Nov 27, 2006 04:41 PM
3038 Views
I've had two long test rides on a friend's TVS Apache and have found that it handles very precisely: the only 150 that handles better is the CBZ Xtreme. Fuel consumption as I tested it, was around 36 kmpl at high speed on the highway. This seems all right since all 150s tend to give 35-40 kpl when ridden hard, at 80+kph, for medium-long distances, but is among the lowest in its class. The Achiever and Unicorn both give better mileage at high speed.
This bike is only 8000 km old, about eight months, and has had a few electrical problems, which is why I've rated it slightly low for reliability. The looks are really striking.
The real plus of this bike emerges when you ride it at night: the light is very good. I've found that the TVS family of bikes in general seem to have the best headlights in the business. The old Fiero's headlight was equally good.
I am 5' 10" tall, with legs of average length. The one problem with the Apache is that the bike is a little too short for a rider of medium height or more. Turning the handle bumps it on your knees. But then the short wheelbase helps handling so if you can live with the problem then it should be just fine.
