TVS Apache RTR 180 has a huge fan following and for a good reason. Sure, the 180cc Apache featured here isn't a new launch and is a few years old already. But still, it has got some attributes that make it really special. Back in the day, when all the manufacturers were making bikes that were 150cc or below, it was TVS who came up with the 180cc motor and that too for a very reasonable price. This bike, even after years sells really well. The price of Apache RTR 180 at the time of me writing this review is Rs.2,51,900.
This is the detailed review of the Apache RTR 180. I have used the Apache RTR 180 for over a year now. Also, I have hit 20,000KM on the odometer. I, now know the ins and outs of the bike. So, let's dive into it.
Introduction
When you talk TVS, it is generally Apache you are talking about. And when you are talking Apache, it's mostly the RTR 180. According to Jagdamba Motors, the authorised distributor of TVS bikes and scooter in Nepal, the RTR 180 is one of their best selling bikes in the lineup. And even after the introduction of the Apache RTR 200 4V, the demand of the RTR 180 hasn't slowed down.
The Apache RTR 180 has received a lot of facelifts in its lifecycle. This probably is the last facelift we will be seeing for this bike before we see a completely new model. The facelift, in this iteration, gets LED DRLs at the front which looks really good.The darker it gets, the more beautiful the DRLs turn out to be.
The Apache RTR 180 has been my love at first sight. No other bike in this price point matches the aesthetic or the performance of the RTR 180. The bike looks clean with minimalistic design. Apache keeps making better-looking bikes with every new iteration. The 180 may not look as striking as the recently launched Apache RR 310 but for the price, there's no beating this beast.
Design
The design of the Apache RTR 180 is really good. It may not look as stylish as its newer rivals but it doesn't look dated in anyways. And if you go with the white colour option of the bike, be assured that people will notice you and your ride.
The side mounted exhaust looks generic and is borrowed from previous generation apache and it is no bad thing. It still produces that deep meaty exhaust note that we have all grown to love.
But it's not all good with the RTR 180. If you have been following TVS for a while and their Apache lineup of bikes, you should already know this. For some reason, TVS refuses to put thick grippy tyres on their bike. And the story isn't different with this RTR 180. The tyres are thin which doesn't look all that good and the grip is definitely missing on this bike.
Peformance
Now talking about the performance of the bike, the RTR 180 is powered by a single-cylinder, four-stroke 177.4CC engine developing 17.03 bhp @8500rpm. That's quite a performance for a 180cc motor. It's an air cooled carbureted engine with superb performance. However, it isn't the most refined engine out there. At speeds excess of 100kmph, you can feel the vibration all over the bike.
Handling
The Double Cradle SynchroSTIFF chassis of the Apache RTR 180 is really good. Going around a tight corner in this bike is a piece of cake. But what doesn't help, as stated earlier, is the use of those skinny tyres. The tyres really hamper the handling of the bike. If you really want to take the bikes around the bends, make sure to change the tyres. Also, be extra careful when the road surface is wet.
Fuel Tank Capacity and Mileage
The claimed fuel efficiency of the Apache RTR 180 is 47kmpl. But in all honesty, I don't get mileage anywhere close to the claimed figures. I average around 30-35kmpl while riding on the roads of Kathmandu.
The fuel tank capacity of 16L is amongst the largest I have seen. The reserve fuel capacity is 2.5L which is plentiful. You can head to Pokhara from Kathmandu and return back without visiting the gas station even once.
The Good
The price of the Apache RTR 180 has to be one of the best things about the bike. The price of the Apache RTR 180 in Nepal is Rs. 2,51,900 and at this price point, it's really hard to get any other bike that is this fun to ride. The performance of this bike is solid and so is the looks. The deep exhaust note is also something that I personally love. The twin DLRs at the front of the bike also makes the bike look more aggressive
The Bad
The skinny stock tyres are the primary gripe that I have with the RTR 180. The other thing that I am really not fond of is the vibration that the 177.4cc engine puts out. On a long stretch of road, it really becomes frustrating.
Also, servicing TVS bikes will cost a little more than servicing Bajaj, Honda or Hero bikes. The other thing that I am not that fond of is that the spare parts of the bike aren't readily available.
Lastly, I think that the Apache RTR platform has gotten quite old now and it would be great if TVS came up with a new breed of Apache RTR built on the same platform as that of the RR 310.
The Competition
The sub 200cc segment is a pretty competitive bike segment and there's a lot of competition in this segment. There are bikes from every major manufacturer. The bikes like Pulsar NS 200, Suzuki Gixxer 150, Yamaha FZ-15 v2 all give tough competition to the Apache RTR 180. Also, its sibling Apache RTR 200 4V is an overall better package which can be have had for a fraction more money. If you are looking to purchase the RTR 180, make sure to check out its competitors (or the RTR 200 4V) first.
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