How different is the Apache RTR 160 HyperEdge..?? I try to find out
The Apache RTR 160 had impressed me a lot when it was launched in 2007. Even till date it remains my favorite 150-160 cc motorcycle. The short stroke, over square engine of the RTR 160 is a joy to exploit. Coupled with a good power to weight ratio (thanks to the 136 Kg light weight body) this is actually the original “LightSports” bike of India.
Launched in 2007 in the "RTR" avatar, it received the first upgrade (when it got the tank flaps and the half chain cover) in 2008, the Apache RTR 160 was due for an upgrade in 2010. So there, we have the Apache RTR 160 in its “HyperEdge” avatar now.
So what’s new?
For starters the name is quite a mouthful: “TVS Apache RTR 160 HyperEdge”. Phew..!!
On asking the showroom manager (not the sales man, but the manager) "What’s new on this model?" he told me: “It’s the same old model, just with new stickers”. Well.. that's probably not the most convincing way to sell a newly launched product.
So what’s new?
For starters the name is quite a mouthful: “TVS Apache RTR 160 HyperEdge”. Phew..!!
On asking the showroom manager (not the sales man, but the manager) "What’s new on this model?" he told me: “It’s the same old model, just with new stickers”. Well.. that's probably not the most convincing way to sell a newly launched product.
Looks: "Basically a refreshed model"
TVS have been trying to promote/position the Apache RTR as a race/track bike, but in terms of looks/styling the Apache RTR comes across as just a regular street bike. Apache lovers don’t get furious on me, but after the Yamaha R15 no other bike can be called as a race/track bike from the styling point of view (and no definitely not the Karizma ZMR either).
The older Apache RTR 160 was a likeable compact package. The HyperEdge treatment still retains the older form but brings in a slight freshness by putting..
TVS have been trying to promote/position the Apache RTR as a race/track bike, but in terms of looks/styling the Apache RTR comes across as just a regular street bike. Apache lovers don’t get furious on me, but after the Yamaha R15 no other bike can be called as a race/track bike from the styling point of view (and no definitely not the Karizma ZMR either).
The older Apache RTR 160 was a likeable compact package. The HyperEdge treatment still retains the older form but brings in a slight freshness by putting..
1. Stripes on tank and the front fender and over the tank flap which have a new design
2. Removable rear fender (like on the Apache RTR 180)
3. HyperEdge branding on the tank scoop/flap
4. RTR branding on the Belly Pan
Ergonomics, Riding Stance: "Definitely Sporty"
With the rear set foot pegs and low positioned clip on handlebars, the riding stance is definitely sporty. Again it’s exactly like it was on the older Apache RTR 160.
Guys with a bad back might not find the sporty riding posture too comfortable but it will certainly delight the ones who like a sporty riding stance. Tall guys might find the Apache RTR 160 a bit too compact but for someone on the shorter side, it is a comfortable fit.
Handling "Racing DNA unleashed"
TVS Motor is the only 2 wheeler maker of India which has a factory racing team (that participates in national level racing competitions). The learnings of from the race track seems to have found its way on to the Apache RTR 160. And it actually shows by the way the bike handles.
According to me, the older Apache RTR 160 had the best handling among Indian bikes (discounting the Yamaha R15 of course). The rear suspension of the earlier Apache RTR 160 was a bit on the firmer side. I can’t tell for sure but the suspension this time felt a little bit supple and the handling also felt to have very slightly lost its sharpness. But then since the test ride duration was very brief, I can’t exactly be sure about it. Also maybe it’s because back in 2007, I had not yet ridden the Yamaha R15 & the Kawasaki Ninja 250R.
At slow speeds, the handling of the Kawasaki Ninja 250R and even the Yamaha R15 gives you the feel of a riding a mature bike, i.e it feels steady and somewhat handful in our traffic conditions. Whereas the Apache RTR 160 feels like a restless teenager in comparison; agile and easy to maneuver even in tight traffic.
With the rear set foot pegs and low positioned clip on handlebars, the riding stance is definitely sporty. Again it’s exactly like it was on the older Apache RTR 160.
Guys with a bad back might not find the sporty riding posture too comfortable but it will certainly delight the ones who like a sporty riding stance. Tall guys might find the Apache RTR 160 a bit too compact but for someone on the shorter side, it is a comfortable fit.
Handling "Racing DNA unleashed"
TVS Motor is the only 2 wheeler maker of India which has a factory racing team (that participates in national level racing competitions). The learnings of from the race track seems to have found its way on to the Apache RTR 160. And it actually shows by the way the bike handles.
According to me, the older Apache RTR 160 had the best handling among Indian bikes (discounting the Yamaha R15 of course). The rear suspension of the earlier Apache RTR 160 was a bit on the firmer side. I can’t tell for sure but the suspension this time felt a little bit supple and the handling also felt to have very slightly lost its sharpness. But then since the test ride duration was very brief, I can’t exactly be sure about it. Also maybe it’s because back in 2007, I had not yet ridden the Yamaha R15 & the Kawasaki Ninja 250R.
At slow speeds, the handling of the Kawasaki Ninja 250R and even the Yamaha R15 gives you the feel of a riding a mature bike, i.e it feels steady and somewhat handful in our traffic conditions. Whereas the Apache RTR 160 feels like a restless teenager in comparison; agile and easy to maneuver even in tight traffic.
Engine & Gearbox: "Engine is a punchy gem"
The gearbox although did not miss any gears but in terms of shift quality it still not in the same league as that on the bikes from Yamaha/Honda/Suzuki.
In terms of engine performance, the engine still felt like the same old punchy Apache RTR 160. The bike leaps forward with the twist of the right wrist. The transmission feels a bit slightly short geared, making you shift up quickly. It could also be because of the engine vibrations which makes you want to shift to a higher gear to escape the vibrations.
Even on the earlier Apache RTR 160, the Achilles heel used to be its engine vibrations. I was expecting the new bike to be smoother but the Apache RTR 160 HyperEdge doesn’t feel much different than the earlier one. The engine vibrations which makes it presence felt from around 4500 rpm onwards do spoil the fun for those looking for a smooth, vibe free ride.
The engine is without doubt a punchy unit which feels strong and well built, even when given the stick. Personally, I can live with the vibrations as long as the engine feels great. Speeds of 80-90 kmph were easily displayed on its Digital Speedometer and I am sure that the Speedo indicated top speed can reach 110-115 kmph without much of a fuss.
The gearbox although did not miss any gears but in terms of shift quality it still not in the same league as that on the bikes from Yamaha/Honda/Suzuki.
In terms of engine performance, the engine still felt like the same old punchy Apache RTR 160. The bike leaps forward with the twist of the right wrist. The transmission feels a bit slightly short geared, making you shift up quickly. It could also be because of the engine vibrations which makes you want to shift to a higher gear to escape the vibrations.
Even on the earlier Apache RTR 160, the Achilles heel used to be its engine vibrations. I was expecting the new bike to be smoother but the Apache RTR 160 HyperEdge doesn’t feel much different than the earlier one. The engine vibrations which makes it presence felt from around 4500 rpm onwards do spoil the fun for those looking for a smooth, vibe free ride.
The engine is without doubt a punchy unit which feels strong and well built, even when given the stick. Personally, I can live with the vibrations as long as the engine feels great. Speeds of 80-90 kmph were easily displayed on its Digital Speedometer and I am sure that the Speedo indicated top speed can reach 110-115 kmph without much of a fuss.
Fuel Efficiency: "Easy to live with"
The TVS showroom manager said that the Apache RTR 160 HyperEdge would return a fuel efficiency figure of around 45-50 Kmpl. I would tend to believe that claim as I have had friends who have owned the Apache RTR 160 and even they quote similar fuel efficiency figures.
The TVS showroom manager said that the Apache RTR 160 HyperEdge would return a fuel efficiency figure of around 45-50 Kmpl. I would tend to believe that claim as I have had friends who have owned the Apache RTR 160 and even they quote similar fuel efficiency figures.
Verdict: "Same good old Apache RTR 160"
I am not sure if TVS have done any significant internal changes on the new bike. In terms of the way it feels and rides, the new Apache RTR 160 HyperEdge doesn’t feel too different from the older one. The new design stripes do freshen up the familiar looks of the Apache RTR 160. But apart from that, the bike still feels virtually the same as the earlier model.
Probably TVS could have gone ahead and provided Tubeless Tyres and DC Lighting on this new version. But seriously such a long name.. TVS Apache RTR 160 HyperEdge..!!
I am not sure if TVS have done any significant internal changes on the new bike. In terms of the way it feels and rides, the new Apache RTR 160 HyperEdge doesn’t feel too different from the older one. The new design stripes do freshen up the familiar looks of the Apache RTR 160. But apart from that, the bike still feels virtually the same as the earlier model.
Probably TVS could have gone ahead and provided Tubeless Tyres and DC Lighting on this new version. But seriously such a long name.. TVS Apache RTR 160 HyperEdge..!!
TVS Apache RTR 160 Hyper Edge Specifications
ENGINE
Engine: 159.7 cc, 4 Stroke, Single Cylinder, Air cooled
Valves: 2 valves per cylinder, SOHC
Bore x Stroke: 62 mm x 52.9 mm
Maximum Power: 15.2 Bhp @ 8500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 13.1 Nm @ 6000 rpm
Carburettor: Mikuni BS-26
Clutch: Wet, Multi Plate
Gears: 5 Speed (1 Down, 4 Up shift pattern)
Starting: Self Start
CHASSIS
Chassis Type: Twin downtube, double Cradle
Suspension(Front): Telescopic Forks
Suspension(Rear): Monotube Inverted Gas Filled Shocks
Brakes (Front): 270mm Disc
Brakes(Rear): 130mm Drum
Tyre (Front): 90/90 x 17
Tyre (Rear): 110/80 x 18
DIMENSIONS
Length: 2020.00 mm
Width: 730.00 mm
Height: 1050.00 mm
Ground Clearance: 180.00 mm
Wheelbase: 1300.00 mm
Kerb Weight: 136.00 kg
Fuel Tank: 16.00 ltrs
Reserve: 2.5 lts
Price: Rs. 69,000 On road Pune (Approx.)
Engine: 159.7 cc, 4 Stroke, Single Cylinder, Air cooled
Valves: 2 valves per cylinder, SOHC
Bore x Stroke: 62 mm x 52.9 mm
Maximum Power: 15.2 Bhp @ 8500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 13.1 Nm @ 6000 rpm
Carburettor: Mikuni BS-26
Clutch: Wet, Multi Plate
Gears: 5 Speed (1 Down, 4 Up shift pattern)
Starting: Self Start
CHASSIS
Chassis Type: Twin downtube, double Cradle
Suspension(Front): Telescopic Forks
Suspension(Rear): Monotube Inverted Gas Filled Shocks
Brakes (Front): 270mm Disc
Brakes(Rear): 130mm Drum
Tyre (Front): 90/90 x 17
Tyre (Rear): 110/80 x 18
DIMENSIONS
Length: 2020.00 mm
Width: 730.00 mm
Height: 1050.00 mm
Ground Clearance: 180.00 mm
Wheelbase: 1300.00 mm
Kerb Weight: 136.00 kg
Fuel Tank: 16.00 ltrs
Reserve: 2.5 lts
Price: Rs. 69,000 On road Pune (Approx.)
Related Posts
- TVS Apache RTR 160 Review: July 06, 2007
- TVS Apache 150 Review: November 29, 2006
- Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler: Complete Review : June 20, 2010
- Yamaha SZ Review: December 30, 2010
- Yamaha FZ, comprehensive review: November 6, 2010
- Kawasaki Ninja 250R: Review: Feb 2011
Disclaimer:
This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.
Atleast they can work on its refinement , be it with engine or gearbox.
Personally I feel it is wiser to opt for the bigger 180 version which feels lot more powerful and 160 was never known for its economy either !
As far as handling is concerned, honestly the game has moved on.
FZ,Fazer and dazzler(infact the original unicorn too) anyday feel more surefooted than apache.
Yes, it has got aggresive stance and short wheelbase which makes it feel agile but high speed manners are not the best in business.
I haven't inquired about the availability of a "Rear Disc" variant, which used to be available earlier as an option.. do you have any info?
Yes, yes.. will try to take the RTR 180 for a spin as soon as possible. How I wish TVS could have provided me one to test comprehensively. :-)
@Anil,
Yep, TVS could have done better
no bro, the kick lever is very much there.
@Abhishek,
thanks
but on engine performance the FZ loses out to both the RTR 180 and Pulsar 180 in high speed. the FZ is good for city use but not that great at open roads and at high speeds
even in fuel efficiency the RTR 180 and Pulsar 180 is better than the FZ which despite being a 150 cc engine returns mostly only 32-35 kmpl
So if BEST OVERALL PACKAGE is considered it is left to the individual who is buying to weigh what matters to him most: built quality, fuel efficiency, engine performance
I wouldn't call the riding position awkward, but its more of sporty/forward leaning position.
Check it out yourself and see if you are comfortable on it
pls grab it till its there ..
65 Kmpl from a 160 cc bike..?? Difficult to digest, even if the riding speeds is between 45-50 kmpl.
"pls grab it till its there": You sound as if it is a limited period offer :-)
The few things which made me change my loyalty from Yamaha were...
1. Smooth pick up.( i test drove my friend's bikes.)
2. Good power while driving in the hills.
3. Handling is nice.
4. Looks coupled with 15.2 BHP and mileage of 45-55 is great!!
However i have few queries..
1. There is slight vibration in the handle when you cross 55 km/hr as if your mobile is on vibration mode...is it for all the bikes or is it because its in running period.
2. Th 5th gear appears like a 4th gear ...
3. The noise of the engine is noticebale.
and ur hands will go mumb,but after 66kmph in 5th gear it stops.
i personally think that tvs really needs to work on refinement of the engine.
It is awesome bike.
It is very fuel efficient, delivers milage around 60 KMPL in city.
It is much better than Pulsar and Hunk.
I am a satisfied customer.
wil it effect bike's performance???
wat wil b d total cost??
hlp pls.........
could U make specific of that?????????