Apache RTR - Super bike. Review on TVS Apache 150

I have taken test rides of many bikes. But the one that I like the most is Apache RTR.

Technicals of the bike:

Sure apache is made for performance. It makes 15.2 bhp and has 159.7cc engine. it means it makes 95.17bhp/liter compared to pulsar's 94.5bhp/liter. So apache despite having one spark plug less is more effecient. The ignition system on this bike is of inductive type unlike other bikes which are capacitor type. Its sparking duration is 6 times more than normal bikes

A good ignition system is required for good performance and effeciency of the vehicle. Usually cars get the best but for bikes I dont know why manufacturers stick on to low quality product. Apache I think its ignition quality is as good as that in cars.

Test Ride:

My apache test ride was really impressive. On mounting the bike one can feel the racy stance more pronounced by the handlebar and foot pegs. I was even surprised to see gearing like that in CBZ. Wow TVS has been making bikes commuterish and dull bikes till date but with Apache they have shed out that.

Engine despite 160cc could be easily start with the kicker. Starting was instant and gave a good positive feedback of the engine. After slotting the gear the bike easily pulls of wheelie that I was least expecting. The good power makes wheeling ease and inspiring. The power was rushing with eagerness so that I was reminding mysely  to look out for the front wheel raising in the air any moment throttling hard as I have no experience wheeling on bikes.

Power and acceleration was good enough and I am sure can beat p150 and cbz xtreme but not p180. But I think the margin between rtr and p180 would be a meager difference and considering the displacement advantage of 20cc for p180, RTR is sure better than p180 any day.

Petal Disc brake in Apache is simply superb. But you have to shed those TVS rubbers and fit MRF for better handling and braking effeciency. If not both tyres atleast the back tyre.

With RTR FI the performance gain would even be greater. Also FI's can adjust to climatic changes and correct mixture ratio for ultra low emmisions. Hence it would be wiser to go for FI version of the super Apache RTR.

I wish apache sould be seriously looked into for the issues that customers could face.

i) Engine with oil cooler in it for long rides. Oil coolers make engines effecient as they make it operate at optimum temperatures. This also aids in longer engine life.

ii) As far as vibrations I havent felt it as I had no chance to take it beyond 60+ kmph.  But from various reviews vibrations are evident and that too seems high. Afterall this bike seems to be a predecessor of Kinetic GF 125 which too had a lot of vibrations which made it a failure. Might be bikes making power at very high rpm(>10k) would vibrate more.

I would better suggest better keep off this bike untill TVS takes any measure to improve this product.