2012 TVS Apache RTR

 

               2012 TVS Apache RTR

 

If You love speed then You will love the all new TVS Apache RTR 180. TVS motors India launched their 2012 version of their famous sports bike Apache RTR. This new motorcycle has gone through some cosmetic changes, and the new Apache looks more sporty and now possesses more aggressive looks. Although rest of the mechanics remains the same still it remains as one of the most powerful and fastest motorcycles in this segment in India.
The TVS Apache is powered by a single cylinder 177.4cc engine that generates maximum power of 17.3bhp at 8500 rpm and maximum torque of 15.5 Nm at 6500 rpm. The motorcycle has quick acceleration. Let’s get to know some more details about this motorcycle.

Design

The first major change that one will notice in the Apache RTR 180 is that the front facial which holds the headlamp and the LED pilot lamps which also acts as day time running lamps and are turned on with the activation of the ignition. The new beast eye shaped pilot lamps looks very aggressive on the new TVS Apache. The rest of the design remains almost the same as its predecessors. The Apache has a blue lit digital display along with an analogue tachometer. The switches on the handle bar are of good built quality and the handlebars are fitted with quality grips to provide better stability to the rider at high speeds.
The fuel tank is muscular in shape and also adds to the aerodynamics of the Apache, the fuel tank also has many decals which enhances the overall look of the motorcycle. The engine that has been fitted in the Apache is painted in black to give the motorcycle its much needed bold look, it has also been fitted with muscled engine cowl which also helps improving the aerodynamics of the motorcycle.
The rear of the TVS Apache RTR looks stylish just like its front, the split rear grab bar, the futuristic looking rear tail lamps changes the look of the rear. The motorcycle also has stylish 6 spoke black colored alloy wheels which also have been fitted with 270 mm Petal shaped disc brakes at the front and 200 mm disc brakes at the rear. Overall the new Apache looks robust and appealing but TVS is still lagging in the build quality of their motorcycles in comparison to their Japanese competitors.
The Overall dimension of the TVS Apache RTR 180:

Length	2085mm
Width	730mm
Height	1105mm
Wheelbase	1326mm
Ground clearance	165mm

Engine and performance

As mentioned earlier TVS Apache RTR 180 is powered by a single cylinder 177.4cc engine that generates maximum power of 17.3bhp at 8500 rpm and of maximum torque of 15.5 Nm at 6500 rpm. TVS Apache has an air cooled engine and a single spark plug. The motorcycle is absolutely vibration free even at high speeds.
Apache has great acceleration and it reaches 0-60 within no time and it has a top speed of 124 km claimed by TVS which might sound less for a 180 cc motorcycle. The engine has been mated with a 5 speed gearbox and the gearing are short in the motorcycle which makes it one of the fastest motorcycle of its segment on Indian roads.
Specification of the TVS Apache RTR 180:

Type	4 Stroke
Displacement	177.4 cc
Cylinder arrangement	Single
Maximum Power	12.52 kW (17.03 bhp) @8500 rpm
Maximum Torque	15.5 Nm @ 6500 rpm
Bore x Stroke	62.5mm x 57.8 mm
Compression Ratio	9.5:1
Carburetor	UCAL BS-29
Compression Ratio	2 Valves, Single overhead cam
Starting	Electric & Kick Start
Idle speed	1400 +/-200 rpm
Starting	IDI-Dual mode digital ignition
Power-to-Weight Ratio	90.1 kW per 1000kg

Ride and handling

The motorcycle offers good ride quality, the Apache RTR 180 has been fitted with Telescopic Forks, 105 mm Stroke at the front and Monotube Inverted Gas-filled shox (MIG) with spring aid at the rear. The ABS works extremely well in the motorcycle and Apache is the only Indian motorcycle which has been fitted with ABS. The Tyres also provide good grip on the tarmac and even gives one confidence to lean into corners, the rear tyres have been widened to provide better ride quality. The brakes provided on the Apache RTR 180 comes with ABS as an option and costs little more than the non ABS version but it adds to the good handling quality of the motorcycle.
The ABS works perfectly fine and eliminates the risk of wheels locking on any surface at any speed.

Pricing

The all new TVS Apache RTR 180 is priced at Rs.73365 for the Non ABS version and Rs.84180 for the ABS version. (EX showroom Delhi).
There are only two color options for the TVS Apache RTR 180
 Black
 White

Competition

The TVS Apache gets steep competition from the newly launched
Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS
The Pulsar 200NS generates peak power of 23.5 Ps @ 9500 rpm and a healthy torque of 18.3 Nm @ 8000 rpm. The Pulsar is a better looking motorcycle and also generates more power than the Apache RTR 180 but the advanced technology in the Apache gives the triple sparked 200 NS some serious competition.

Conclusion

The TVS Apache RTR 180 is powerful and fast sports bike which can bring smiles on faces of lots of people who loves speed. The Apache has been provided with a powerful engine, fast acceleration and good stopping power. The wider tyres provided at the rear and the increase in weight after adding the ABS package affects the Fuel economy of the motorcycle a little.
It’s true that the Japanese competitors have equipped their motorcycle with many advanced technological features but Apache will remain as the personal favorite of many Indian for a long time.

Quotes

TVS brilliantly hits the basic sportsbike buttons spot-on -with scalding acceleration and a respectable top speed supported by light, neutral handling and fierce brakes. That having been said, the RTR 180 has the ingredients to provide performance junkies with a knockout doses of enjoyment. It also makes most of its rivals feel just like mundane commuter bikes. —Autocar India
“
Competitive pricing is the key of the new Apache RTR 180. Priced at Rs. 63990/- ex showroom Delhi, the new Apache does offer great value-for-money. Hence, for bikers looking for something that has best of both worlds with class-leading features, the new RTR 180 makes a lot of sense. However, the competition is just equally well matched in terms of value-for-money and performance - two key areas that help in making the final purchase decision, in this segment"—Zigwheels

 Great performance
 Quick acceleration
 Option of an ABS

 Styling
 lack of color option

Press Release

TVS Motor Company today announced the launch of its new 2012 Apache Series RTR with an all new beast themed styling. The new design, with all lines pulled back, all excesses eliminated and all curves chiseled to perfection, synergizes seamlessly with a high performance powertrain to look dynamic, even when stationary. The new design and styling has been incorporated in all TVS Apache models namely TVS Apache RTR 160, TVS Apache RTR 180 and TVS Apache RTR 180 ABS.
Click to enlarge
"We have taken the Apache RTR to the next level with obsessive engineering and menacing design. The priority in every step of the Apache brand’s development has been race bred performance. Every system, detail and component has been tuned to maximize performance. Apache as a brand has been very well received," H S Goindi, President-Marketing, TVS Motor Company said. The new breed of TVS Apache RTRs will shoulder a hallmark, one-of-its kind pilot lamps, inspired by the ’eye of fury’ - which consists of LED light guide technology combined with new pilot lamps to form a pair of intense animalistic eyes that is activated on ignition, night or day.
Chiseled and sharp tank shrouds constitute a revolutionary new aerodynamic package which helps reduce engine heat helping in unbridled top end performance for race enthusiasts and increasing the usable power and crispness of response.
The bike sports a sculpted digital console with new muscled styling and race inspired carbon fiber cues. The new nocturnal blue backlit display adds to the design element.
Leaner race designed new aggressively angled seat cowls along with a muscled engine cowl echoing an aerodynamic razored design, brings the new design full-circle, giving the RTR a racier feel.
The TVS Apache RTR series has best power-to-weight ratio in its class. Sheathed in edgy grunge-style graphics in dual colour scheme, the TVS Apache RTR 160 dishes out 15.2 ps of raw power and can be pushed to speeds up to 118 kmph. The TVS Apache RTR 180 however churns out 17.03 ps of bone-crunching power that can reach speeds of up to 124 kmph.
The new TVS Apache RTR 160 comes in four dual tone colours, namely green, red. Yellow and grey with black being the base. The new TVS Apache RTR 180 also comes in four colours of white, yellow, grey and black while the ABS version will be available in white and black.
The new TVS Apache Series RTR is immediately available in TVS dealerships across the country. While the TVS Apache RTR 160 will cost Rs. 67,505 (Ex showroom Delhi), TVS Apache RTR 180 will be Rs. 72,090 (Ex showroom Delhi) and TVS Apache RTR 180 ABS will cost Rs. 82,780 (Ex showroom Delhi)