TVS Apache RTR 180

Sharing the same design language as the younger sibling RTR 160, the TVS Apache RTR 180 is an aggressive-looking road machine. The bike comes with beast-inspired LED headlamps with AHO and new pilot lamps. The fuel tank is sculpted to tuck in the rider’s legs. The engine gets a muscular cowl that uplifts the overall appeal of the bike. The tail cowl with tri-color insignia looks pleasing too. All the three parts engine, tail cowl and tank get decent decals that account for the bike’s plush look. The bike comes with intelligent aerodynamics that aids in performance and reduces engine heat. The rear panel of the bike has been revised, which now has sharper lines, split grab rail, sharply pointed fender with a well-placed LED tail lamp and clear lens side indicators. The 17-inch alloy wheels look quite sporty while the gold finish on the front forks and brake calipers add a premium touch to the RTR 180. It gets a semi-digital instrument console which is garnered with carbon fibre finish. There is a digital display for the speedometer, odometer, trip meter, clock and fuel gauge. A new switch to turn off the ABS gets a place just above the speedometer. The display also shows the last three recorded 0-60km/hr timings and the top speed. The right circular pod of the console is reserved for its analogue tachometer. There are six color choices (White, Black, Matte Black, Matte Grey, Matte Blue and Matte Red) for the standard variant while five if you buy the ABS variant as it does not get the Matte Red color yet.

Dimensionally, it measures 1105mm high, 730mm wide and 2085mm long. The ground clearance of the bike sits at 165mm and the wheelbase at 1326mm.

The powermill it gets is a single-cylinder, air-cooled 4-stroke 177.4cc engine that makes out a maximum power of 16.62PS at 8,500 rpm and a peak torque of 15.5Nm at 6,500rpm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox that allows it to accelerate smoothly while attaining the top speed of 114Kmph. TVS claims it to yield a fuel efficiency of 45Kmpl, which still is a doubtful column. The bike is lightweight featuring a responsive engine that is optimum for performing stunts and manoeuvre within the city. It can go from 0-60Kmph in less than 4.5 seconds which speaks for its blistering performance. The engine refinement is a bit of a concern as you can feel the vibrations at high speeds. The NVH levels are quite high at some point.

Built on the 'synchronous stiff chassis', Apache RTR 180 offers a comfortable ride to the rider as well as the pillion. There is sufficient cushion on the seat for both. The riding position is just perfect to enhance its aerodynamics. The adjustable split clip-on handlebars, re-aligned foot-pegs and adaptable brake pedal and gear levers make it up for an incredible riding experience and a comfortable ride. The bike’s suspension assembly gets telescopic forks at the front and monotube inverted gas-filled dual shock absorbers at the rear. The bike features 270mm and 200m petal type disc brakes at the front and rear ends respectively. It is equipped with single-channel ABS. The 17-inch alloy wheels are shod with 90/90-17 and 110/80-17 section tubeless tyres at the front and at the rear respectively.

The TVS Apache RTR 180 features a single channel ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for enhanced safety and protection of the rider and the pillion. Both the wheels are equipped with disc brakes. The headlamp gets AHO for clear visibility. The combination of a reliable suspension system, grippy stock tubeless tyres and responsive braking system does the safety job quite brilliantly on the RTR 180.