Fiero may not be fierce but Apache kills. . Review on TVS Apache 150

I was long waiting to go for a performance bike but I just didn’t want to go for any of the existing ones in the market. I had my eye on the Unicorn which has got the best refined engine but it lacked the punch a youngster would want, and I felt it’s definitely made for men above 30. Then comes the present ruler of its class, the biggie, the mighty Pulsar. But it was seen everywhere which means that it is the most liked (need not be the best, because the word best means different to different people). There were too many pulsars roaring in the streets and I wanted a difference. Coming to the HH achiver, I think its for the richest farmer in the village. I had been driving my friend’s Suzuki fiero for nearly 2 months when he went abroad. It gave a mileage of 63 even when I handled it rough, had a reasonable display of power, and being the first bike with digital ignition it was a great machine. The only problem (causing its failure) was its looks, it was too bony. I waited for a variation just then F2 was launched. Its engine was more refined but still it lacked the looks of a sport bike. Finally I had my eyes on the apache and I thought my wait was justified. Finally after a test drive, I paid for a black apache.

I have to say when I took it to the roads, I could see everyone desperately turning towards me to make sure that they don’t miss to see what I want them to see! Apache for sure is the most aggressive looking bike in the Indian industry as of now. It does not fail in the performance too, coz the TVS people are always ahead in the track racing. I am sure there were some young dynamic and blood-thirsty boys working behind the screens in hosur. I am happy that I got more than what I paid for. No wonder it bagged all the awards.

Style and Ergonomics

Ok one has to agree there’s none closer. It sure is a macho looking bike. Many say that it got inspiration from Pulsar, but I am sure they say so because they found a headlight, two wheels, a fuel tank and a seat in Apache that they found in the Pulsar too. There are a lot of innovative design features in it. The mud-guard is beveled such that it seems like a continuation of the front flaring design. The headlights are awesomely detailed, brilliantly bright with two parking lights mounted on the sides. I wonder why the parking lights needs the engine to be running, because we usually park with engine turned off. The muscular fuel tank adds to the ferocious look of the vehicle. The whole design is a wonderful mix of curves and sharp corners! The black alloy wheels, golden brake caliper and the inverted E-design trademark on its sides have made it so stunning. The R&D team had been serious in styling. The pillion is stepped, which means riders with their girlfriends on it, will not like to bring the bike to halt! The instrument panel is of a tri-pod style that mounts a tacho, speedo, odo, a trip meter and a fuel meter. The black muffler with a steel cover too is looking nice. The Pulsar is a stunning bike too, but Apache wins those extra brownie points.

Engine:

My apache has only done 150 km now. The mechanic had said not to experiment with the throttle in the first 1000 km and asked to keep the speedos under 50. Though I was tempted to feel the power of this machine, I didnt drag her aggressively, but in the test drive, I got from 0-60 very quickly. It should be at least a second or a half ahead of Pulsar in this dash. And it sure leaves the Hondas in dust. If you love to fly ahead from a stop at the traffic signal, you should own an Apache. With 13.5 bhp power it outputs the peak power of fiero in just 3000 rpm which is realized only at 8000 rpm in fiero!

The lean burn characteristics of the engine ensure there is a swift response to throttle angles. The increased spark timing leads to a better response to the throttle. It has got a great low-end torque and I could feel it pulling me swiftly ahead even in low speeds at 4th gear. When I wanted to overtake many heavy movers on road, I never felt the need of shifting to a lower gear. It accelerates just as well in any gear. Great job by TVS. The gear ratios are also intelligently spaced such that you dont feel the need to change gears often. However I dont like the engine/exhaust note and I think the Pulsar produces a better sound. I am not supposed to take it to its top speed in the setting period, but in my city, I feel it is rarely significant. I did have a few false gears (not with neutral) but shortly after, I learnt how not to.

I dont know what purpose it solves, but unlike Pulsar, this bike has a 1 down 4 up gear pattern which is preferred by bike enthusiasts world over. Thanks to the TVS engineers who finally realized a 5th cog in the gearbox is something mandatory in a 150cc bike. The apache is said to have the highest weight-power ratio in its class, which means that it is the most easiest to perform a wheelie, but I don’t want to practice it and injure myself as well as my bike - the killer looks alone is sufficient to grab attention. It features something they call IE surge, which I think has to do something with the fuel intake and the exhaust which does something for better fuel efficiency.

Mileage

I dont know much about its mileage, the mechanics have promised a 55+. And that is okay for a power machine. More power = less mileage. No exceptions.

Handling:

It was a joy riding my apache and I dont want to step off the bike at all. Its lower CoG gives us a great deal of confidence in controlling the bike and I feel it quite easy to zip through the city. Its sure is having a fantastic flickability. Its chassis is quite very rigid, when I dropped her in pot holes, it came back to top so smoothly thanks to the gas filled shocks. The shocks are adjustable from very rigid to very fluffy- can be set according to the road conditions. Its broad rear tire (100x80) gives a good grip to the road and I could do the cornering more confidently. I am 6ft tall and weigh 63 kg and I dont find it unusual to ride this bike, may be a taller guy than me may find it odd. I also tested it to see whether the handle bar touches my knee, but it didnt, even on full turn. With its short wheel base, forward stance, and with a fine weight distribution, the apache is remarkably steady even at top speeds. I tested with braking and it was fine.

Only downside of this otherwise wonderful machine is it vibrates.. Certainly more than Fiero and more than its competitors. Hope TVS would iron out the vibes in their next version.

Though both the KS and SS versions feature black mag alloy wheels, note the major differences between them. KS does not have Disc Brakes and the Tacho (you will not know how much you make the engine to roar) It has also got a thinner rear tires. So make sure you go for the high end version, it is about Rs 5-7k more than standard version.

May be it dosent do much damage to the well established market of Pulsar, because the later still is appealing to a wider range of audience while Apache seems to be for young bikers. To put it in a nut shell, this bike surely rocks. Fiero may not be fierce but apache certainly kills.