its mere
fun while riding.
Comfort: Riding position is comfortable, no back pain, no extra
body weight on wrists and no knee pain (common in sports bike pose).
Engine: it’s smooth and silent. It starts in first kick, without
choke. After each service, just ensure that RPM is set at 1 to 1.5 marks (when
bike is not moving). Service guys tend to do some R & D and some time they
do play with factory settings. Just don’t listen to them and tell them to set
it between 1 to 1.5, else bike will give starting problem, it also looses
ignition automatically if setting is incorrect.
Mileage: As said earlier I get it between 65-68kmpl regularly. I
think if you ride in green zone, its may give better than this (I got 72
earlier).
Area of improvement:
The only scope I found for improvement is Headlight. Its do have
beautiful shape but lower nose of headlight is stretched bit more as a result
it gives black shadow right in front of the bike till 5 feet.
Conclusion:
To conclude it in few sentences I would say Apache is good bike for
all age groups and class of people. It’s reliable, good pickup and has good
mileage as well.
If you are looking for new bike, choose the one of your choice
rather following people because finally its you who is going to ride it (and
pay). Apart from bike the other important factors in selection are your
fitness, geological & traffic conditions and the most important your
interest :-)
Thanks for reading.
Comments are welcome.
