READER REVIEW OF FACELIFTED 2012 TVS APACHE RTR160 SPORTS MOTORCYCLE

Existing owners of a motorcycles are usually the best judges of facelifted or new versions of the same motorcycle. One such owner is ICB reader Dinesh Kumar, who owns a TVS Apache RTR160. Dinesh went ahead and test rode the recently launched facelifted version of the Apache and here’s what he had say about this motorcycle.

“NEW BREED OF TEARS” New Apache RTR 160 – FIRST IMPRESSION!

The new beast is tested and tried.  It is a tamed beast and lacks the punch.  ”New breed of fear” is the tag line.  I would say leave alone the fear factor, it is a “nightmare” for Apache fans. It is slow and sluggish unlike the outgoing version, which is brisk and swift and loves to zip through.  They have tried to refine the engine, but nothing seems to have worked this time around for TVS.  The engine is tuned to go farther in each gear.

We no longer have the shorter gear ratios that take us to the top gear in absolutely no time.  I guess this was in an effort to give a smoother ride and improve fuel efficiency.  The vibrations do still exist and they have failed to deliver a smoother ride.  I rode my RTR 160, which is just four months old, immediately after the test ride and mine felt much smoother.  It will take some more time for the fuel efficiency figures to surface.

On the other hand, they have also lost out on the pure aggression of the older model.  The new one doesn’t have a sporty feel.  It seems more like a commuter motorcycle. The switch gear is new, but feels out of place.  I needed to reach for the switches – the turn indicators’ switch, horn switch, etc.  The tyres are wider and tubeless, which are two positives.  The wheelbase 

They seemed to have worked on the ergonomics and the seating posture seems nice and comfy, but it now lacks the sporty feel.  The seat is a little longer unlike the older one where-in there would be no room for a pillion if you had a back-pack on.  Now, the pillion gets somewhat more space than before. I must admit I never did feel like I was riding an Apache all along.  The vehicle also appeared to have put on a few kilos.

It appeared a bit heavier than the previous model.  I got a pretty decent test ride and maneuvering through the traffic was not as easy as it was with the older model.  The tank shrouds are huge and without the air scoops look like chunks of plastic sticking out. The price as I mentioned yesterday is 79k on-road in Hyderabad.  There are four color options – gray, green, yellow, and red.  All come with the dual tone theme where black is the other standard color.

Many will find this model to be “most un-Apache like.”  I guess that is the bottom line.  “New beast, old bloodline” was the tagline, but I would say “this is not at all a beast…to say the least”. Time to end this on a positive note guys.  The new 180 is yet to hit the showrooms here in Hyderabad.  I hope they do not mess with it.  Going by the latest spy pics, the 180 does look much better.  I hope it handles better as well.  I will keep you guys posted as soon as I can get my hands on the 180 here in Hyderabad.  Until then, wear your helmets, ride safe, put your headlights on low beam, and do not use a cell phone while riding.  Bye and God bless.