Power Ride - Apache RTR 180 ABS

BIKE lovers have something to cheer about ~ TVS has introduced anti-lock braking system on two wheelers for the first time in the country. Experts say that by 2020 India will be the biggest hub for small cars and motorcycles in Asia. All big automobile manufacturers have opened workshops in the country. Even Harley-Davidson, the great American giant, has opened its showroom in Hyderabad and Harley motorcycle gangs are now seen in the country. Kawasaki and Suzuki have opened plants and are manufacturing heavy duty motorcycles. Those who regularly ply highways must have come across motorcycle teams on cross-country journeys. Visiting Ladakh and Leh on bikes is now common.

Kolkata was once the hub for muscle bikes during the British period. There were Nortons, BSAs, BMWs and Matchless. Now it is amazing to note that traffic sergeants used to ride Harley-Davidsons with sidecars. In the 1970s and ‘80s bike experts Biswanath Ghosh and Kamal Bhandari had imported Honda and BMW motorcycles. A new chapter opened when 100cc motorcycles were introduced in the late 1980s. These bikes were light and offered good mileage. These bikes were used mainly for commuting and the lighter bikes forced Royal Enfield to update its engine, and make them fuel-efficient.

The TVS Apache 180 is unique because of its anti-lock braking system. Some up-market cars have it but this is the first two-wheeler to have this feature. Because of poor road conditions it is essential to have a motorcycle with a fine braking system. In fact, nearly 75 percent bike accidents on highways in due to poor braking. The ABS prevents locking of the bike when brakes are suddenly applied.

The Apache can be driven on any terrain because it offers superb balance even at low speeds. Powerful headlamps make night driving a pleasure. The bike has a sporty look that should attract youngsters. One advice: Do not accelerate abruptly. Take a test drive and be charmed by the power of the bike.