There was nothing exciting about Indian motorcycling until the early 2000s. Motorcycles were still considered as machines for commuting from one point to the other. The bikes that entered into the Indian market were frugal, under powered and focused only on deriving maximum fuel efficiency (pretty Indian!).
However, things started changing by early 2000s when Hero Honda (Hero Motocorp now) rode in India's first performance focused 150cc motorcycle, the CBZ. CBZ did not turn out to be a very successful brand but we've got to credit Hero Honda for being the pioneers of change.
Soon after the CBZ was launched, TVS hopped into the 150cc performance bike segment with the Fiero, that was jointly developed with Suzuki. Bajaj too joined the party in 2001 with the iconic Pulsar 150.
As things heated up, Bajaj's Pulsar emerged as the leader in the 150cc segment and the other brands faded away. The Pulsar dominated this segment and there was virtually no rival to it.
To topple the rule of the Pulsar and to re establish itself into the 150cc, TVS, in 2006,made an ambitious move and came up with a brand that's one of the leading brands of Indian motorcycle industry today, the Apache.
TVS first launched the Apache RTR 160, a naked street fighter with unprecedented characteristics and sheer performance and was the most powerful motorcycle in its segment back then. The bike on its first reveal itself struck everyone with awe with its performance figures and styling and overall fairing.Ever since then, the Apache has evolved quite a lot.
Most the people of my age (I'm 19 btw) have always dreamed of an Apache or a Pulsar (unless until of course till the KTMs from Austria invaded). We grew up watching these brands evolve. Any Indian automobile enthusiast will admire these two brands no matter what and that's only because of the kind of connect that we have developed over the years with these bikes. These are the two brands that played a pivotal role in changing the Indian motorcycling scenario.
For you today, we have with us the 3rd generation of the RTR 160 and so let's find out what makes it as TVS says 'scarily fast'.
Design.
The Apache series received major design changes in 2011. It looked completely different form its predecessors and received a mixed bag of reactions. While some went crazy for the new design, some felt that it was over styled and so TVS decided to not to discontinue the previous model. As a result there are two completely different looking Apaches with the same technical specifications and pricing that go into production. Now that shows how successful and profitable the brand Apache is for TVS.
The one we have with us is the Apache RTR 160 Hyper Edge with the 2011 design scheme.
Starting from the front the Apache looks menacing with its beast inspired LED day time running lights and smoked headlamps. They give the bike an intense animalistic look.
Moving sideways, there sits a sculpted fuel tank on which the muscular tank cowls with racing lines are mounted.
Also near the engine you'll find sporty engine cowls.
TVS claims that these cowls are not just there to enhance the aesthetics of the bike but they actually aid the aerodynamics and help in reducing the engine temperature by 3 to 5 degrees which improvises the performance and fuel efficiency of the bike. All these elements add to the overall drama of the bike.
The 17 inch alloy wheels look great and even the design of the rear grab rails is unique.
The LED tail lamps also look cool and are accompanied by clear lens turn signals.
The instrument console also looks great that has a digital speedo and an analog tach. Moreover the bike can record you top speed and 0-60 kmph acceleration timing, a first in the segment.
The only thing that we disliked is the extensive use of plastics that look like carbon fiber on multiple places like near the instrument console and the tail light housing.
The exhaust is also well designed keeping the overall design in mind and is garnished with chrome.
Overall, bike has a sporty stance and offers a commanding street presence and probably the best looker in the segment.
The one we have with us is the Apache RTR 160 Hyper Edge with the 2011 design scheme.
Starting from the front the Apache looks menacing with its beast inspired LED day time running lights and smoked headlamps. They give the bike an intense animalistic look.
Moving sideways, there sits a sculpted fuel tank on which the muscular tank cowls with racing lines are mounted.
Also near the engine you'll find sporty engine cowls.
TVS claims that these cowls are not just there to enhance the aesthetics of the bike but they actually aid the aerodynamics and help in reducing the engine temperature by 3 to 5 degrees which improvises the performance and fuel efficiency of the bike. All these elements add to the overall drama of the bike.
The LED tail lamps also look cool and are accompanied by clear lens turn signals.
The instrument console also looks great that has a digital speedo and an analog tach. Moreover the bike can record you top speed and 0-60 kmph acceleration timing, a first in the segment.
The only thing that we disliked is the extensive use of plastics that look like carbon fiber on multiple places like near the instrument console and the tail light housing.
The exhaust is also well designed keeping the overall design in mind and is garnished with chrome.
Overall, bike has a sporty stance and offers a commanding street presence and probably the best looker in the segment.
Performance specifications.
TVS has built this bike with only performance in mind. TVS says that it has built a sports bike that is barely street legal and is completely developed by the track. And the results justify that. The Apache offers the best in segment power and torque output figures and also the best power to weight ratio.
Specs.
Engine : 159.7cc, single cylinder, 2 valve, SOHC.
Transmission : 5 speed Synchromesh gearbox.
Max. Power : 15.2 BHP @ 8500 rpm.
Max. Torque : 13.1 Nm @ 6000 rpm.
The Apache has a rev happy engine that red lines all the way to 12000 rpm.
The untamed characteristics of the engine is such that it offers brut force and sheer power and picks up pace from the word go. Gun the throttle and you have a boost of torque and power irrespective of what gear and rev range you are riding.
The engine rightly lives upto its branding RTR which stands for Racing Throttle Response.
The engine, by no means is a refined unit and it is at high speed that vibrations become evident and has become a trademark of the brand.
The exhaust note is great and grunt is something that enthusiasts will certainly enjoy.
But with great power, you need great ability to brake and so TVS has equipped the Apache with a 270mm rotopetal disc brake in the front, a first in the segment and 130 mm dia drum brake in the rear (200 mm rear rotopetal disc comes as an option). The superior quality and precise tuning of the brakes give you the confidence to bring the best possible performance out of the bike.
Comfort, handling & riding dynamics.
Although the Apache is built along the race track but most of its buyers will certainly ride it in the city traffic and so TVS engineers have thoughtfully developed the ergonomics of the bike.
The bike is set on the TVS's patented double cradle SychroSTIFF chasis that is derived from its racing division.
The suspensions in the front are telescopic forks with hydraulic dampers and at the rear you get mono tube inverted gas (MIG) filled shocks to make your ride comfortable.
The overall suspension setup is on the stiffer side reminding you of its racing DNA and additionally gives you confidence for high speed cornering.
The RTR has a short wheel base and longer swing arm which make flickable in the city traffic conditions and the clip on handle bars make the handling even better.
There is a single piece seat with contour on offer. The riding position is upright and the backward positioning of the footpegs make the riding posture feel sportier.
It is only on long commutes that riders might complain about pains in the wrists and the solution to this is to adjust the position of clutch and the brake levers and things change immediately.
Overall the handling & riding dynamics are pretty balanced. The riding dynamics are such that you get a race track experience on everyday roads.
The Verdict.
The Apache is a brat.
Every single time you start the engine, gun the throttle, feel to the grunt of the engine and listen to the exhaust note, it all pumps your adrenaline.
Even when riding it wants you to rev it harder, push its limits, get into the next gear and exploit all its capabilities.
It is an instant eyeball-grabber and people will turn their heads every time you ride around.
If you are looking for a mean machine that can give you a racing experience on daily commutes and also be a great companion for the city then the Apache is certainly the bike you are just looking for.
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Credits:
Writing: Anish Kulkarni (anishkulkarni247@yahoo.com)
Photography & edits: Anish Kulkarni. (Some photos have been taken from TVS' website.)
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