[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/48797542363/[/flickr]
The fully digital console looks good but misses out on a lot of information
With bright glossy colours, the Apache 160 also comes in dual-tone shades
The Apache 160 we had was the carb variant and as we know TVS offers FI variant as well. The FI variant gets a better instrument cluster with a gear position indicator and some more details too. The carb variant which I was riding didn’t have an informative cluster but displayed the necessary information properly even with the orange backlight. The motorcycle didn’t have any LEDs except for the pilot lamp and the taillight. But the halogen headlight did a decent job at night as the spread and illumination are focused and direct.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/48797893771/[/flickr]
The Apache 160 has enough punch to lift a wheel
The engine was impressive and so were the brakes. However, the long-term motorcycle we had didn’t have ABS but the dual disc setup provided amazing feedback. I have always been a fan of the brakes from TVS and the Apache didn’t disappoint. There were times when the tyres would lose grip because of muck or sand on road, other than that the grip from the tyres was also adequate enough. The bike would nosedive under hard braking and would do an intentional slide too but it felt very agile all the time.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/48798036367/[/flickr]
The motor is powerful and quick, yet it feels smooth and subtle
Apache 160 has the TVS Racing DNA, stable in a straight line while agile in corners
The Apache 160 would tip into corners like a child’s play and would hold the line well too. The lightweight nature of the motorcycle helped a lot. It also turned out to be quite flickable as well as frugal. The nature of the engine was happy-to-be even on the redline. Hence, it made it a little difficult to get the best fuel economy. However, the Apache 160 managed to impress with the best 38 km/l. This was the best as I was always a little sharp on the throttle. Anyone with a sane throttle control would take out 40 km/l without breaking a sweat.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/48797541793/[/flickr]
This Apache doesn’t feel shy to burn some rubber
The best cruising speed was slightly above 85 km/hr while the comfortable ergonomics made it a perfect city-highway motorcycle. With the single-channel ABS also coming into the picture, the motorcycle feels even more worth the price. After the end of the term, I do miss the 160 but not as much as the RR. If anyone is looking for a motorcycle in the 150-200cc category, then the Apache 200 gives you dual-channel ABS too but if there is a slight budget constraint, the Apache 160 is the one to get. However, if you are any taller than 6 feet, the Apache would make you feel cramped and that is the only gripe I have had about the TVS’s Apache series.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/48797893541/[/flickr]
It is an explorer outside its own territory
What’s Cool
* The motor produces the most power in the segment
* Dynamics are sharp and well suited for Indian roads
* Braking feedback is brilliant while tyres offer decent grip
What’s Not So Cool
* Not suitable for tall riders
* No LEDs on offer, misses out on hardware
* Instrument cluster does not provide all the information in the carb variant
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