TVS Apache RTR 180 ‘Menace’
TVS Motors will launch the much-awaited Apache RTR 180 by the end of this month. Initially code-named as the Menace, TVS hopes that the RTR 180 would turn out to be a menace for the Bajaj Auto. The RTR180 is powered by a 177.3cc engine which produces 17.3Bhp of maximum power with 15.5 Nm of maximum torque. Sadly though, the RTR180 does not have fuel injection. The new 177.4cc mill is a bored out variation of the 160cc mill, and has a longer stroke too. The RTR 180 has a lighter cranck, lighter magneto and a bigger carburettor – all these lead to a quicker engine response. TVS promises that this 180cc engine will provide better low and mid-range torque. This more-powerful version Apache has a 0-60 timing of 4.15 seconds and a top speed of 125 kmph.
There is very little cosmetic changes to the new Apache, which is rather disappointing. It sports a new graphic scheme to distinguish itself from it’s smaller sibling, with RTR emblazoned boldly on the tank scoops. Some of the new features which the RTR180 gets are the white tachometer, 0-60 timer in the digital speedometer and a removable rear mud-guard. The front forks and the gas reservoirs for the rear shock get a golden-shade treatment, and the clip-on handlebar has ‘RTR 180′ written at it’s centre.
The wheelbase increases by a good 40mm, which makes the bike more stable. The rear tyre profile has been changed to 110-80 X 17″, and TVS will be using it’s own (tubeless)tyres again. The brakes are carried forward from the 160 version, with 270mm petal disc at the front and 200mm disc at the rear. The rear-end of the bike gets a face-lift, with a re-styled silencer and stylish new rear fender & number plate.The RTR180 is expected to be priced at around Rs. 72,000/- which is very close to the price offered by competing brands. With the TVS, Bajaj(2009 Pulsar UG IV) and Yamaha coming out with bigger and better bikes, we at three2tango feel that it is high time India’s biggest two-wheeler manufacturers Hero Honda do something about it, or they could lose the status pretty soon.
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