My First Bike: TVS Apache RTR 160 Review

After Driving my bike for around 6000 km and using it for around 2 years I thought that I should write a review for my bike. 

First of all I am a guy who doesn't know much about bikes. For me only things that matter in a bike is its looks and mileage. If these two are good I would go for the bike. Finally after lot of research I settled on TVS Apache. So on 17th May 2011 I bought my TVS Apache RTR 160 for SLV TVS in J.P.Nagar. So there it was on standing rite in front of my house my new shining jet black Apache. 

Although I said above that I am not a huge bike enthusiastic, I would still like to dwell upon few pros and cons of the Apache. 

Lets start with pros first.

1. The 1st thing I noticed about this bike was its balance. I have driven pulsar,FZ and unicorn. But the balance of Apache is really awesome. The moment you are on it you know its completely in your control.
2. I would like to highlight the engine of Apache.Its super smooth. Very less sound while driving. I have had people who has driven pulsar,CBZ and unicorn commenting on the quality of the engine and its smoothness.
3. Third thing to highlight is its looks. Simply awesome. On road I have seen people on Yamaha R15 and Karizma give second look to my bike!!! Makes me feel proud.
4. I have to comment about the quality of brakes. My bike has rear disc also. So if I press hard the bike literally comes to stop without skidding. That's simple mind blowing. And in Bangalore traffic you need to use them a lot.
5. The digital meter is also very good. Plus it has a clock which is immensely helpful.

Now that I have talked about lot about its good qualities, lets see some of its cons.

1. The Tyres are a real let down. The model comes with a TVS tyres which are not at all up to the mark. The tyres does not have a good grip on road and if you are driving on a wet road then you really need to be careful.
2. The battery that comes with the model is also not good. I had it changed to Amaron.Now its ok.
3. Another minor problem is that Apache does not have any indicator for reserve. It has one indicator for low fuel. But it does not really tells you how much fuel is left that causes some uncertainty  It would have been better if thy wld have included both reserve and low fuel indicator.

 I have not talked about mileage. On Bangalore roads it is real difficult to get a good mileage. But currently my bike is showing anywhere between 40 km/ltr to 45km/ltr which is good for a 160 cc bike. About the speed barrier, I haven't tested it to the maximum. My max has been 105 km/hr on Hosur road express way.

All in all this is a great bike. My first bike and I really made a great decision buying TVS Apache. Do I recommend it? Yes I Do.