TVS Apache Review Pics

TVS Apache RTR 180 facelift review, specifications, pics, top speed, price and details

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TVS Motor Company is one of the very few manufacturers in Indian biking scene which have made it a point to try and please the performance bike aficionados. The erstwhile TVS-Suzuki relationship saw the advent of some really exciting machines such as the Suzuki Shogun and the Suzuki Fiero. In 2007, several years after the two manufacturers parted ways, TVS launched its second 4 stroke, 150cc model- the Apache. Initially regarded by many as a Fiero with new clothes and a 5 speed gearbox, the new motorcycle was quick to create a niche for itself and was seen giving quite some sleepless nights to the makers of formidable Pulsar 150.

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Soon after, the TVS Apache 150 was replaced by the 160cc variant and in came the Racing Throttle Response (RTR) moniker. With the advent of the RTR 160, the Apache became the first bike in its segment to boast of bits like a petal disc, clip ons, a 0-60kmph read out, et al. In later stages, the bike also got tank shrouds, new decals, a Fuel Injected engine variant and other tid bits such as an engine cowl.

It was in later half of 2009 when the South India based automaker decided to take the fight straight to the bigger Pulsars and came up with the Apache RTR 180. The 180cc variant was quick to garner attention of the excitement-deprived crowd in the sub 200cc segment of Indian bike market and suddenly, found itself being compared with bikes from even a segment above.

Some four years down the line, the Apache series of motorcycles got its most comprehensive makeover ever and in came a host of restyled body panels, along with bits like DRLs, to infuse some freshness into the fast ageing bike.

Recently, we spent some days with the new 2013 TVS Apache RTR 180 and tried to figure out if the flagship TVS, complete with a fresh new face, is sufficiently potent in this day and age to bring out the kid in us.

Looks and Ergonomics

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Park the 2013 Apache with the pre-facelift model and you would struggle to find even a single shared panel between the two bikes. However, worth mentioning here is that the design of the new Apache is more evolutionary than revolutionary. There is no mistaking the bike for anything but an Apache and the designers at TVS have done a good job with bestowing the bike with a higher visual appeal, without really giving it an altogether new identity.

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The talking point of the refreshed Apache has to be its all new bikini fairing. The bike comes with a rather bulbous front fairing and opinions seem to be divided on the new fascia’s appeal. While there are many who feel that the chunky headlamp, coupled with DRLs and a steeply rakish fly screen, endows the bike with some newfound aggression, there are others who feel that the manufacturer has gone overboard and the styling of the new fairing is just too loud for its own good. We, however, believe that the front fascia’s styling is such that it grows on you with time and we certainly don’t feel that the new fairing robs the Apache of its visual appeal.

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In profile, quick to catch attention are the larger tank scoops. The engine cowl and the tank scoops have not just grown in size but have also become edgier. While the earlier bike’s tank shrouds merged more neatly with the tank, the ones on the refreshed bike help in bestowing the front end with some visual mass and the new bike definitely ‘looks’ bigger than its predecessor. The tank is one of the only couple of panels that have been carried over from the pre-facelift model and continues to impress us with its neatly carved out muscles.

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The bike also comes with all new side panels and tailpiece. While the side panels are a lot less rounder and angular, the black shade of plastic and the TVS Racing sticker help in giving them a distinctive Apache touch.

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Like we said, the tailpiece is also new and akin to the side panels, is a lot less rounder and far more edgier than the one on the pre-facelift. At the rear end, the tailpiece continues to hold the same old taillamp and boasts of same old split grab rails. Ultimately though, it does manage to make the rear look a lot more sharper, meaner and modern age. When viewed in profile, the new Apache, complete with new panels, muscular fuel tanks, six spoke alloy wheels and a dash of matte gold on certain cycle parts impresses us with its modern and racy looks.

Touches like these go a long way in adding that wee bit extra to the excitement
Touches like these go a long way in adding that wee bit extra to the excitement
Ditto for stuff like "carbon fibre' like plastic, white dials, et al
Ditto for stuff like “carbon fibre’ like plastic, white dials, et al

Overall, we have nothing but many great things to say about the way the Apache’s styling has evolved. Sure, the front fairing might not be as per your tastes and the tank shrouds may seem to be an overkill for you but there is no denying that the new Apache looks meaner, fresher and far more dramatic than its predecessor.

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Ergonomically, the 2013 Apache isn’t too different from the bike it has replaced. The rider sits firmly on the supportive seat and the clip-ons, which are two-way adjustable, fall easily to the hands in their factory-set positions.

The foot pegs allow for a sporty yet comfortable riding posture
The foot pegs allow for a sporty yet comfortable riding posture

Thanks to the bike’s sporty aspirations, the foot pegs are set a bit towards the rear and while they aren’t really rear-set in a Yamaha R15 style, they definitely offer a sportier riding posture than that on the Bajaj Pulsar 180 UG3. The bike comes with rubberized handlebar grips which offer a firm grip.

The 2013 Apache RTR 180 boasts of a longer wheelbase than both its predecessor and the RTR 160 and this means that unlike on my 2008 RTR 160, the rider and the pillion won’t be found indulged in some impromptu footsie.

Dear TVS, why no aircraft-type fuel fill cap?
Dear TVS, why no aircraft-type fuel filller cap?

2013 TVS Apache RTR 180 – Design and Ergonomics- 8/10

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21 thoughts on “TVS Apache RTR 180 facelift review, specifications, pics, top speed, price and details”

  1. Excellent and detailed review.
    Good Job Yatharth.
    The pics are also good.
    I am about to book the abs version in a month.

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