Apache . Review on TVS Apache 150

Hey guys, I am from Bangalore. This is my first review.

I have bought the Apache almost two weeks back (precisely on the 22nd of March 06). The bike is grey - Black colored and the ES version. I have done 548 kms as on date.

Now, let me go ahead give you all the insight of what I feel about the bike.

This is one of the new bikes in the hot 150 cc segment. Designers of Apache have used the design templates (or rather inspiration from) from the bikes available in the market. Even though Apache resembles a fair bit of styling of the Pulsar, Apache has very nice looks and is very stylist. Now most of the people on MS know about the instrument cluster resembling unicorn's, the cruise and zoom indicators, etc, so I wont go in details about the same. Anyway I will give the technical specification at the last.

The paint job is extremely well done and I am very happy about it. The headlight beam quality and the brightness of the headlights are excellent. So safe riding at night.

The bike looks short and small, but Apache's wheel base is shorter only by 70 mm when compared to Pulsar. This is the reason why the seat is a little shorter in length.

The engine is quite smooth, and it sits right between the Unicorn and the Pulsar when it comes to smoothness.

The ride and handling are excellent, you have all the confidence in the world to take the corners, even if you are a decent rider if not an expert. One word when it comes to handling its Fantastic. Even the bike's kerb weight is 136 kgs, you wont feel it when you are riding. Once you ride Apache and then when you try the Pulsar you will find Pulsar a bit heavy. People upto 6 foot tall can handle the bike pretty easy, if people are taller than 6 foot then it becomes difficult for the rider and as well the pillion.

The braking is pretty good, the discs work very well, the drums at the rear are good enough, but the brake level alignment is a bit uncomfortable. Overall the braking is pretty good.

The vibration is existent on the bike, I will certainly not deny it. But not like people on the forums (forums other than MS also) telling that their hands came off the handle grips and foot came off the foot pegs. Since I have bought the bike and used it for almost 550 kms, I can give you the real picture. Vibrations upto 60 - 70 kms/hr speed is certainly very neglible or rather vibrations are no existent. Once you cross 60 - 70 kms/hr speed then you start to feel the vibrations, though not in alarming proportions. Since I had been using pulsar for almost a year or so, I can tell you that the vibrations on Apache are a bit more than Pulsar. But certainly not too much.

MILEAGE: The mileage which I got out this bike up the same is 54.2 kms/litre (tank full to tank full). Which is quite a decent mileage.

PERFORMANCE: Here it goes the performance of Apache is really good, since I have pulsar too, I can rate them as equal when it comes to performance. Only compared with Pulsar 150 cc (lol just a reminder).

Build Quality & Reliability: I also have a TVS Victor GL 2002 Model, Odometer reading 55000 kms, which has gone through just the routine service, except for replacement of rear tyre since it was worn out. The bike is still in the best of conditions, So If a 110 cc bike which is well maintained can be in a very good condition, I dont have a cause for concern on the Apache for sure.

I guess I have covered almost all the aspects, if I have left out any, I will update it later.

Technical Specification:

Engine Typre: 4S, air cooled Single cylinder OHC engine

bore: 57 mm

Stroke: 57.8 mm

Displacement: 147.5 cc

Compression ration: 9.5:1

Max Power: 13.5 bhp (9.95Kw) @ 8500 rpm

Max Torque: 12.3 Nm @ 6000 rpm

Tyres:front - 90/90 x 17''; Rear - 100/80 x 18''

Kerb weight: 136 kgs (with toolkit and 90% of fuel)

Overall Length: 1976 mm

Overall Width: 743 mm

Overall Height: 1100 mm

Seat Height: 780 mm

Ground Clearance: 165 mm

Wheel Base: 1260 mm

Head Lamp: 35/35W, 12V MFR halogen

Ignition System: IDI - Dual mode Digital Ignition

Now, guys this bike is for bike Enthusiasts, If tall guys (more than 6 foot tall) dont mind riding the bike then no issues. People who want looks, sytling, performance and decent mileage can certainly buy this bike.

FOR SURE IF YOU BUY AN APACHE, IT CERTAINKY WONT LET YOU DOWN.

Any further discussions on the review, please mail me at n.krishna.p@gmail.com

No offenses...................................