While a whole bunch (called the majority) of people still prefer to buy the age old traditional technology laden 100cc Splendors, the demand for better technological stuff has risen by leaps and bounds in the country of late. Fuel Injection, Delta Frames, Disc Brakes, Digital gizmos all form an integral part of a young man’s desire these days. Many companies have been trying to take this initiative of upgrading an average Indian consumers mind, Bajaj and TVS form the top two among them! TVS has a racing division because of which the end products we receive on road are technical marvels as they go through the toughest of terrains under the harshest of conditions to be fine tuned for commercial production. TVS has always been a major player in the market and has this uncanny knack of pulling out something which surprises everyone.

TVS already has one of the finest motorcycles in India in the form of Apache RTR 180 which is not only one of the fastest in production but also upholds the tag of being the best stopper among all the machines produced in India. The major attribute goes to the petal disc concept followed by the company. And if you feel good about the facts above, you might jump off your chair when you would come to know that TVS is planning to install Antilock Braking System (ABS) on their bikes. TVS showcased their prowess at the recently concluded Auto Expo, where they had an Apache on display loaded with ABS.
Working
ABS: The bike loaded with ABS consists of a sophisticated Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) and speed sensors which continuously keep a track of the speed of the wheel. As soon as it senses a bleak possibility of a wheel lock, the control unit alters the hydraulic pressure in the braking system which doesn’t allow the wheel to lock up and hence, the rider doesn’t lose control of the bike.

RLP: In addition to the standard ABS functionality, TVS also has loaded it with RLP which stands for Rear Wheel lift-off Protection. As the name suggests this system doesn’t let the rear wheel to go air borne in case of an emergency braking. As soon as the unit senses the rear wheel lifting off the tarmac, the front brake pressure is released for an instant which ensures that the bike is safely grounded at all times.
TVS has developed this technology in collaboration with a German based firm, Continental AG who are pioneers in chassis control systems and passenger cars along with some big names from the two wheeler bike manufacturers like the BMWs. ABS helps even amateur rider to be in control of things even under immediate braking. The best utility of ABS is witnessed in wet roads where the bike performs much safer.
For stunters, there is absolutely no need to worry as the device can be turned off manually. According to our reports, this device would find way into production in the later part of this year and would set you “forward” by an increment of around 7-8 grands over the bikes cost. Once we Indians understand the use of such safety enhancing technologies, we might find these 7-8ks cheaper than what they might be looking currently. Considering the fact that Indian roads are the most prone to hard braking (under the influence of cow dungs, cows themselves, sand, oil, people etc) this device would be an ideal companion and might be the difference between a hard life threatening crash and a narrow escape!
Technical Specifications
Function: ABS + RLP
Hydraulic: 4 Valves, pump &LPA
Electronics: 12 Volts
ECU: Integrated
Valves: Digital Control
Communication: K-Line
- Saad Khan
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{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
abs(antilock braking system) for the safest braking…well,tvs is the first indian company to fit this system in two wheelers…if i m not wrong this is not ecu,this is mechanical..
I had purchased TVS RTR ABS about month back from MATRIX Motors Bangalore. Within a month ABS is failed and it had major problem with gear system, i went to Matrix TVS service center for 6 times, but still TVS cant help me out.
well wat about 220 and fi engine for 180
Hey hey hey, behind this one, there is something in yellow and black with Apache name on the petrol tank and a race style fairing…… Is that a concept or a TVS racing bike or a future road bike? Deepak pls let us know.
Looks smart and attractive.Run smart!
TVS always has to be running after HH to catch the market.
No FI for Apache yet. But the 220 seems to be on the cards. Testing is on.
well done TVS keep it up ‘
think they also have to try body faring on apache like ZMR and another 220 vriant of apache
Hi Siddu,
It is an ECU with complete functionalities of an ABS, even more than ABS features (some additional features). This is not mechanical.
A first and hopefully others follow so the tech make become more affordable.
This article clearly explains ABS – http://bikeadvice.in/antilock-braking-system-abs-indian-motorcycles/
Go tvs, kick some bajaj ass…
Wow this one will be a revolutionary one. If a company launches one the others will definitely do the same and the price will come down for sure. The explanation of the working makes it clear that its an Electronic Control Unit which continuously monitors wheel velocity and adjust the brake pressure just as the one in Honda Fireblade. People are willing to spending 15K+ for helmets and riding gear, so the price of ABS wont be a deciding factor.
What is the price of this model ? Is it out in the market ?
yupp gud …………but they should also increase the bike cc to 200-250…and also giv her a full fairing with projector headlamps or HID leadlamps,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
hi experts!
My son is facinated by the looks of TVS RTR 180. I have gone through the bike review and could note that most of the users complain about the over 65 kmph vibration as well as engine knocking besides poor after sale service by the tvs dealers. May I knw the experts openion regarding the same.
Regards!
Har Prakash Gulia
It’s nothing like that sir..
There is a lot of problems regarding service, It doesn’t depends on the brand – Just on the dealer..
Generally people says bajaj is giving bad after sale service, But the bajaj dealer where i bought my bike and making service is really perfect than my expectations.. They are just making & preparing my bike just for the next racig & ride..
So 1st go through thoroughly abt the dealers..
And 2nd thing vibration is there, but wen u compare it with other features in Apache surely you will never bother abt the vibration and u will surely start love the Racing DNA from its first ride itself.. Also its having the better braking performance.. (Vibration will be there between 60 to 72 Kms)
I had purchased TVS RTR ABS about month back from MATRIX Motors Bangalore. Within a month ABS is failed and it had major problem with gear system, i went to Matrix TVS service center for 6 times, My experience with this bike and service center was very bad, they never try to found fault on the bike rather these guys will always put blame customer every time. I was using FZ-S happily, i feel like I wasted my money without proper review. Guys plz be careful before buying RTR new module.
tvs should launch bikes having more cc and bhp. Don’t do these experiments because its not working
hey friends within some days im gong to purchase Apache rtr180 abs, but after c’ing the comment of prabhu and hr.prakash feeling fear to purchase, n rtr is my dream since from 4 years and another thing i dont want waist my investment, please sjst me friends…ill check this site regularly please sjst me