TVS Motor Company’s Apache is a prime example of performance motorcycles in India getting lighter, faster, and highly competitive. The 150cc Apache came as a stiff opposition for the mighty Bajaj Pulsar after its launch in 2006. In the following years, the Apache spawned faster variants such as the RTR (Racing Throttle Response) 160 and the RTR 160 FI (Fuel-Injected), striving for supremacy over the growing Pulsar tribe. But the arrival of Yamaha’s YZF-R15 shattered all the rules and cut short the Apache’s time to shine. Now, in a bid to get back at the competition, TVS has rolled out the Apache RTR 180.

Visually, there is very little besides the RTR logo emblazoned on the tank scoops to distinguish the 180cc from the 160cc. One such feature that sets this bike apart from the 160 is the new sporty, see-through rear-tyre mud flap, replaceable with an optional full mud flap in the monsoons.

Other than that, just the 180 tattooed on the flank and the handlebar T-plate say that this is the re-loaded Apache. And, the clip-on handlebar’s angle can now be adjusted by four degrees to suit every riding style.

At the heart of the new bike is the same engine that powered the earlier Apache motorcycles. However, the bore has been increased by 0.5mm and stroke has gone up 5mm to produce displacement of 177.4cc. The change in the bore/stroke ratio to 1.08 from 1.17 has been done to improve the bike’s rideability in everyday conditions. There is also a reduction in crankshaft inertia as its weight is down by 25 per cent, helping the engine rev quicker. The gearbox comes from the earlier RTR.

And now, for the most important question — FI or not? The answer is no, as TVS feels there is little scope for two FI motorcycles in the Apache line-up.

Thumb the starter and you’ll hear the familiar RTR note and accompanying buzz through the footrest. Dropping into first and hammering down the straight at the TVS test track in Bangalore, there’s the familiar clamour from the engine, as the throttle stays wide open. Progress is rapid and things pick up even further in the higher parts of the rev range.

The company-claimed 0-60kph time of 4.15 seconds with a 75kg rider astride sounds very inviting, but I’ll reserve judgement on that until a full-fledged test can be carried out.

What’s obvious is that the RTR 180 builds pace better compared to an RTR 160, which would run out of breath. The speedo needle will see you rev past 10,000rpm but the best of its punch kicks in from the 7000rpm mark. TVS claims a top whack of 125kph — I managed to touch a speedometer-indicated 119kph before slowing down for the twisty sections. The vibes from the bigger engine are sufficient to leave your hands and feet tingling after riding flat-out for 15-odd minutes.

In the twisty sections, the RTR 180 surprises with a clear improvement in composure. Its twitchiness has been masked while maintaining flickability. The swingarm has been lengthened by 30mm to improve stability, resulting in the RTR feeling almost forgiving when pushed to the edge and beyond.

To improve handling, the new RTR 180 uses tubeless tyres and special construction that achieves lower weight. You can feel the tail slip away over bumps when leaned over but it’s never enough to worry you with the upsized front and rear tyres. Braking power is quite strong as the RTR 180 makes full use of its front and rear standard discs. Though the brakes feel good, the 180 could have benefited from the use of better tyres.

The Apache RTR promises to take the fight to the new Pulsar 180 DTS-i, but that still doesn’t account for the Pulsar 200 DTS-i and 220 DTS-FI, which will continue to lure enthusiasts with higher power. Yamaha’s YZF-R15 remains in a league of its own with impeccable dynamics, maintaining a safe distance ahead of the RTR.

An FI version of the RTR 180 before the year is through may take it nearer to the top of its pack. Still, to lead in this competitive segment, TVS needs to get back to the drawing board for an all-new cutting-edge motorcycle of the future, instead of the easier-to-achieve ad-hoc upgrades. But for now, RTR fans will be content with the new RTR 180’s stronger power delivery and improved handling.

What’s hot

Strong performance lives up to bike’s sporty image.

Lengthened swingarm improves stability.

What’s not

Engine vibes could make long stints uncomfortable.

Little visual difference from other Apache RTR siblings

SPec check

TVS APACHE RTR 180

Price: Rs 60,000 — Rs 65,000 (est)
L/W/H: 2085/730/1100mm
Ground clearance: 180mm
Fuel tank capacity: 16 litres
Kerb weight: 137kg
Engine layout: Single-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke, 177.4cc
Power: 17.3bhp at 8500rpm
Torque: 1.58kgm at 6500rpm
Gearbox: 5-speed, 1-down, 4-up
Suspension (F/R): Telescopic forks/ gas shocks, rectangular swingarm
Brakes (F/R): 270mm petal disc/ 200mm petal disc
Tyres (F/R): 90/90 x 17 and 110/80 x 17 inches