TVS Apache RTR Fi – The Fast Just Got Faster

India’s third largest two-wheeler making company TVS Motors launched its new advanced bike last year: the new Apache RTR Fi, to hold its foot stronger in this bike segment; well, maybe so for the bike company. But Apache fans dub that the new bike adds to the wagon of Apache stunners on the road and after so many months it turns out to be so true.

The bike features fuel injection technology that adds to greater fuel efficiency. The bike is designed to look more solid and masculine with shrouds on both sides of the tank. Indeed Apache RTR Fi looks larger than its forerunner but surprisingly TVS Motors designers didn’t alter the weight of the machine. The bike sports stylish stickers on the panels as well as on the shrouds to truly give it a racing machine looks. The disc brake at the rear gives a lot more control and comfort to the rider. The new Apache RTR Fi has new scoops to draw air which assist the engine to cool faster. Additionally, just like we see in race bikes it has a data logging facility, which gives a 0-60 second lap time and also the maximum speed indicators.

What’s New As Regards To Looks Of The New Apache RTR Fi?

Apache RTR Fi bike has split grab rails that are a mix of design and performance. The aerodynamic air scoopers help the engine to cool off quickly and the alloy black wheels are not just lightweight but will appeal all and can ride through the rough surfaces. The fuel tank is not only huge but also sharp lined so to make it look very much aerodynamic and rightly proportioned muscle, just enough for adding the beastly looks.

The new Apache RTR Fi features a microprocessor which has an Electronic Control Unit made of sensors, fuel pump and an injector, which are designed to give optimum fuel metering and ignition timing.. It has got forged brake lever that makes the bike stylish. The clip on the handle bar for different positions is an added feature.

Engine and Performance: It’s the new power mill of the new Apache RTR Fi that makes it more worthwhile. It runs on a 159.7cc fuel injected engine that reaches a maximum power of 15.7 bhp at 8500 rpm and a peak torque of 13.1Nm at 6000 rpm. The top speed achievable is 120 kmph and can cross 60 kmph in just 4.8 seconds and 100 kmph in17.7 seconds. The new power mills gives Apache RTR Fi bike a fuel economy of 50-55 kmpl. The power release is gentle that motivates smoother acceleration and shifting of gears consumes less power and fuel. The fuel injection technology enables the bike to give enormous speed level.

Final Words: The Apache RTR Fi is indeed a latecomer, Hero Honda Glamour Fi and Pulsar 220cc Fi have already featured the fuel injection technology. So the competition already existed for TVS! The bike does not look any new; it is short just like its previous models. The bike seems to have spent a lot of time in the garage and the witness is the faded paint of the bike.

The LCD speedometer is new but the colour contrast makes it real hard for anyone to figure the numbers! The bike starts jarring once it touches the 60 kmph mark and the pick up is just fine but not too appealing. It almost feels that except for the new stickers all over the bike, there is nothing more unique in the bike. The LED lamps at the rear continue to be the same and the silencer is re-designed. The tachometer remains in the analogue form. But for engine upgrading there is nothing really great one can expect from the new Apache RTR Fi bike; in fact, the mileage seems to have dropped with the new fuel injected engine.

The bike is available in orange, metallic grey and sporty yellow colours. And it is priced on a higher end at Rs 78.000. The TVS Apache RTR Fi would definitely have an edge had it come a little earlier. Although it features many qualities of a race bike it does not stand out among other bikes that possess more or less same characteristics. I doubt if it truly stands to its tagline of race unleashed.

TVS Scooty Streak

The buzzword in colleges today is TVS Scooty Streak. Super styling is what I could say when I had that first glance of the newly launched TVS Scooty Streak. This unisex styled Scooty Streak is positioned to seize the 100cc plus scooters’ market share including the Suzuki Access, Honda Aviator and the Kinetic Flyte.

The looks of the scooter are more or less retained the same as basic TVS Scooty. It will have the same double body and that distinctive snout in front too. Still Scooty Streak has many features to woo the metrosex scooter riders. The mobile charger would be one with a glove box that’s big enough and lockable. Scooty Streak also comes with skid-resistant wide tyres, so driving on wet and slick roads too could be far from fear.

TVS tweaked the shock absorption and gave the Scooty Streak total aluminum absorbers to give that bump-free ride on crater-filled city roads. I liked the seat contour architecture and consider it as one WOW feature in the new Scooty Streak. Sit on it and let me know if you didn’t get a feel of sitting on a bike. Then the headlamp is tweaked to give it a sharp look and the blinkers are now triangle shaped and look as if they are for new age; pretty cool. The tail lamps are fitted with LEDs, so your battery is going to last for long for sure. Both the mirrors are fitted into body-colored frames so will have more appeal. The footboard is flat and comfortable. However, you need to get down if you have to pump in the fuel into your Scooty Streak as the fuel tank is put on rear side.

Then comes the engine part. TVS Scooty Streak sports a novel LiTech engine. If you wonder what it means, well it makes it zippy zappy as well as light in weight implying that Scooty Streak engine will give good economy of petrol; probably the best in class scooter with respect to fuel efficiency.

The new TVS Scooty Streak is priced around Rs. 36,000 ex-showroom and will surely make the rivals rethink of price as well as the features. I don’t think that Suzuki Access or even Honda Aviator can appeal the trendy college youth. They certainly look bulky and gaudy and indeed they are heavy to handle as well. TVS’ fan following includes mostly the teen youth and Scooty Streak will tread the same path and will celebrate fanfare in colleges in the days to come. The new TVS Scooty Streak is launched in 5 colors; black, red, blue, pink and mauve. All of these will impress college youth.

Apache RTR – Refreshing My Ride

TVS was once known all over India for a small motorcycle named TVS 50 and then came the Scooty and Scooty Pep which dominated the entire women two-wheeler population. Now TVS is back with a mission to conquer the hearts of young men.

The TVS Apache RTR is an awesome 160cc bike with great performance and sporty looks. The priority for most of the young bikers in India starts with style, size, mileage, cost, power and finally features. TVS could have easily launched a 250cc bike and crowned itself as the manufacturer of the bike with the biggest engine in India. But engineers at TVS knew the Indian needs and came out with Apache RTR.

Right now, the new Apache RTR Refresh edition seems to be the best looking bike in the 150cc segment, but except for Yamaha FZ16 which some people consider more stylish. So the first priority is well take care of. The size of the bike is adequate. Even though it is not as majestic as the Karizma and Pulsar 220, it does a good job of making a 6 feet tall man satisfied with the bike.

According to the customer reviews of Apache RTR that we collected, it seems that a mileage figure of 46-48 kmpl can be labeled to this bike. A price tag of a little over Rs.65,000 for makes this bike affordable for many.

Performance: When I took it for a drive, the first word that came to my mind is WOW. I did not expect such a pickup from a bike in this segment. The throttle response is great and the bike comes to life with the slightest twist. You can easily reach 100kmph within a few seconds and still think that you are in 80kmph.

The riding posture is sporty. You have to extend your arms fully to reach the handle bars and lean forward a little which makes riding at high speed more comfortable because of better aerodynamics.

One thing which I can’t prevent myself from mentioning is that there is noticeable vibration which could be the only reason that you are not satisfied by Apache. Other customers have also noted this. Apache owner Prateek says – “Driving the bike is really a pleasure, but vibrations are there which distract your mind, but they will disappear if you will drive at a constant speed”

The dashboard has some nice digital display which includes the speedometer, fuel gauge, ODO Meter & time indicator. The tachometer dial at the side blends with the display and makes a good looking panel overall.

Final Verdict: This bike is a great buy if you are a fan of TVS, want good pickup, descent mileage and sporty looks. The bike may not satisfy you if you want to use it for touring in the highways because of the vibrations. Comparing this with the other bikes in 150cc segment, Yamaha FZ16 makes a better buy because of international branding and latest technology, but only if you are ready to shell out an extra ten thousand.

Apache RTR Specifications:

Engine: EFi 4 stroke
Displacement: 159.7 cc
Maximum Power: 11.5 KW (15.7 BHP) @ 8500 RPM
Maximal Torque: 13.1 N-m @ 6500 RPM
Gear Box: 5 Speed
Brakes: 270mm Front Disc and 130 mm Rear Drum (Optional Rear Disc Break)
Tires: Front: 90 x 90 – 17, Rear: 100 x 80 x 17
Fuel Capacity: 16 Litres

TVS Star Sport Review

TVS brand has become quite popular during the last couple of years and obviously the company wanted to leverage on the popularity ride. Almost 75% of the company’s bike sales come from the star brand. Yet another star that’s born recently is the TVS Star Sports that comes in 2 versions. The base version Sport comes in two colors; Carbon black and jet red, and alloy wheels. The deluxe version comes with fuel gauge and double-toned sporty chrome graphics in about 3 colors; black, blue and silver.

If you want me to review the performance of TVS Star, let me tell you that the Sport bike comes with 99.7cc engine and it gives a peak power of 7.5bhp. Similar to its older brother Star City the Sport comes with one down-tubed chassis and a four-speed gearbox. The suspension has the same looks as that of the Star City, but the rear one comes with 5 steps adjustable stroke that is just a little longer than the Start City. Sport comes with alloy wheels and what makes it different from City is that a new face-lifted silencer (a matte silencer and a chrome heat shield with dual pod cluster). I did review the other indicators of Star Sport and they come as usual with dome headlamp as well as 5 pilot lamps. (TVS reviews this feature to be one of the first in this segment).

Body panels and tail lamps received some tweaking to give sleeker and elegant appearance overall from rear. The fuel tank is sleek and the dual toned side panel makes it attractive. The vibration is still an issue that TVS may have to deal with seriously in the coming days to give any serious competition to the big names in the market.

So said, Star Sport basically is an economy bike targeted at the middle class masses. The price for either of the versions fall below the 40k mark. Additionally, TVS is offering a 5-year warranty on some parts of the bike. If you ask me a two-word verdict on my review, I would say that the TVS Star Sport is a style and sensible bike worth all money for the first-time bike buyers.

Specifications:

Engine: 99.7 cc
Maximum Power: 7.6ps@7500rpm
Maximum Torque: 7.5nm@5000rpm
Gears: 4 Speed
Weight: 112.00 kg
Ground Clearance: 165.00 mm
Fuel Tank: 12.00 ltrs
Wheelbase: 1250.00 mm

Additional Resources:

TVS Star City Review

TVS Star City is also known to be the tidy handler on the roads just like other bikes from TVS and it offers decent handling traits and ride character within its segment. Bike riders will find the bike in an upright and commuter-friendly posture. The rectangular section swing arm is another good thing that continues even in Star City. Riders of the Star City can adjust the rear shock absorber through a convenient lever and it doesn’t require additional tools. The major improvements of Star City are the aerodynamic shape, front faring, new-age graphics, sporty silencer and Roller Cam Follower (RCF) technology for improved mileage.

Star City is a good-looking machine in its segment with pleasing dual tone appearance. The new bike replaced the clumsy-looking chrome metal mudguards with attractive modern plastic units. The tube metal grab handle is replaced by a dandy alloy bit. The silencer of the Star City is modified where in there is a new heat shield.

This stylish and elegant Star City comes in four attractive colors; the flaming red, midnight black, purple and greenish gray all of them the metrosexual colors. The seating position in Star City is so good even for an above average height person and equally comfortable seating for the pillion.

The basic blue backlit instruments are easy to decipher. Star city comes with comprehensive switches that include a pass light switch and a push to cancel indicators. Other features include the tall TVS trademark mirrors, quality plastics and rubber parts, cool palm grips and decent control levers.

The main difference between the Star City and the Star Sport include a new face-lifted silencer in the sport, with sleeker body panels and tail lamps that gives it more elegant appearance. Additionally, the fuel tank of Star Sport is also sleeker with double toned side panel that make it look attractive. TVS Star Sport also features 5-spoked alloy wheels, fuel gauge and three colors- silver, black and blue.

TVS Star city is a new 110cc CVTi engine with VTi technology A few important tweaks have been done to the 4-stroke and air-cooled 99.7cc single overhead camshaft-driven motor. Engine is sturdy and the bike delivers 7.5bhp at 7500rpm. The kerb weight of the vehicle is 108kg and the major changes made on the bike include a keihin carburetor as well as adding on roller rocker-arm followers. The gearbox internals however, remain unchanged and all up gearshifts are smooth. Switch to a healthier exhaust note is another change made on the bike and the cable-controlled clutch enables the right level of progression and weight to a rider. The improved motor makes it to ride effortlessly from low speeds in high gears.

It has fairly conventional suspension with a brace of telescopic front forks in the front and rear hydraulic twin shock absorbers. Another improvement in Star City is braking and it also excels in the mileage. Even in heavy city traffic, stoplights and potholed road situations, it provides about 60kmpl and on the highways it gives about 65kmpl. The bright halogen-powered headlamp makes the night riding relaxed and effortless.

Finally, it can be said that Indian bike riders are offered the right stuff by TVS in this Star City. Star City in fact is competent in its soft spoken and slick-shifting motor, plush suspension set-up and also fuel economy according to the review. It also has the features such as snazzier style with more frills to boot. All of these features make the Star City a city star in its segment. Priced at Rs. 38,000 Star City it is an economy bike delivering par economy comforts.

TVS Star City Specifications:

Type: 4-stroke, air-cooled OHC
Engine Displacement (cc): 109.7cc
Max. Net Power 6.1 kW @ 7500 rpm
Max. Net Torque 8.1 Nm @ 5000 rpm
Transmission 4 speed, constant mesh
Front Suspension Telescopic Forks, 105mm Stroke
Rear Suspension Hydraulic, Co-axial spring, Triple  rated,
Front Brake 110mm / 130mm Drum
Rear Brake 110mm / 130mm Drum
Front Tyre 2.75 X18 tyre (1.6X18 rim)
Rear Tyre 3.00 X18 tyre (1.6X18 rim)
Fuel Tank 16 litres
Fuel Reserve 2.5 litres
Length 2005mm
Wheel Base 1250mm
Ground Clearance 165mm

TVS Flame CCVTi 125cc Review

TVS launched its Flame CCVTi to compete in the 125cc segment. Right now the 125cc segment seems hot as many bikers are upgrading from 100cc. Lets review on the pros and cons of the bike and what is special about it.

Flame’s design is unique, per se. But does it look good? It depends on your perception. So far people have told me that it is different but not outstanding. Some people like it and some do not admire it, but looks are just a minor aspect of biking in non-youth, non-sporty audience. People are more concerned about mileage for 100cc and 125cc bikes.The ‘shoulders’ in the tank looks like its been copied from the Hunk. I do not want to talk too much about the looks because picture speaks a 1000 words

When I took the bike for a test ride, I doubted whether it is a 125cc one. The pickup is not as good as its competitor, the Hero Honda Glamour. Although TVS claims to have incorporated a 3-valve technology instead of the regular 2 valve one, there does not seem to be a significant difference. I wish that companies will stop featuring, ‘hey this bike has this, it has that, this is better’ and instead focus on the real performance of the bike. As the famous saying goes, action speaks louder than words.

TVS has tried something new and innovative in the dashboard called the IMI – Instant Mileage Indicator. The digital console has a real time fuel efficiency indicator and lets you know the approximate mileage your bike is giving and you can adjust your riding to give the maximum mileage. Such features were available only in very high end cars till now.

Would I buy this bike? No, because in my research I have found that even though some models may be good, the service is not of good quality. This does not mean that it is the same everywhere, but I have noticed that there is not much pressure from the head office of TVS to maintain quality standards in the service centers.

The mileage of the bike in our test drive was 60 kmpl in normal city riding and upto 70 kmpl in the highways. If you want a 125cc bike, go for Glamour instead of Flame. (Hey! I am not the marketing manager of Hero Honda, but I really feel that Hero Honda bikes are much better than the other bikes in the market in terms of quality).

TVS Flame 125cc Specifications:

Top Speed: 95kph
Engine: 124.8cc, CCVTi
Maximum Power: 10.5Bhp@8250rpm
Maximum Torque: 10Nm@6000rpm
Gears: 5 Speed
Length: 2030.00 mm
Weight: 121.00 kg
Ground Clearance: 165.00 mm
Fuel Tank: 9.50 ltrs
Wheelbase: 1320.00 mm

Price: Rs.46,000

TVS Apache RTR 160 Review

TVS has seriously re-branded itself with the latest racing bike, the Apache RTRhttp://bikeadvice1.blogspot.com/2012/07/tvs-apache-rtr-160-review.html Fi 160 cc. This bike is the flagship model of TVS. I am basically not a fan of TVS, but this bike has definitely got my attention.

How does it look?

TVS Engineers have worked hard in designing the Apache RTR to make sure that it can compete with Pulsar and CBZ. But however the design is ‘good’ but not head turning in my opinion. The lines along the length of the bike is good and the tank is sculpted well to accomodate the knees. The new Apace RTR 160cc has racing stripes along the length of the bike to make it look more sporty. The front flaring and the side panels look aggressive and shouts the message “Hey look, Pulsar is not the only male bike! I am manly too.”

The tail lights are not as good as in other bikes of the same category. The grip bars for the pillion rider is adopted from CBZ. But however Apache beats its competitors in the design of the handle bar. No other bike has given importance to the meeting point of the left and right handle bars where the key is being inserted and is in front of our eyes during most of the time we spend time riding the bike. The sporty heart shaped RTR 160 logo is really a thing of beauty.

I have always admired foreign bikes for their naked rear chains. As far I know, no Indian bike left their chains naked. Apache has taken a bold move in exposing its muscle to the world!

How does it perform?

Apache’s pickup is simply awesome. Before I took the bike for the test drive, I thought, “It’s Just another 150 cc bike.” But when I took it to drive, I was amazed and had to recheck the specifications… I couldn’t believe that a bike of 160cc can deliver so much power. Apache is definitely better than Pulsar, CBZ and Hunk in terms of performance. It is the only bike next to Karizma and Pulsar 220 which gave me an adrenaline rush.

The most impressive part of the bike is its handling. The bike feels heavy enough and you feel really confident when you drive it. The brakes are excellent! It comes with a 270 mm front disc break and an optional rear disc break. The disc is designed like a saw which is really unique and noticeable feature. The brakes made me feel: ‘Bike are not just made to go, but to stop when you want to.’ Apache like the Hunk and Pulsar has a gas shock absorber unit which is named MIG poly shocks.

The dashbaord incorporates a digital console which displays speed, fuel capacity, clock and ODO meter. It is a blend of Karizma and Pulsar in terms of looks and features, but nevertheless, it is very good.

How does it stand out?

Personally, I wouldn’t want to buy TVS Apache just because I am not a great fan of TVS. But this bike makes a good choice for people who are bored with CBZs and Pulsars. Apache comes in 3 models… The Apache RTR, the Apache RTR Refresh and the Apache RTR EFi. In the first 2 models there is an extra pricing of Rs.1000 if you choose the Yellow colour. Hence people who own yellow Apaches have a premium!

Overall, Apache is a blend of different bikes of other companies in the 150cc category, but tries to edge them out with little extra cool features and engine capacity.

On Road Pricing: (In South India, Tamil Nadu)

Apache RTR: Rs.66500
Apache RTR Refresh: Rs.67300
Apache RTR EFi: Rs.72900

BikeAdvice Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Performance Rating: 5/5

Beauty Rating: 4/5

Pros: Sporty Looks, Fuel Efficiency, Great pickup

Cons: Comes from the maker of TVS

Apache RTR Specifications:

Engine: EFi 4 stroke
Displacement: 159.7 cc
Maximum Power: 11.5 KW (15.7 BHP) @ 8500 RPM
Maximal Torque: 13.1 N-m @ 6500 RPM
Gear Box: 5 Speed
Brakes: 270mm Front Disc and 130 mm Rear Drum (Optional Rear Disc Break)
Tires: Front: 90 x 90 – 17, Rear: 100 x 80 x 17
Fuel Capacity: 16 Litres

What do you think about Apache? Please leave a comment below and let everyone know whats on your mind.