This review that I made contains my opinion only and the specifications are from the official Apache website. A bike is first of all going to be in your possession for years and years together and its not cheap so making a decision with both your mind and heart is very important. I am a Second year BE mechanical engineering student studying in a reputed institution in Coimbatore.
Even though it is a beautiful city the traffic is like hell and also the college bus fares. So i decided to get a bike that will be fun and easy to drive in the city.
My dad fixed a budjet of 70k rupees for the bike. So i decided to get a 150cc bike.
My Choice Were
- Honda Unicorn
- Honda Dazzler
- Suzuki GS150R
- Hero Honda Hunk
- Hero Honda CBZ
- Tvs Apache
- Yamaha Fazer
Actually before even making a list of the bikes, I wanted a Fazer but it just crept past my budjet so left the Fazer out. I wanted to make sure the bikes could deliver what I expected so i started to climb all the show rooms in my city.
Unicorn was refined but lacked styling, GS I expected was missing, I saw a whole new GS which was two toned so had to leave it. Hunk, CBZ and the Apache offered the most enjoyable rides. But the Apache was a real stunner among the 3 be it pick up or styling the Apache just won my heart and my mind.
They say a bike is like a man’s first wife but my bike is too masculine to be my wife. Actually I consider it as my second brother (I have a younger brother).
Drive Train and Performance
The engine displacement of TVS Apache RTR 160 is 159.7cc and it is a 4-stroke air cooled engine. It can hammer 15.4 ps of power at 8500 rpm. The engine is not that smooth when compared to the GS or the Unicorn but makes efficient use of the extra 10cc provided to the bike. I have not yet relished the full power of the engine yet. It can carry the bike upto speeds between 110 to 118 kmph depending upon the weight of the rider.
I’ve made 106 kmph on a long straight road and the engine wanted it to be revved more. The clutch is light and feels spot on for repetitive use in the city. The gear shift are a bit notchy but not a problem to worry about. Vibrations start to creep up the handle bar at 58 kmph and reduces at 70 kmph and the engine becomes smoother after that. The bike has the highest power to weight ratio in its class which means no worries even with a heavy person behind you.
Ride and handling
First of all the riding is quite comfortable even at higher speeds thanks to the inverted gas filled shocks with spring aid. Even during corners the bike does not wobble around. The apache handles like a dream. I would not say that it handles like the R15 but handles better than all the other 150 cc bikes. It is just 136 kgs so driving at low speeds through traffic becomes so easy.
Styling
The bike is scorching hot and is aggressive. The bike looks as if it is always ready to race. The bike has been well designed by the TVS group. Each and every equipment has been added to increase the style quotient.
The clip on handle bars (first in its class), alloy brake and gear levers, Roto petal discs, alloy wheels, Split-grab rails, Twin triangular LED tail lamps, Racing stripes, Rear set foot pegs, the engine scoops and the tank scoops adds style to the beast. The bike is more masculine in my opinion.
Ergonomics
The tank has been carved to create more support for the knees and as well as add style. The foot pegs are rear set to provide a racing experience that does not mean it lacks comfort. The seating snd riding position may not be liked by everyone but when you get used to it you will really feel more comfortable with this bike.
Braking
The front wheels have discs, so it does provide healthy braking on the hand i am not satisfied with its drum brakes in the rear which are average but provide enough braking power at low speeds.
Instrument cluster
The instrument cluster is semi digital. The speedometer is digital whereas the tachometer is analog.
The instrument cluster consists:
- Speedometer
- Tachometer
- 2 tripmeters
- Odometer
- Clock
- Fuel Indicator
- Low fuel Indicator
- Service indicator
- Low battery indicator
- The most innovative thing is adding a radium ring around the keyhole which helps you identify the keyhole even in the dark.
Tyres and Wheels
The sad part is the bike does not come with a zapper. But has decent tyres. The front wheels are 17” ind the rear wheels are 18”. The broader tyres helps in confident cornering.
Tank Capacity and Mileage
The tank capacity is 16 litres and the reserve is 2.5 litres. TVS Apache RTR 160 is mainly for performance so it offer decent mileage even though it is a 160cc bike. In city with careful driving I get around 48 and in the highways I get 55 to 57 kmpl which is not bad.
Stickers
There is a huge racing stripe running over the body of the bike, TVS racing stickers on both the sides of the bike, RTR is engraved on the silencer guard, stuck near the grab rails on the engine scoop and the bikes name Apache is plastered on the tanks.
Pros
- Power to weight ratio
- Styling
- Aerodynamics
- Well equipped instrument cluster
- Alloy levers
- Pick-up
- 30 month warranty and 5 free services
- Top Speed
Cons
- Tyres
- Mileage
- Notchy gears
- No mono suspension
Verdict
TVS Apache RTR 160 bike would be pleasure for you to drive around if you could forget about the mileage but if you are particular about mileage than performance than you would not enjoy riding this bike. But if you want a lively bike that is like a racing bike to ride around really buy this bike with your eyes closed.
Thanks for patiently reading this article. Hope it was informative. If i have mentioned anything wrong please correct me or bear with me. One final thing don’t forget wear your helmet. Driving pleasure comes with safety.
Comments are welcome.
Regards,
Vijay
