Friday, December 24, 2010

Honda CBR250R bookings start from 1st Jan 2011





Honda to begin accepting booking for the much anticipated CBR 250R from 1st January 2011 in India. Priced 1.5 Lakh (Ex-Showroom). Honda updates its site with 'Booking open for CBR250R' link which when clicked, opens up a form.


The bike features a liquid-cooled, single cylinder, 4-valve DOHC engine that churns out peak power of 26 PS and peak torque of 23 Nm; which has the potential to deliver a top-speed of over 150 km/h. The bike be offered in Combined-ABS and non-ABS versions and it will come with 6-speed gearbox and Honda's advanced PGM-FI technology and front and rear discs.



Wednesday, December 22, 2010

TVS Apache RTR

India’s third largest two-wheeler making company TVS Motors launched its new advanced bike last year: the new Apache RTR Fi, to hold its foot stronger in this bike segment; well, maybe so for the bike company. But Apache fans dub that the new bike adds to the wagon of Apache stunners on the road and after so many months it turns out to be so true.

tvs-apache-rtr-fi-yellow-4

The bike features fuel injection technology that adds to greater fuel efficiency. The bike is designed to look more solid and masculine with shrouds on both sides of the tank. Indeed Apache RTR Fi looks larger than its forerunner but surprisingly TVS Motors designers didn’t alter the weight of the machine. The bike sports stylish stickers on the panels as well as on the shrouds to truly give it a racing machine looks. The disc brake at the rear gives a lot more control and comfort to the rider. The new Apache RTR Fi has new scoops to draw air which assist the engine to cool faster. Additionally, just like we see in race bikes it has a data logging facility, which gives a 0-60 second lap time and also the maximum speed indicators.

What’s New As Regards To Looks Of The New Apache RTR Fi?

Apache RTR Fi bike has split grab rails that are a mix of design and performance. The aerodynamic air scoopers help the engine to cool off quickly and the alloy black wheels are not just lightweight but will appeal all and can ride through the rough surfaces. The fuel tank is not only huge but also sharp lined so to make it look very much aerodynamic and rightly proportioned muscle, just enough for adding the beastly looks.

tvs-apache-rtr-fi-yellow-1

The new Apache RTR Fi features a microprocessor which has an Electronic Control Unit made of sensors, fuel pump and an injector, which are designed to give optimum fuel metering and ignition timing.. It has got forged brake lever that makes the bike stylish. The clip on the handle bar for different positions is an added feature.

tvs-apache-rtr-fi-yellow-5

Engine and Performance: It’s the new power mill of the new Apache RTR Fi that makes it more worthwhile. It runs on a 159.7cc fuel injected engine that reaches a maximum power of 15.7 bhp at 8500 rpm and a peak torque of 13.1Nm at 6000 rpm. The top speed achievable is 120 kmph and can cross 60 kmph in just 4.8 seconds and 100 kmph in17.7 seconds. The new power mills gives Apache RTR Fi bike a fuel economy of 50-55 kmpl. The power release is gentle that motivates smoother acceleration and shifting of gears consumes less power and fuel. The fuel injection technology enables the bike to give enormous speed level.

Final Words: The Apache RTR Fi is indeed a latecomer, Hero Honda Glamour Fi and Pulsar 220cc Fi have already featured the fuel injection technology. So the competition already existed for TVS! The bike does not look any new; it is short just like its previous models. The bike seems to have spent a lot of time in the garage and the witness is the faded paint of the bike.

tvs-apache-rtr-fi-yellow-3

The LCD speedometer is new but the colour contrast makes it real hard for anyone to figure the numbers! The bike starts jarring once it touches the 60 kmph mark and the pick up is just fine but not too appealing. It almost feels that except for the new stickers all over the bike, there is nothing more unique in the bike. The LED lamps at the rear continue to be the same and the silencer is re-designed. The tachometer remains in the analogue form. But for engine upgrading there is nothing really great one can expect from the new Apache RTR Fi bike; in fact, the mileage seems to have dropped with the new fuel injected engine.

The bike is available in orange, metallic grey and sporty yellow colours. And it is priced on a higher end at Rs 78.000. The TVS Apache RTR Fi would definitely have an edge had it come a little earlier. Although it features many qualities of a race bike it does not stand out among other bikes that possess more or less same characteristics. I doubt if it truly stands to its tagline of race unleashed.

Apache RTR 180 Review

I waited for three weeks to get my apacheRTR 180 (White). I realize that I have made a good decision and the motorcycle suits my expectation and needs. But there is no bike like an ideal perfect bike, so I have included the cons as well. Let us start with the pros…

TVS Apache RTR White Speedometer

Design: The bike comes with new graphics. The new RTR design in the air scoop and partially on the tank looks good. But the stripe lines called GT stripe is same as in the Fuel injection version. The bike has same looks and same ergonomics.

Engine: It is a 180cc mill machine which has a power of 17.32 ps and 15.5 nm of torque. The higher torque means more power and grunt available for lower revs. Now the engine comes with carburetor unlike the fuel injection. The engine comes with guard so that it prevents mud ,dust particles entering into the engine. It is a SOHC, Air Cooled, Four Stroke Engine.

Wheels & Brakes: The bikes comes with light weight alloys. Light weight alloys are used to reduce the weight but they do their jobs pretty well. The bike come with dual disc brakes so razor sharp braking is sure .The dissipation of heat in roto petal disc is very fast. The front disc comes with 270 diameter petal disc. It naturally says that “Stop Where You Want!”. The rear disc comes with 200 diameter petal disc. Useful in good braking. The chain is O-ring type.The final drive is in the chain.

Performance: This is a good performer bike in this segment.. This is a direct competitor for Pulsar 180 UG4 . The company people said that it can attain a top speed of 125 km/hr. But I reached a speed of 110 km/hr(really) without any fear. It can reach 0-60km in 4.48 sec. The bike lover can do their wheelings in 2nd gear also. The acceleration of the bike is so good . It reaches 80-90 km/hr easily. The idle rpm is 1400. The battery system is not DC like Pulsars but is good.

Speedometer: The speedometer comes with all loaded items but all things in the speedometer is as same as in the fuel injection version. The fuel indicator is not so accurate. The tachometer comes with white background colour.

Rear Footpegs: The rear footpegs is lightweight. The cover of footpeg can be removed. Notice the picture clearly the rear foot peg cover is removed. So it looks in silver colour.

Tyres: Here comes the main part. Both the tyres are tubeless tyres. The front tyre has a 90/90-R17 and rear tyre has a 110/80-R17.It has its own company tyre called srichakra tyre. The tyre works good in normal condition but in wet condition it is little panicky. In the corners we can turn without any fear. The removable rear fender also comes with the bike.

Suspension: The front suspension and back suspension works good but not as pulsars. The front suspension comes with gold plated color. The rear mono-tube-inverted gas suspension called “MIG” works better on potholes and speed breakers.

Clip-Ons: Compared to rtr 160 the clip-on are little big, to say a half inch more than 160. Now the clip ons comes in black colour. The seating of Apache 180 is sporty but the seats needs to be accumulated. When we go long rides sure back pain is there.

Cons:

  • The bike vibrates a little. After it crosses 4500 rpm it starts vibrating and after crossing 6000 rpm it disappears.
  • The main advantage is vibrations are mostly over shadowed. It means not overseen like 160.
  • The tyre is not good in its grip so whats the use of Razor sharp braking. The tyre can be of MRF or OTHERS in order for good grip.
  • The clutch is little notchy. The clutch is very tight, because of this after long rides I felt my arm is paining.
  • The engine is not upgraded needs to be upgraded.
  • The silencer is same as 160. And the sound of the bike is like FI.
  • The battery is not of DC system . It is a AC system.
  • The front suspension is not larger because of it the bike feels uncomfortable in some situations.
  • The bike styles needs to be changed.
  • The bike is uncomfortable for tall guys
  • The seat is so hard.

My Verdict: Overall it’s a nice package in its own segment. The price of Apache RTR 180 is Rs.73,500. It has a good value for money what it offers. It makes a lot of sense to us.

TVS Apache RTR 180 Review

Hi! This is Sharath and this article is about my new bike Apache RTR 180 “White” which was brought on 09.09.09! Yes the date is a fancy one and my bike is also fancy and eye catching.

TVS Apache RTR 180 White

I waited for 3 long weeks to put my hand on my bike. Other colors (black, yellow & titanium grey) were available immediately but for the white color I had to wait 3 weeks.

TVS Apache RTR 180 White (2)

When I tested black RTR 180 I felt the power in it and it was really nice and smooth. I have already finished my first service for 20 days from date of purchase and now I have completed 1090 KMs.

The Pros Of The Bike:

  • It is a 180 cc with 17 bhp and 15.5 Nm torque.
  • It has very nice Digital Speedo Console with BLUE Backlit , 2 trip logs- very helpfull, high speed log and (0-60) timer.
  • The digital fuel meter is good but not accurate.
  • The bike sitting position is damn good which adds sporty looks and you feel great control on bike.
  • Bike has really smooth gears and I mean it . I compared with K arizma and RTR’s was really smooth gear shifting but Karizma has that cranking sound when shifting gears. Even my friend who owns Karizma was really impressed by RTR’s gears.
  • It has a rear disc and good suspension.
  • This bike has really nice looks and the white RTR is an eye catching piece on road. People riding take a glance at my bike and on signal stops lot of questions are thrown about its price, details and most important they are surprised about rear disc! Rear disc is really good and works very nice and funny thing is lot of Karizma riders take deep look into my bike (like rear disc, blue back light and the color itself) and discuss about it within themselves which makes me proud owner of the Apache RTR 180.

But, It has some serious problems:

  • Lot of vibrations around 5000rpm-7000rpm (50-70 km) speed and it can be felt all over the bike.
  • It is small in size, person with 6 ft and more will have comfort issues.

TVS Factory officials called me and since they were conducting survey on RTR 180′s they came on saturday (10 october 2009) @ Ashwa motors (where actually I bought my bike) and took reviews from me. They were from quality control department and they took photos of bike and mine. They recorded my voice review and I had a long discussion about the bike. I told the vibration issue and they promised that they will talk to their higher officials.

TVS Apache RTR 180 White (3)

When I asked about their new up coming bikes they told that it is confidential but they gave some little information that they are working hard on braking system and they implementing car braking system! Even power will be increased and looks of the bike will be changed to compete with others in market I seriously recommended to change the looks & make the looks of bike bigger.

And I had little problem with the Engine Off Switch. They took great care and made it ready and did some some tuning – my clutch lever was little hard which they made it loose and handle bar was adjusted for more comfortable ride.

TVS APACHE RTR 180CC REVIEW

New Apache RTR 180 2010

She was feeling good, right between my knees, she was hot I knew that, and was getting hotter by the second, the curves they were awesome better than the best I’d ever seen, there was no better feeling in this world, I knew. She was responding to each and every whim of mine, she fancied throwing some of her tantrums from time to time, but I just say what the heck, then I braked hard and my heart almost exploded from the sheer braking accuracy and the stability, ladies and gentlemen I give to you:

The TVS APACHE RTR 180:- The Menace has ArriveD!

New Apache RTR 180cc User Review

Apache RTR 180 Bike Overview:

Some time back (during the infamous recession) TVS decided to lock horns with the market benchmark in the 180 cc segment the Bajaj Pulsar 180. The RTR 180 is also touted to be the performance bike of its segment, so it is usually compared to the Yamaha R-15, HH Karizma ZMR & Bajaj Pulsar 220.

The RTR 180 is more of an addendum to the RTR 160. The bike retains the basic lines of the current RTR & comes with all the high tech features: digital speedometer with top speed, 0-60 timer, trips, and other extra functionalities plus stunning looks. Apache RTR looks the best in its class and has been priced very competitively in comparison to other bikes in its segment.

Apache RTR 180 Engine & Performance:

The RTR 180 is powered by a 177.4 cc mill which develops 17 bhp of max power at 8500 rpm, and 15.5 Nm Torque at 6500 rpm, enough to propel the bike to 125 kmph top speed. Many reviews state the bike has done excess of 135 kmph, but I have been able to achieve only 125 kmph, with TVS stating that the bike does 124 kmph with ease, which is quite true. The new 177.4cc mill is a bored out variation of the 160cc mill. It has a longer stroke compared to the 160, of course the engine remains oversquare with the bore and stroke being 62.5*57.8 mm.

The over square engine helps to rev the bike more easily and the bike climbs up the rpm ladder with ease…almost as if it were a dream.

2011 Apache RTR 180 India Review

Apache RTR 180 India Review

Apache RTR 180 Technical Specifications

The Details of the RTR 180 :

  • Engine: 4 Stroke
  • Displacement: 177.4 cc
  • Max Power: 17 bhp @ 8500 rpm
  • Max Torque: 15.5 Nm @ 6500 rpm
  • Gearbox: 5 speed (SIGH!)
  • Cooling Type: Air-cooled
  • Top speed: 125 kmph
  • 0-60 time: 3.2 sec
  • Front Brakes: 270 mm roto petal disc
  • Rear Brakes: 200 mm roto petal disc

The RTR 180 has, like the 160, a gem of an engine. The engine revs freely to the red line without a whimper. The exhaust sounds awesome at any rpm, you can easily differentiate between the 160,160 EFi and 180. The 160 has a slightly weaker exhaust stroke, the 180 is throatier, and the EFI blows you away!

Many people who have ridden the 180 always speak about the humongous amount of acceleration, yes the RTR accelerates faster than any bike in the Indian Market, I personally have achieved a 0-60 kmph time of 3.2 seconds, the R15 does it in around 3.5 seconds. The acceleration gets your heart pounding, its very quick to get to the 70 kmph mark, its almost unreal. The power is given to the black top through a 90*90 front tyre and a 110*80 rear tyre, the fat TVS rubber is good under dry conditions but could do better.

Not many people have been able to replicate the butter smooth gear boxes of the Hero Hondas’ or Hondas’ TVS is no exception. The gear box is very rough initially and after racking brains, shifting at a proper RPM range helps in smoother shifting. The gear box quality needs to be looked into. another thing is that the bike could use the 6th cog. i’ve been riding her for the past year and still try and shift into the 6th gear, the 6th gear would’ve propelled her easily to 135-140 kmph.

Apache RTR 180 Bike Yellow Colour

Apache RTR 180 Side Shot

Apache RTR 180 Motorcycle Looks & Styling:

The RTR 180 is similar to look at when compared to the 160 and 160 EFI. It borrows parts from both its siblings, it’s a good mix of the both. If you want to differentiate between the two, here’s what you need to focus on:

1. Colors:

The RTR 180 started the “white mania”, it was the first bike to come up with a WHITE color scheme, looks awesome! The colors of the front fork and rear coil springs are golden whereas the ones on the 160 are red or black. It also has racing stripes borrowed from the EFI model.

Also, it has the RTR logo on the non-functional air scoops.

2. The Read mud flap:

This feature is one-of-a-kind on an Indian bike, where the bike employs a rear fender that acts as a Mud flap that can be removed giving the looks and feel of a Super Bike rear fender, the fender does have safety reflectors attached. I gotta add this fender is good in the monsoon, when the guy tailing you does not prefer a mouthful of dirt.

One more thing that sets the bike apart is the RTR 180 logo on the clip ons. if you want more details, the RTR 180 has a color swap on the STICKERING, meaning, the 180 has a BLACK filled APACHE lettering on the fuel tank, and the RTR 180 logo on the rear side panels. The Clip ons are now black powder shaded. More on it in the ownership experience.

The instrument cluster borrows its lighting from the EFI again. The cluster is of the highest quality and the 0-60 timer, top speed indicator, gauges are very easily read. But if your over 5 feet and 9 inches tall then it can slightly cause discomfort while reading the tachometer

The headlight retains the “hello SUNSHINE” look as can be seen in the pic below

Rest is the same as with the RTR 160. Nothing much to be added here

Apache RTR 180 Ride & Handling:

The stock setting on the rear suspension is of the SOFT order, which causes the rear to move around quite a bit under heavy braking, this can be fun at times, but when the tarmac is wet, the tires give away. When changed to slightly softer setting the bike becomes a wheeling machine, it wheelies every here and there. But the braking problem becomes amplified. I’ve come to terms with it by hardening the suspension one level beyond the stock setting, this provides great braking stability and great handling characteristics. The Ride is not something that TVS can brag about, especially when you have a pilion, the ride can be very erratic at times, especially when she encounters a bump on the road.

Like all TVS bikes the RTR 180 does not disappoint in the handling department, she handles like a dream, especially on a mountain pass, you can tackle all the corners at full throttle and the bike seems to mock you, asking “is that all you got?”

The clip ons play an important role here, they seem to be perfectly weighted. The handle bars are two stage adjustable, when on the stock setting the handle bars are closer to the tank, causing one to put in slightly more effort on straight lines and in traffic, the second setting though suits me the best, here you can lift the bike and put her to sleep around corners more easily, she becomes more agile I might add. These settings are obviously also available on the RTR 160 and EFI models.

Braking stability of the bike is something I feel deserves a lot of praise. She can handle any amount of braking that you can throw at her, the front of the bike is impeccably balanced. Jamming the front brake lever does not cause the bike to go into a skid immediately, she tends to stay in control, this stability is accentuated by the 90*90 rubber up front. The Rear disc on the bike is also a gem, it could’ve been more precise though, it has lesser feedback compared to its drum 160 sibling.

Apache RTR 180 Features in a nutshell :

  • Digital Speedometer which looks very cool especially at night (with the blue, white and red lighting ).
  • Petal shaped disc brakes which not only looks good but also provides more efficient braking.
  • Big RTR sticker on the tank scoops – the main sign to know that this is a RTR 180.
  • Naked chain cover.
  • LED tail lamps
  • Clip on
  • Service and battery indicator.
  • RTR 180 logo near the clip-on’s
  • A wider rear tyre
Apache RTR Rear Image

Apache RTR Bike Rear

Apache RTR 180cc Ownership experience/review:

  1. I bought the bike on the 4th of August 2009, the bike like all new products had problems. I was in the TVS workshop the next week itself, the Carbon Monoxide levels had changed on its own accord, the cause of which is still a mystery. I had the Carb changed under warranty, which did not solve the problem, but did reduce the effect of the change of the CO level
  2. The Clip on handle bars a basically black in color, after exposure to the sun they tend to change to a grayish shade, the guys at the workshop were nice enough and got me a new clip on, which now has turned grey again.
  3. The RTR 180 pops at it’s exhaust, especially when the air-fuel Ratio is rich, like all the RTR series bikes misfire. The problem should be taken up for consideration by TVS.
  4. The quality of the nuts and bolts could be improved as well.
  5. The rubber on the Gear shifter is of a lower than horrible quality, they leave a mark on your footwear due to use, I ruined my brand new Nivia sports shoes because of this. So if your going on a date wearing brand new shoes or sandals, think again.
  6. After you ride the bike for approximately 10 km. without gloves you’ll notice a shade of black on the fingers of your left hand, which grips the clutch lever. No idea why this happens.
  7. Similar to the entire RTR series, the bike is tad small. The pillion literally sits on the rear split grab rails. And if you have a back pack, forget about a pillion. Increasing the length of the bike would mean compromising on the handling and stability front but the size of the rear seat is something that NEEDS to be improved.

On and all the bike is worth buying, especially if you’re gonna ride in the city and love some traffic signal drag races, this bike will nearly beat any bike on the acceleration front. The bike looks great, the quality is pretty decent, the engine is a gem.

So if you’re looking for a bike in the 160-180-200 cc segment, make sure you test ride this baby before you take a call.

TVS Apache RTR 180 Review

Appearance

TVS Apache RTR 180 Right view PictureTVS Apache RTR 180cc is introduced in sports bike segment. And, the features prove it so. This beast suggests a lion like looks that is going to start hunting. The front portion of the female is stunning and cowl incorporated nice looking headlamp and parking light. The headlamp and LED tail lamp is claimed better visibility in any weather condition. Graphics are also refreshed in the new RTR. Enlarged emblem of RTR and arrow shape graphics on the tank make it distinct identity. The sports machine incorporated all digital console. Fuel gauge, tripmeter, techometer, speedometer, low fuel indicator and low oil indicator is a beauty to see. The speedometer shines with blue backlit as same as RTR 160. clock is also fitted there to make you able to check travel time. Neutral, side indicator and high beam indicator are also the part and parcel of the RTR series. Lap meter and service indicator are the special features which glitter like jewels in the console. Lap meter shows the mileage whereas service reminder gives alerts for the service. The dashboard incorporates a special feature which enable the rider to test the top speed. The top speed is 125 kmph.

Rearset foot pegs are light weight made of aluminum which is set as to balance body to power ratio. Silencer of the bike has a covering of chrome plate and the exhaust make no sound. However, most of the exterior is having black treatment. The titanium engine is also black with fairing. Split grab rails are another special features that make pillion rider safer. But removable rear fender is the thing which add to the style of the bike. It comes with replaceable and functional mud flap. LED tail lamp and rear grab rails seems like a innocent bull. The company claimed that it consumed less battery power. Six spoke alloy wheels, engine fairing, classy fuel tank, forged brake lever, aerodynamics air scoops add to the charm of the female. The handle bars are also refined.

Engine

TVS Apache RTR 180 engine view PictureThe TVS Apache RTR 180cc is having some of similarity like Bajaj Avenger DTS-i 200cc as far as the engine performance is concerned. Like Apache's engine produces maximum power of 17.3 PS at 8500 rpm and maximum torque of 15.5 nm at 6500 rpm with the displacement of 177.4cc. The engine is air cooled, 4 stroke and having a single cylinder. The gear box is equipped with 5 gears with constant mesh transmission. Clutch is multi-plate wet type. The frame of the female is double cradle synchrostiff. It boasts higher ground clearance i.e. 180mm. The bike is having both self and kick start.

Acceleration

TVS Apache RTR 180 speedometer view PictureYou can achieve a top speed of 125 kmph with this flying machine. The 0-60 kmph acceleration is covered in just 4.15 seconds and this can be viewed in timer which is incorporated at the dashboard.

Fuel Efficiency

TVS Apache RTR 180 oil tank view PictureThe maximum fuel tank capacity is 16 litres and 2.5 litres of reserve. The larger fuel tank is designed to give more comfort to the rider's knee. As per the rough estimation, one can get a mileage of around 35-40 kmpl. however, on highway the mileage will be a little higher than city area. The mileage is supposed to be lower than commuter bikes as it is a sports bike with a high displacements 177.4cc.

Colours

The bike is available in four eye-catching colours. The colours are yellow, grey, black and white. Available colours Are :TVS Apache RTR 180 different colour palette view PictureTVS Apache RTR 180 different colour palette view PictureTVS Apache RTR 180 different colour palette view PictureTVS Apache RTR 180 different colour palette view Picture

Brakes

TVS Apache RTR 180 disk brake view PictureThe bike is equipped with high performance 270mm petal disc brakes at front and 200mm petal disc at the rear to make it a safer bike to ride at any speed. The brakes have jewel shape design.

Suspension

TVS Apache RTR 180 shocker view PictureThe TVS Apache RTR 180cc has the usual telescopic fork at the front and mono tube inverted gas filled shock (MIG) with spring aid at rear. The mono shock absorbers gives unmatchable jerk free riding experience. The suspensions have a new mechanism that is called poly shock. Poly shock promises smooth ride and less friction. The suspensions are silver coloured.

Wheels and Tyres

TVS Apache RTR 180 wheels and tyre view PictureThe machine is having tubeless tyres with the tyres specifications of 90/90-17 at front and 110/10-17 at the rear respectively. Six spoke alloy wheels attract with classy looks. The company provides only TVS tyres in the bike which is largest in the segment.

Wheel Base and Controlling

The rear tyre's wheel base is wide enough to provide better grip on road. The wheel base is 1326, cool. Stability, handling and control is more powerful than the bikes in the segment.

Comfortness

TVS Apache RTR 180 Seet view PictureAs far as the comfort is concerned, the rider will be pleased with comfortable curves of tank and seat. But the pillion will be a little unhappy as no backrest is provided. However, foot-pegs and foot rest are there to add to his comfort. Handling is also enhanced in the bike. Wide rear wheelbase and petal disc brakes come classy and up to the safety standards. Mono suspension is incorporated that gives pleasing ride as 'pony' at any speed and surface.

Pros

The bike is unmatchable in its segment as compared with performance, style and handling. The final verdict is, it is a complete sports bike. 0-60 timer on dashboard.

Cons

No rear backrest for pillion rider. The powertrain is not upgraded except displacement.
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