Wednesday, May 23, 2012

2012 TVS APACHE RTR Series Review

Dinesh Kumar, gets astride the facelifted TVS Apache RTR180 and comes back with a range of impressions. Here we go.



2012 TVS Apache RTR180 Headlamp


Hi there guys, I am here to give you a comprehensive review of the new RTR 180.  Following a string of mixed responses before and after the launch of the new RTR series, and having tested the new RTR 160, I mustered up all the positivity within me to go ahead and check out the new RTR180. When the RTR 180 debuted a few years back, there was a lot of talk about it looking identically same as its younger sibling. Well, TVS has kept all these things in mind – all the feedback regarding the design, the ergonomics, and the engine vibrations while creating the new series.
Unfortunately while the response amongst the enthusiast crowd has been lukewarm ever since the spy pics of the new Apache hit the interweb a couple of weeks before its launch – much of it having to do with no higher displacement engine being introduced, I somehow feel that the 180 looked much better in this new avatar when compared to the 160.  I had to wait patiently for the first lot of 180s to arrive here at Hyderabad before I could lay my hands on them.  The showroom people were generous enough to allow me to spend adequate time with this mean machine in order to give a detailed review.  Here is a section-wise review of my experience with this new beast.
LOOKS:

Much has been talked about the design ever since the spy shots surfaced.  There are people who compare the headlamp design to that of a Pulsar and I believe that is true to a certain extent.  The similarity is pretty evident on the side view, if not the front.  The positive way to look at it is that people at TVS have tried to give it a cosmetic makeover given that the old design was aging.  A refreshed look every now and then is a must in the competitive motorcycle industry, but my personal opinion is that, when the first RTR160 came out in 2007, it was well ahead of time with split grab rails, engine cowl, clip-on handle bars, etc.  If you would notice even Bajaj took some cues from TVS and came up with clip-ons in its later models.  I personally feel the older design was simple yet practical.  For a motorcycle, design is crucial – it needs to turn you on the moment you look at it.Having witnessed the older version, knowing what people at TVS were capable of, and given the teaser shots on TVS’s official Facebook page of the twin pilot lamps that looked stunning, the expectations were way too high for not only the Apache fans, but also other biking enthusiasts.  The moment the spy shots hit the net, the response was pretty despondent.  Many Apache fans and other enthusiasts were shocked by the design.  Right from the unusually sized tank shrouds to the unequally yoked dual tone paint job, this new beast was less eye candy.  No doubt the beast looks much better in its flesh when compared to the spy pics, but the high expectations came crashing down.  Also I personally felt the design was meant for the 180 because the 180 looks more polished and neat with a sensible paint job and gorgeous graphics that blend well with the design – at least much better than that of the 160.

TVS released an official video highlighting the science and art behind its making and justified the unusual size of the tank shrouds by stating that it lessens the engine heat by a phenomenal 10 degrees.  This is good, but something seems to have gone wrong somewhere and the pure harmony with which all parts used to come together in the old design is missing in the new one.  Also having made so many changes cosmetically, they could have done away with the old tail lamp.  The headlamp design, no doubt is good and the show stopper as mentioned before is the pair of pilot lamps.  The one thing that was irritating my eyes though was some sort of a round rubbery protrusion on top of the digital console (it is visible in the pics posted).  I believe it is there to cover the screw holding the unit together, but it spoils the look.  The bottom line is that the 180’s avatar of single tone paint with good graphics is much more inviting when compared to the new 160.
COMFORT:

This is another thing people at TVS had to look at.  While the older version boasts of racing ergonomics and posture, many people complained of developing back pain and wrist pain due to the short handle it used to sport.  Though the older 180 looked the same as the 160, the moment you mounted it, you could feel the difference almost immediately.  The older 180 was a joy to ride and always longed to be pushed harder and faster.  The older version stayed planted even at high speeds when compared to the 160, which started to swerve even as we reached the 90s.  The good thing about the new 160 is that it will not swerve as much as the older one because it now comes equipped with wider tubeless tyres.  Also going by the normal stance, though the new models look longer, the wheelbase remains the same for both the 160 and 180 at 1300 mm and 1326 mm respectively.
The seat is nice and comfortable just as much the old one was.  The suspension quality remains the same, somewhat stiff, going by its racing pedigree.  The handlebar is well positioned and might result in less wrist pain and back pain when compared to prior.  The people at TVS have tried their best to reduce the vibrations and have succeeded to a great extent if not completely.  The vibrations do exist at low RPMs for the 180, but are very negligible.  Earlier, the 160, due t its ergonomics, was limited to city conditions and was not advisable for longer journeys.  TVS have tried to change that and I guess they have succeeded.  Nothing has changed with the 180 though.  It was good enough then and is the same now irrespective of longer or shorter distances.

HANDLING:
The old 180 was pretty underrated, at least in terms of sales figures, for what it was capable of.  It used to handle like a dream, its performance was top notch, and it always used to deliver more than what people expected out of it, no wonder it was always pitted against higher capacity vehicles in shootouts.  Now, enter the new 180, thankfully since this is predominantly a cosmetic makeover, there is no significant change in the way it handles when compared to the older version.  The power delivery is nice and smooth and boy, the throttle response is crisp.  The large RTR labeling is not on the tank shrouds for the sake of it; the Racing Throttle Response is pretty evident every time you twist the throttle.  The brute force of 17.03 PS of power coupled with the incredibly high power to weight ratio pulls off mind-boggling performance, especially if you’re graduating from commuter motorcycles.
60  Kph came up in no time and I had to purposely shift to higher gears with enough power in hand even as I was going past each gear.  The top speed claimed and mentioned in the brochure is 124 kmph. Now here comes the most important point and I hope TVS people take note of this.  They have kept almost all the feedback in mind while coming up with this new series, but have missed out on one important and crucial thing.  It is the sixth gear.  Many people across the board have mentioned the fact of missing a sixth gear on the 160 as well the 180.  You go past the five gears in a flash and are left wanting for more with the amount of power still in store.  I am sure a sixth gear would do wonders for at least the 180’s monstrous appetite and let us hope TVS includes the sixth gear in their upcoming launches.  Almost everything you throw at the 180, it seems to devour with consummate ease – be it bumpy roads, corners at high speeds, instant pick-up, power delivery at higher RPMs, or even effective braking.  The quality of rubber has been an issue in the past and continues in the present model.  TVS tyres do perform their duty pretty well, but are not as good as that of MRF.
MILEAGE:

“Kitni deti hai” is a common statement that everyone has come to terms with since the beginning of time.  No matter how powerful the bike or whichever segment it may find itself in, the average Indian biker always has this question popping up.  Well, since nothing has changed internally, at least as claimed by TVS, the old figures should be applicable to the current models as well.  The showroom people claim the 160 to deliver around 45-50 kmpl and the 180 to deliver 35-40 kmpl.  However, I do have friends who claim to get around 45 kmpl with the 180 and around 55 kmpl with the 160.  When it comes to mileage, a lot depends on how we ride.  One needs to avoid riding  the clutch and frequent braking. Also riding in the top gear between speeds of 45-55 will optimize the mileage on most motorcycles.
BRAKING:
The roto-petal discs on front and rear perform their duties well.  Braking is sharp and precise and there is no sense of insecurity even when braking at higher speeds.  Of course, ABS is a welcome addition and enhances the confidence level on wet surfaces. On the non-ABS versions, the moment you hit a water patch, the tyres tend to skid on moderate-to-harsh braking. ABS goes a long way in preventing that and hence is a must have if you can afford the extra few grand that the ABS version sells for. The rear discs are optional for the 160, but come standard with the 180.
CONCLUSION:

Ever since its debut, Apache has been a name synonymous with raw pulsating power that sets your pulse racing and gets the adrenaline going.  Over the years, it has grown up in terms of power, performance and ergonomics..  The new series was eagerly anticipated by all die-hard Apache fans and the greatest disappointment was that TVS didn’t up the ante in terms of displacement even after the many rumors of an RTR 220 doing the rounds.  I just want to leave you guys with some hope because I have confirmed from a dealer friend here in Hyderabad that an RTR 220 is still in the pipeline.  When it will surface, nobody knows, but if it indeed does, it is great news for all bike enthusiasts.  Let us hope TVS will not disappoint us and will come up with a worthy opponent to the Pulsar 200 NS in the days to come.  That’s it from me guys.  Ride safe, keep your eyes on the road, wear your helmets, keep the headlight on low beam while in city limits, and do not use your cell phones while riding.
Model            Ex-Showroom            On-Road
RTR 160            Rs. 68,628                77,816
RTR 180            Rs. 74,258                84,059
180 ABS            Rs. 82,780                93,511





Thursday, November 10, 2011

Tvs Coming up with revised Apache Series

The TVS Motor company’s flagship models, the Apache RTR series bikes are a popular choice with Indian sportsbike enthusiasts, and for good reasons. Born with the solid foundation of racing heritage, the affordably priced RTR’s, 160 and 180 represent the best of both worlds, engineered to be relaxed enough to ride on a daily basis, yet still providing riders the thrills of exciting performance and sharp edged handling that only true sportsbikes deliver. The RTR 180 to its credit remains to date one of India’s select few motorcycles to provide riders the additional safety of ABS assisted brakes.
The Apache RTR’s are easily the best looking motorcycles from TVS, which is soon to be taken to the next level. Expect the shortly upcoming RTR variants to sport more contemporary, revised styling, while retaining all their sought after value-for-money features including a heady blend of performance, with good handling and adequate comfort. The new RTR should enter TVS showrooms around the country as early as within some weeks from now, and we don’t expect to see too much more than is already offered by these bikes in terms of extra engine capacity or performance.

Source:- Autocarindia.com

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

TVS Motor expects sales to grow over 14% this fiscal

NEW DELHI: Chennai-based TVS Motor Co on Wednesday said it expects sales to grow by over 14 per cent this fiscal and is gearing up to launch two new models toward the end of the calendar year.
"The market is still showing growth, although it is not the same as last year. The industry is expected to grow around 13-14 per cent, while we (TVS) are looking at slightly higher growth than that," TVS Motor Co President (Marketing) H S Goindi told PTI.
For the 2010-11 fiscal, the company had posted a 33.17 per cent increase in sales to 20,46,668 units from 15,36,919 units in the previous fiscal. Its total two-wheeler sales rose by 31.86 per cent to 20,06,808 units from 15,21,939 units in the previous fiscal.
He said it is unlikely that the expectation of around 25 per cent growth in the two-wheeler market will happen this fiscal.
When asked about new product launches, he said the company is gearing up to introduce two new models by the end of the year.
"One will be a motorcycle and the other a scooter," Goindi said, but declined to share further details.
Earlier, the company had said it would re-enter the Indian electric scooter market with some existing and new models during this fiscal.
The company was carrying out test runs of about 50 electric scooters, comprising some of its existing and new models, across various towns in the country.
In April, 2008, TVS had launched electric scooterette 'Scooty Teenz Electric' with high hopes of selling around 40,000 units per year.
However, it had stopped the production since May, 2009, as it received a lukewarm response from the market.
The company had also shelved plans to launch electric three-wheelers.

Source-economic times

Thursday, June 2, 2011

TVS Motor Company registers 18% growth in May 11 sales

Hosur, June 1, 2011: Contributions from domestic and exports markets alike, backed by steady growth across all segments has enabled TVS Motor Company to increase its total sales by 18% in the month of May 2011. The company recorded total sales of 185,930 units in May 2011 against 156,980 units in the corresponding month of the previous year. The three wheeler business of the company continued to register significant growth. The company's cumulative sales for the months of April and May 2011 grew by 16% with sales of 353,674 units against 304,152 units recorded in the previous comparable period.
Two Wheeler
Total two wheeler sales grew by 18% with sales of 181,891 units in May 2011 in comparison with 154,667 units recorded in May 2010.
Scooter sales increased by 20% with sales of 38,168 units, compared to 31,884 units recorded in May 2010. Motorcycles grew by 11% totaling 75,619 units in May 2011 as against 67,906 units in May 2010.
Domestic two wheeler sales of the company reported a growth of 16% with sales of 158,829 units in May 2011 against 136,621 units reported in May 2010.
Exports
Exports grew by 42% recording total sales of 26,168 units in May 2011 as against 18,482 units in the same month of the previous year. The company exported 23,062 units of two wheelers in May 2011 in comparison with 18,046 units in May 2010, an increase of 28%.
Three Wheeler
In May 2011, the company sold 4,039 units of three wheelers as against 2,313 units in the comparable month of the previous year, a growth of 75%. Cumulative three wheeler sales for the months of April and May 2011 stood at 7600 units.

Source- TVS Motors

Monday, May 30, 2011

TVS Motor launches Max4R LX Targeted at rural India


Equipped with a four-stroke, air-cooled 109.7cc durable engine thatproduces high torque and enhanced pickup, the Max4R LX is toughest bike in its class.

TVS Motor Company today announced the launch of Max4R LX, a variant of its recently introduced Max4R motorcycle, thereby offering customers the choice of a sturdy and durable commuter that is easy to ride on uneven rural roads. While Max4R LX promises the same comfort and safety as that of the Max4R, it comes with a well cushioned long seat, making commuting with family much more convenient. 

Equipped with a four-stroke, air-cooled 109.7cc durable engine thatproduces high torque and enhanced pickup, the Max4R LX is toughest bike in its class. Max4R LX is a powerful blend of hardiness, reliability, high efficiency and low cost, making it a promising motorcycle for rural and semi-urban use. Added features boost the motorcycle’s handling, stability and safety.

“Ever since the launch of Max4R, which has been very well received by our customers, we have received several requests for a commuter version, with similar features. Riding conditions in rural areas demand that a motorcycle has sturdy shock absorbers for smooth ride comfort and reinforced spokes and stronger frame which can take the pressure of constant riding on uneven surfaces. 

During the rainy season, road conditions these areas can prove a deterrent to rider safety. In order to counter this, we have retained all the features of the Max4R including the bigger brakes and larger tyres in this variant as well at no extra cost” said B V Sreedhar, Vice President, Business on Wheels, TVS Motor Company. 

This motorcycle is also available with the option of a mobile charger, since rural areas often go without electricity for most part of the day. So in an emergency situation, the rider can use his motorcycle to charge his mobile phone. The Max4R LX comes in colours of Black and Red with vibrant graphics.

“We have introduced the Max4R LX for those customers who have both specific utility needs and also require a reliable commuter motorcycle. We have ensured that highest quality standards and maximum customer expectations have been incorporated in this motorcycle” B V Sreedhar added.

Max4R LX is priced at Rs. 39,090/- ex-showroom Maharashtra similar to that of Max4R and is immediately available in all authorised TVS dealerships across the state.

TVS Apache RTR 180 ABS Expert's Review!!!!!!!!

Guy's here the official expert's review from TVS Racing Rider's C.S SANTOSH and K.P.ARAVIND.
Source-youtube.com

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Team TVS Racing dominate in Coimbatore

 

Aravind K P bags top honours

Coimbatore 22 May 2011: Picking up from where they left off after the first round of the MRF National Supercross Championship in Bangalore, Team TVS Racing, dominated at the Coimbatore racetrack, finishing with podium positions in every race participated. Leading from the front were their riders Aravind K P and Pradeep H K. Both riders pulled off stunning manoeuvres while displaying superior supercross riding skills. Egged on by an enthused crowd, Team TVS Racing's Aravind K P was adjudged the winner of the Class I Foreign Open - Group A 250 cc winning both motos by a comfortable lead, while bagging the"Best Rider of the Day" award.
A thrilling first race, Moto One of Class 1, Foreign Open, Group A 250cc - 500 cc, saw Team TVS Racing rider Aravind K P take the lead from the first corner itself. Aravind exhibited unsurpassed riding talent to consistently widen the gap between himself and his rivals and win the first race. A keen contest between privateer Veer Patel, privateer C D Jinan and Team TVS Racing's Pradeep H K ensued for the next few laps until Pradeep H K in a blinder of a move edged past rival Veer Patel to take second position. Veer Patel came in third.


However, it was the Second Moto of the Class 1, Foreign Open, Group A 250cc - 500 cc that was the most eventful and stimulating race of the day. Race leader Aravind K P of Team TVS Racing once again took the lead from the first corner itself, with H K Pradeep and Veer Patel close at his heels. Veer Patel managed to get the better of H K Pradeep after his motorcycle collided with the rear wheel of H K Pradeep's bike causing both riders to fall and giving room for privateer C D Jinan from Kerala to move up to second position. In the next lap itself, an adept move from Veer Patel ensured him the second position. The fifth lap did not prove good for C D Jinan either with TVS Racing's H K Pradeep overtaking him to take third place.


It was an all Team TVS Racing affair in Class 3, Indian Experts, Group C upto 260 cc as well, with H K Pradeep taking the winning position with 37 points, followed by Aravind K P with 35 points and Pramod Joshua with 32 points. Despite a slow start in the first moto, Aravind K P and Pradeep H K fought a keen contest, with fellow team mate Pramod Joshua and Naresh to secure the first and second place. The second moto had different story to tell though, with H K Pradeep and Pramod Joshua taking the lead. It was sheer grit and experience that saw Aravind K P to the podium in the last lap of the race.
In the Class 5, Indian Experts, Group C upto 260cc, team TVS Racing won four of the top five places. The only perceivable competition came from that of privateer C D Jinan who secured the second position. Pramod Joshua of Team TVS Racing won the race with Mohammed Azghar taking third place. Privateer Girshin from Thrissur, Team Kerala's exhibited impressive riding talent in Class 2, Novice, Group C as well as the Class 6 Private Experts, Group C, winning both races handsomely.
Riders from Coimbatore impressed the crowed and officials alike in a closely run race in Class 4, Locals, Group B with 16 of them jostling for space around corners to overtake one another. Prakash R took top honours winning the race, on his Apacher RTR 160 followed by Anand A and Ramesh Kumar P.
Team TVS Racing's Aravind K P now leads the championship with 77 points followed by team mate H K Pradeep with 69 points and privateer Veer Patel with 62 points. The next leg of the championship is scheduled to take place in Chennai in September this year.

MRF NATIONAL SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP - COIMBATORE
ROUND 2 - PROVISIONAL RESULTS

Class 1: Foreign Open Group A 250 CC - 500 CC Moto - I (10, Riders, 6 Laps)

Position
Rider
Team

I
Aravind KP
TVS Racing

II
H K Pradeep
TVS Racing

III
Veer Patel
Baroda

Class 1: Foreign Open Group A 250 CC - 500 CC Moto - I (10, Riders, 6 Laps)

Position
Rider
Team

I
Aravind K P
TVS Racing

II
Veer Patel
Baroda

III
H K Pradeep
TVS Racing

Class 1: Foreign Open Group A 250 CC - 500 CC - Combined Results

Position
Rider
Team

I
Aravind K P
TVS Racing

II
Veer Patel
Baroda

III
H K Pradeep
TVS Racing

Class 3: Indian Experts Group B Up To 260CC (8 Riders, 4 Laps) Moto - I

Position
Rider
Team

I
H K Pradeep
TVS Racing

II
Aravind K P
TVS Racing

III
Pramod Joshua
TVS Racing

Class 3: Indian Experts Group B Up To 260CC (8 Riders, 4 Laps) Moto - II

Position
Rider
Team

I
H K Pradeep
TVS Racing

II
Pramod Joshua
TVS Racing

III
Aravind K P
TVS Racing

Class 3: Indian Experts Group B Up To 260CC - Combined Results

Position
Rider
Team

I
H K Pradeep
TVS Racing

II
Aravind K P
TVS Racing

III
Pramod Joshua
TVS Racing

Class 2: Novice Group C Up To 260CC (24 Riders, 4 Laps)

Position
Rider
Team

I
Grishin KC
Kerala

II
Shabaz Khan
Mysore

III
Murthy R
Bangalore

Class 4: Locals Group B Up To 260CC (16 Riders, 4 Laps)

Position
Rider
Team

I
Prakash R
Coimbatore

II
Anand A
Coimbatore

III
Ramesh Kumar P
Coimbatore

Class 5: Indian Experts Group C Up To 260CC (16 Riders, 4 Laps)

Position
Rider
Team

I
Pramod Joshua
TVS Racing

II
CD Jinan
Kerala

III
Mohammed Azghar
TVS Racing

Class 6: Private Experts Group C Up To 260CC (17 Riders, 4 Laps)

Position
Rider
Team

I
Grishin KC
Kerala

II
Shabaz Khan
Mysore

III
Mohammed Wasim
Bangalore

Class 7: Private Foreign Open Group A Up To 260CC (9 Riders, 4 Laps)

Position
Rider
Team

I
CD Jinan
Kerala

II
Harith Noah
Kerala

III
Allan Sequiera
Goa

Source- tvs motor's