HERE ARE MORE IMAGES AND TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE FACELIFTED NEW 2012 TVS APACHE RTR160 MOTORCYCLE

Imitation is the best form of flattery. Well, let’s begin with a little back story. When the TVS Apache was first launched sometime in 2007, the motorcycle was a response to the likes of the Bajaj Pulsar 150 and the Hero Honda CBZ. The Apache was a track honed machine whose forte was an aggressive riding position, good handling and a responsive engine. However, the motorcycle never really took off amidst the growing competition which introduced timely updates. Finally, TVS Motors seems to have decided to refresh the Apache in the form of a style makeover, the only downside being the fact that the Apache now looks strikingly similar to the Bajaj Pulsar family.

The headlamp fairing, especially when viewed from head on, gives one the impression of a Bajaj Pulsar variant rather than a TVS Apache variant. Oh, and we also can’t help but point out that TVS  still seems to be hungover with its erstwhile partner Suzuki, given that the new Apache’s headlamp shows a striking resemblance to te Suzuki GS150R.  While the enthusiast crowd may be bemoaning the lack of any real innovation here, this motorcycle from TVS could still sell well. Remember, Hero MotoCorp has been the tremendous success it is on the back of paint and sticker jobs, all around a single 97.2cc four stroke horizontally inclined engine.

So, by that analogy, the facelifted 2012 TVS Apache could still sell well, but the only difference being that, unlike Hero MotoCorp’s economuter, the performance motorcycle enthusiast in India clearly wants more bang for the buck, given the multitude of offerings vying for attention at the marketplace. The engine of the RTR160 remains bog similar with no increase in either power or torque. Expect the same to be the case with the 180cc model as well.  While the hustings will decide the fate of the new TVS Apache RTR160 and RTR180, both of which get identical styling makeovers, we’ll round up what’s new on both these motorcycles,

* New headlamp with pilot lamps and front fairing

* Faux carbon fiber insert on the fuel tank

* New fuel tank scoops/faux air intakes

* New graphics

* Faux carbon fiber insert around the instrumentation console

* Redesigned seat

* New all-metal footpegs for the pillion

* New pillion footpeg mounts

* Redesigned side panels

* New crash guard design

* Redesigned seat

* New rear mudguard

* Redesigned saree guard