Apache RTR 180 Review by Sankar
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I waited for three weeks to get my Apache RTR 180 (White). I realize that I have made a good decision and the motorcycle suits my expectation and needs. But there is no bike like an ideal perfect bike, so I have included the cons as well. Let us start with the pros…

Design: The bike comes with new graphics. The new RTR design in the air scoop and partially on the tank looks good. But the stripe lines called GT stripe is same as in the Fuel injection version. The bike has same looks and same ergonomics.
Engine: It is a 180cc mill machine which has a power of 17.32 ps and 15.5 nm of torque. The higher torque means more power and grunt available for lower revs. Now the engine comes with carburetor unlike the fuel injection. The engine comes with guard so that it prevents mud ,dust particles entering into the engine. It is a SOHC, Air Cooled, Four Stroke Engine.
Wheels & Brakes: The bikes comes with light weight alloys. Light weight alloys are used to reduce the weight but they do their jobs pretty well. The bike come with dual disc brakes so razor sharp braking is sure .The dissipation of heat in roto petal disc is very fast. The front disc comes with 270 diameter petal disc. It naturally says that “Stop Where You Want!”. The rear disc comes with 200 diameter petal disc. Useful in good braking. The chain is O-ring type.The final drive is in the chain.
Performance: This is a good performer bike in this segment.. This is a direct competitor for Pulsar 180 UG4 ,Yamaha Fazer, Yamaha FZ16. The company people said that it can attain a top speed of 125 km/hr. But I reached a speed of 110 km/hr(really) without any fear. It can reach 0-60km in 4.48 sec. The bike lover can do their wheelings in 2nd gear also. The acceleration of the bike is so good . It reaches 80-90 km/hr easily. The idle rpm is 1400. The battery system is not DC like Pulsars but is good.
Speedometer: The speedometer comes with all loaded items but all things in the speedometer is as same as in the fuel injection version. The fuel indicator is not so accurate. The tachometer comes with white background colour.
Rear Footpegs: The rear footpegs is lightweight. The cover of footpeg can be removed. Notice the picture clearly the rear foot peg cover is removed. So it looks in silver colour.
Tyres: Here comes the main part. Both the tyres are tubeless tyres. The front tyre has a 90/90-R17 and rear tyre has a 110/80-R17.It has its own company tyre called srichakra tyre. The tyre works good in normal condition but in wet condition it is little panicky. In the corners we can turn without any fear. The removable rear fender also comes with the bike.
Suspension: The front suspension and back suspension works good but not as pulsars. The front suspension comes with gold plated color. The rear mono-tube-inverted gas suspension called “MIG” works better on potholes and speed breakers.
Clip-Ons: Compared to rtr 160 the clip-on are little big, to say a half inch more than 160. Now the clip ons comes in black colour. The seating of Apache 180 is sporty but the seats needs to be accumulated. When we go long rides sure back pain is there.
Cons:
- The bike vibrates a little. After it crosses 4500 rpm it starts vibrating and after crossing 6000 rpm it disappears.
- The main advantage is vibrations are mostly over shadowed. It means not overseen like 160.
- The tyre is not good in its grip so whats the use of Razor sharp braking. The tyre can be of MRF or OTHERS in order for good grip.
- The clutch is little notchy. The clutch is very tight, because of this after long rides I felt my arm is paining.
- The engine is not upgraded needs to be upgraded.
- The silencer is same as 160. And the sound of the bike is like FI.
- The battery is not of DC system . It is a AC system.
- The front suspension is not larger because of it the bike feels uncomfortable in some situations.
- The bike styles needs to be changed.
- The bike is uncomfortable for tall guys
- The seat is so hard.
My Verdict: Overall it’s a nice package in its own segment. The price of Apache RTR 180 is Rs.73,500. It has a good value for money what it offers. It makes a lot of sense to us.
- Sankar
Related posts:
- TVS Apache RTR 180 Review by Sharath
- TVS Apache RTR 160 Review
- Apache RTR 180 ‘Menace’ From TVS
- TVS Apache RTR Fi – The Fast Just Got Faster
- Apache RTR 160 Fi – It’s Pros And Cons
18 comments
BikeBhp.com on November 10, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Hi Sankar,
All I can say that, its a pretty fair review specially from the perspective of a new owner of a new bike
Darshan Ghumare on November 11, 2009 at 10:01 am
Hi Sankar,
I am planning to buy a bike, but confuse between RTR 180, GS180R & Unicorn.
My height is 6 feet & the bike mileage should be around 50 kmpl.
So please tell me which one you recommend?
Avinash on November 11, 2009 at 12:56 pm
The RTR 180 has major vibration jus today a guy on the RTR180 stoped right beside me at traffic light and when look the the front mudguard and mirrors they are shaking like hell and that was at stand still i cant even imagine wat it must feel like at 4000-6000 rpm where is gets super vibes
paddy12345 on November 11, 2009 at 4:20 pm
dude go in for unicorn……
sankar on November 11, 2009 at 6:42 pm
As your height is 6 feet then dont go for apache 180.Unicorn must need upgradation.So you can go for gs 150r or just think of pulsar 180 ug4.If u want mileage then go for pulsar 150 ug4.Its is a good bike.
sankar on November 11, 2009 at 6:51 pm
Ya i accept your words that apache has vibrations but you cant say that vibration in a bike can be seen by sitting in other bike.Most of the vibrations are overshadowed.All bikes in stand still looks like vibrating (it can be felt when we keep a keen look onto it).This is because the inertial force developed by the engine is higher.
CarAdvice on November 11, 2009 at 6:56 pm
TVS has done a fantastic job no doubt with the whole instrumentation and the likes. Love the details.
Ajith on November 13, 2009 at 10:55 am
Hi, I tested the Apache 180 and found that the engine feels so much rougher than Apache 160. I agree totally to paddy12345 about vibration aspect. I really doesn’t like the power delivery with lot of vibrations.
tom on November 17, 2009 at 2:54 am
TVS Bike stunts
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44712605@N04/4109723567/
King on November 29, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Hi Everyone,
Please suggest me i just purchased my TVS Apache 180 it is being 2 months but i reached only 119 kmph is this the top speed which i can get from this bike.
please advice me or do i need to check with service centre. i am really upset i gave thorttle response but please suggest me how to increase speed of this bike…
i will wait for ur adive.
rakeshthefox on November 30, 2009 at 6:15 pm
i was mad about rtr 180 because i had a tremendous exp. with rtr 160 i m riding my passion plus from last 5 years but from starting i was always hungary for speed and after huge research i come to know that rtr 180 is not good as pulsar is
zorbix on December 12, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Improve your English.
Terribly written article.
Most probably this comment will not make it to the page but please take this as constructive criticism.
No offense intended dude.
BTW I bought an RTR 180. The vibrations are killing me but some girls seem to like it…
And those brakes are awesome just as you mentioned. I’ll upgrade the tires soon.
Thanks man.
Fi-Nite on December 22, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Good User review.
The RTR 180 doesn’t sound like the 160Fi as the latter doesn’t have a resonator and a catalytic converter(CatCon).So 160Fi is more bassy.
apache tribal on January 12, 2010 at 5:44 pm
I own apache RTR180. It really rocks.
This is my first bike. I never had any experience of driving any other bike before putting my hands on this.
With in one month of purchase I managed to drive this at 110kmph easily. Thats the handling.
There are some minor problems as mentioned. But believe me, It is the bike to go for in 180 segment.
sunil on February 9, 2010 at 12:02 pm
Hi I m planning to buy 160 efi due to non availabilty now i am planning to buy 180 wight, but i am worried about mailege has i had chat with two cust, 160 efi is giving 55 but 180 i dont know pls suggest?
arun on March 1, 2010 at 9:42 am
hi shankar if you are getting confused betweent unicorn gs and apache 180 i suggest you go for suzuki gs 150r because it is the only bike that satisfies your needs to the core,last week i brought gs and my height is 5.11 all i ve got to say is this bike is extremely comfortable gives u a majestic feel and if maintained properly u can easily get mileage around 55-58 mark which i am getting now and moreover this bike comes with good engine refinement, amazing build quality, powerful horn and digital instrumentation.One more thing if you are looking forward to buy a bike that should be attractive, innovative then go for this bike featured with candy orange colour ,finally take a test ride before u go for buying it and i am sure that a second thought wont strike your mind after taking a test ride of this cool bike
IJ on March 7, 2010 at 1:01 pm
Hi there, anyone know if the TVS after service in Nepal is any good? I live near Kathmandu + I really like the Apache but having read lots of reviews for TVS, I don’t want to end up with terrible after-sales service. Anyone in Nepal with experience of TVS service able to help? This is my only reason for not buying the Apache right away, so all advice and info is very welcome!
Thanks guys!
prabhu on March 12, 2010 at 8:21 pm
hi shankar
i own a tvs apache rtr 180 and i have a problem in clutch after my bike crosses 80 kms/hr the clutch becomes very hard i cant even shift gears do u have any suggestions please mail me at prabhutheking22@gmail.com ill be looking forward to ur reply