BMW-TVS Alliance- More details emerge
Currently, two-wheeler auto industry is one of the fastest ones in the world. Need of the hour is entry level high performance motorbikes ranging between 200cc and 500cc...
Currently, two-wheeler auto industry is one of the fastest ones in the world. Need of the hour is entry level high performance motorbikes ranging between 200cc and 500cc displacement. Earlier, auto giants that were producing commuters or superbikes were ruling the market, things started changing when entry level performance bikes became the choice of masses. The brands entered in the segment are- Honda with its CBR series, Kawasaki with its Ninja series, Bajaj, Hyosung and the most popular KTM with its range of Duke.
Right now, the Austrian orange monster maker is at top position in the European market, courtesy- Duke 200 and Duke 390. These bikes are perfect in the fields of designing, power and performance, and doesn't make a hole to your pocket like high performance bikes, the reason which made these bikes popular among everyone. BMW which was enjoying the top position in the European two-wheeler market earlier, has now opted for the similar strategy to revive its lost ground. BMW decided to enter the entry level performance motorbike segment, and they chose the Indian bike manufacturer TVS motors as their partner for the same.
BMW Motorrad and TVS motors has already started to develop bikes between 200-500cc segment. Currently, BMW manufactures motorbikes above 500cc displacement and TVS motors manufacture bikes below 200cc displacement, together they are going to fill the gap. The motorcycles developed by BMW-TVS will be sold under two separate badges. The lower priced models with slightly lower technology will be badged under TVS like the Bajaj's Pulsar 200NS and upcoming Pulsar 375. While the models with higher technology and a slightly higher price will be badged under BMW like the KTM's Duke 200 and Duke 390.
The bikes will be sold in the Indian market and exported in the International market, however the main aim of the company will be the largest two-wheeler market of the world, the Indian auto market. Right now, BMW Motorrad has only three dealerships in India in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. So these bikes will be sold either through TVS dealerships or BMW might establish its own in the later phase. There is also a possibility that TVS can come up with a distribution strategy like Bajaj Pro-biking.
However, the company has not announced any bike in the segment till now, we are expecting baby versions of the two most popular bikes of BMW Motorrad- the naked roadster BMW K1300R and super sport bike BMW S1000RR. TVS which was said to be launching a 250cc Apache, might be the first bikes under the alliance, though with an entirely new identity. The BMW-TVS bikes are supposed to be launched in 2015 and the expected price tags will be between Rs 3-5 lakh.
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V (2009-2025) User Reviews
- Very good for
I am very satisfied with the bike's performance. It offers good performance and comfortable riding. The engine is smooth, mileage is ok and maintenance cost are reasonable. Overall it is a reliable bike for daily use and long rides. I would recommend to others for use and bike's look is very cool and I did some modification in bike for good look.
- Urgent sell bike
Apache RTR 4v black is quite good bike as compared to other brand. This bike offer 17 bhp and 15 nm torque which is quite fast coming to looks. It looks like naked super bike with red black colour combination. It offer three riding mode with tft display and abs braking which is single only with better mileage in this segment.
1 1 - Great Performance and Handling but City Mileage Co
I chose the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V TFT USD model mainly for its sporty design, features and strong road presence. The bike feels very stable on highways and comfortable for daily city rides. Handling is sharp and confidence inspiring. It is also good for family usage when riding normally. Overall the build quality, braking and features like TFT display make the bike feel premium in this segment. Ride quality so far has been very good. The Apache RTR 160 4V TFT USD has excellent handling and stability. In highways the bike feels planted and smooth even at higher speeds. Braking performance and suspension are also good for most road conditions. But the biggest downside for me is the city mileage. In city I am getting around 28 to 32 kmpl, which is lower than expected for a 160cc bike. If someone wants good performance, sporty design, great handling and modern features, the Apache RTR 160 4V TFT USD is a very good choice. However mileage is the only reason I hesitate to recommend it to everyone. Competitors like Pulsar N160 give better mileage in city conditions. So if mileage is your main priority you may consider other options, but apart from that the bike is really enjoyable to ride.
3 - A Perfect Balance of Power and Style.
I chose the Apache RTR 160 Limited Edition for its sporty performance, sharp handling, unique limited-edition looks, good mileage, and reliable TVS build, making it perfect for daily use with a premium feel. Apache RTR 160 Limited Edition so far is smooth and fun it feels responsive with good pickup, confident in city traffic, and stable at higher speeds. The handling is sharp and the overall ride quality is comfortable for daily commuting as well as weekend rides. I would recommend the Apache rtr 160 Limited Edition if you are looking for a bike that fun to ride, reliable, good on mileage, and turns heads with its sporty looks. It is a great all round choice for both daily commuting and weekend rides.
2 1 - Apache RTR review
According to online review it's the best bike in the segment. I reviewed other bikes in the segment and everybody has their pros and cons but this is the overall best friend and it has been running on the roads were years that's why. Very punchy and comfortable. It's very manuvareble in traffic and the blood through technology is very helpful in the driving also when it comes to I wait as a very good performance. Mileage is pretty good. Yes to anyone in this segment. Even even has an interesting 160 CC segment this is the best way to go for according to me as it as too much features for the price range and it is very much good for this age group.
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