Apr 28, 2007 10:10 PM
3573 Views
This is my first review.. ever. Hope it doesn't turn out too bad (or too long).
Last drove a bike 5 yrs back, car since then. Thought of getting a bike again bcos
*Car
*A. 60% of the time, the car was being used for me alone(car pool isn't working out due to varied working hrs). B. Car stays in office the whole day (not used by anyone else). C. Adds to road congestion (imagine thousands of cars, with 3 seats free always - seems such a waste) D. Fuel consumption is obviously higher (compared to bikes)
*Bike
*A. Pts C and D from above addressed
B. So many more options now with looks, sturdiness, power ( as compared to 10 yrs ago when I picked up my Samurai)
C. The 150 cc + range of bikes give riding comfort almost similar to a car
All in all, seemed to make sense for about 15 kms of daily travel each way.
*Why Apache?
*Of course the 150cc segment gives the best of both worlds - performance, ride and handling, with a decent mileage of around 50.
The competition would be obviously the Pulsar and the Unicorn.
The Apache pros:
Distinct looks: Though Pulsar looks superb, it's so common
On all other fronts (price, perf, mileage etc.) seems to be even-stevens in all the 3.
Heard of back pain and after-sales probs in P150. Unicorn just didn't look styish enough with it's spoke wheels.
Have found TVS service steady previously
OTOH, also heard that handling and braking at high speeds are a bit dicey in Apache
*Story so far
*My Apache is a week old. Ride's been good so far - Haven't pushed it more than 50. There was a clanking sound on humps and rough roads, which they rectified today - by adjusting the tension on the chain. Shox good enough so far. At 50 on gear 5, touches around 4k RPM, the sound of engine seems that it is reaching the end of the power train - guess this will have to wait till after Service 1, when we reach serious speeds.
*Lastly
*Pillion rider needs slightly acrobatic skills to get on and hang on. (Dealer was honest enough not to recommend an Apache for extensive family usage!!)
Thanks for your patience.
PB
