Driven by change - TVS Apache RTR 2012 series

The Apache RTR has been given a facelift with visual upgrades that make the bike look more muscular, but the mechanicals in the bike have largely been left untouched. The Apache RTR bikes have been widely appreciated for being practical commuters, returning mileage figures of 38-40kpl, while managing to deliver sportsbike-like thrills and striking looks. Keeping the performance equations constant, TVS is clearly trying to get away by adding bits to its established brand of bikes – the RTR 160 and the RTR 180. Additions include a redesigned headlamp cluster featuring LED pilot lamps, a freshly designed 16-litre fuel tank with cowls which look slightly disproportionate, and a neatly visible cowl which covers the engine from below. The bikes also get a new set of alloy split footpegs (previous RTRs had combined units) and a tail cowl mounted on the rear fender. The upgrade also includes an impossible-to-miss new racy looking graphics job, which starts from the front fender and flows through the massive fuel tank cowls to the side panels. Since this is just a cosmetic upgrade, the engine and transmission on both bikes remain the same. The RTR 160 continues with its carburettor-fed, 159.7cc, air-cooled, four-stroke engine, still producing peak power of 15.2bhp and a peak torque of 1.32kgm. This Apache will come with a front disc brake and a rear drum brake, but a rear disc is a cost option. The bigger RTR 180 carries on with its acclaimed 177.4cc, air-cooled, four-stroke powerplant which generates an impressive 17.03bhp and a top torque figure of 1.56kgm. Besides proven performance, the updated Apaches will continue to offer comfortable rides and light handling. Mechanicals such as the front telescopic forks and rear gas shocks remain a constant. Braking is via a 270mm petal disc at the front for all bikes, and a 200mm petal disc at the rear for both RTR 180s and optionally on the RTR 160. Given TVS Motor’s respectful R&D capabilities, we believe that by doing just this much, it has missed out on the opportunity of taking the Apache RTR brand to greater heights. The merely beautified bikes will face the heat from attractively designed popular competitors. The TVS Apache RTR 160 will retail at Rs. 65,747 (ex-showroom, Mumbai) while the RTR 180 will be offered at Rs. 72,090 (ex-showroom, Mumbai), and Rs. 82,780 (ex-showroom, Mumbai) for the ABS version.