TVS APACHE RTR EFI REVIEW BY SIDDHARTHA

First Impression by Sunny
Amidst the battle of the giants, Bajaj, Yamaha and Honda lurks this compact yet dynamic and powerful predator - TVS. I had always liked the Apache advertising campaigns, they were directed towards the youth. In fact this is when me and most of us stood up and noticed a company called TVS. The Apache was its trump card. Thanks to TVS, we managed to get hold of the Apache RTR Fi 160. Those two additional acronyms do sound impressive, and they are. RTR(Racing throttle response) and Fi (Fuel Injection) give it a purposeful name.

The BIKE that we had got was an Orange colored one. Strange color you may say, but not stranger than a certain BIKE lime green, eh?


My first impression of the Glossary Term: Bike
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The shield motif on the handle bar assembly did the trick for me. I personally felt that it was fantastic to see a company develop a Glossary Term: Bike
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The pinstriping was a very subtle but important touch which enhanced the character of the bike.

Race on Sunday, Sell on Monday - this is what TVS lives on, and this is what this exudes.

I also like the way TVS are no-nonsensically are clear about the positioning of the Glossary Term: Bike
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I rode the Glossary Term: Bike
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The Glossary Term: Bike
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RTR-Racing Throttle Response,when TVS came with its newer variant of Apache named Apache RTR in 2007 it surprised many because we haven’t heard any product being named like this before. Surely TVS which had a vast and enormously successful racing program discussed about it before coming with this name.

A short first ride on the RTR back in 2007 made it clear why this is named RTR. It not only comes equipped with sporty looks and ergonomics, hi-spec digital clock, petal disc at the front and racing stripes but it also performed like a small crotch rocket coming straight from the track. Back in current world (2008) the newer variant of RTR comes with a fuel injection. Read on…

Looks and Ergonomics: The Glossary Term: Bike
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The Glossary Term: Bike
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Like the previous version the clip-ons are adjustable so you have two different seating positions. One suited for street and the other for track.


Ride Impression:
The Glossary Term: Bike
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I was just waiting to lay my hands on the beast so completed the official formalities as soon as possible. Pressed the starter and there she came into life with a meaty roar( The starter mechanism is quite good and the Glossary Term: Bike
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The first thing that strikes you is the power delivery which is now much more crisp and smooth due to the addition of fuel injection. The bike’s character is pretty different from anything available right now saving Yamaha R-1-5 which I haven’t ridden extensively yet. Barring the first gear all the other gears are pretty powerful. The real fun starts after one cross 5K R.P.M and the Glossary Term: Bike
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One need to adjust his riding habit in bumper to bumper traffic and correct shifting of gears is the key here. Once you learn the art then you will feel that the Glossary Term: Bike
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On the handling front the Glossary Term: Bike
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The rear disc brake is powerful and a new rider should get used to before using the full potential of it.

I can write on and on but being the first impression I’m limiting myself here. As promised the full test ride report will come in a few days which will include a short compare with its carbed sibling, more detailed analysis including speeds at various gears, pillion comfort, cornering abilities and lots more.
Official Press Release

TVS Motor Company introduces Fuel Injection
in the 160cc Category
- Company launches feature rich Apache RTR FI -

New Delhi: July 09, 2008 : TVS Motor Company, today unveiled its feature rich TVS Apache RTR FI, thereby introducing fuel injection for the first time in the 160cc category. This Glossary Term: Bike
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Designed to ignite passions of enthusiasts, the naked aggression of the RTR FI makes it a clear leader in its class. It raises the bar in terms of power and performance, agility, dynamics, and ride comfort. The RTR FI is powered by a 159.7cc fuel injected engine, which develops maximum power of 15.9 Ps at 8500 rpm and a peak torque of 13.1Nm at 6500 rpm.

“With this launch, TVS Motor Company has given the common man an opportunity to experience high end technology in the performance segment, giving the rider a combination of an exhilarating ride performance with minimized emissions. The fuel injection technology deployed in the RTR FI gives the motorcycle crisper throttle response and enhances fuel efficiency.” H S Goindi, Head - Marketing, TVS Motor Company said.


“The RTR FI has further strengthened our presence in the premium segment and we also have firm plans to introduce more products in this segment by the year end” Goindi added.

The RTR FI is driven by a microprocessor consisting of an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) made up of sensors, a fuel pump and an injector. The ECU receives the data from sensors, processes it and delivers optimum fuel metering and ignition timing. The Glossary Term: Bike
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Priced at Rs. 64,990/- ex-showroom New Delhi, the Apache RTR FI offers instantaneous response throughout the rev range to maximize rider feel, better idle stability, excellent drivability, better fuel economy and performance consistency at various altitudes and environments.

Innovative technology, a premium and racetrack performance bred product, powerful elegance in body design and superb ride dynamics make the new Apache RTR FI the new showcase of technology.
Technical Specifications of TVS Apache RTR 160 efi :
Engine ::Displacement: 159.7ccEngine:
Fuel injected 4-stroke single cylinder
Max. Power: 11.54kw @ 8500 ( 15.7bhp @ 8500 )
Max. Torque: 13.1 Nm @ 6500Gear Box: 5 Speed constant mesh
Clutch: Multi-Plate Wet TypeBore x stroke (mm): 62x 52.9Compression Ratio: 9.5:1Fuel system: Electronic Fuel injection
Wheels & Tyre ::Wheel Type: Diecast AlloyTyre Front: 90 x 90 - 17Rear: 100 X 80 - 18
Brakes ::Brake Front: Dia 270mm disc brake, petal type
Brake Rear: Drum 130mm dia, Optional Rear Disk brake
Suspension ::Front: Telescopic Hydraulic forkRear: Mono tube 5 step
adjustable Canister - Gas filled shock absorbersElectricals ::
Head lamp: 12V 35/35W Halogen HS1, Clear lens with MFRTail lamp: 12V 0.5 W. LED-Twin triangle with prism on lensTurn signal lamp: 12V 10WBattery type & capacity: 12V, 9.0 Ah
Ignition system: High energy IDI SystemDimensions ::Height: 1100 mmLength: 2020 mm
Width: 730 mm
Wheelbase: 1300 mm
Ground Clearance: 180mmKerb