TVS’s long overdue Fiero F2 replacement is here in the macho Apache, and it's one short-fused firecracker of a motorcycle.

“TVS IS A NAME SYNONYMOUS WITH BLAND LOOKING BIKES. REALLY?”
“ IT TAKES LITTLE TIME TO FIGURE OUT THE APACHE IS FUN TO THROW AROUND.”

SALIVATING over the pics? Let’s further the drool factor then by assuring you that the Apache looks even better in the flesh.
But before we go any further, a quick rewind. TVS’s 150cc aspirations began in its distant Suzuki collaboration days with the Fiero. Next the Hosur-based manufacturer came up with the F2—a competent bike on debut, that was sadly left to linger without change for years. Rumours of a new bike have long done the rounds, and though we were the first to scoop a sneak preview of the eagerly awaited F2 replacement last month, nothing prepared us for the moment our eyes met the Apache the first time.
This new TVS is one handsome-looking motorcycle. Aggressive and macho to the core, it exudes a sporty weight-forward stance from tip to toe. There’s fine attention to detail all around, with even the ignition-key showing off a pattern in keeping with the bike’s sporty image. Black five-spoke alloy rims with a partially black brake rotor to match, and gold front-brake calliper will be standard on all Apache variants.
The front mudguard starts in an angular peak to run rearwards with a light step. Head on, the tinted fly screen equipped front fairing is unique—twin parking lights twinkling on both sides of a large and painstakingly detailed headlight. The Apache will come with a silver handlebar clamped on to a, sadly, non-alloy triple clamp by a brushed finish alloy piece.
Tri-pod black face instruments read out vital statistics, with a sporty tachometer, trip-equipped speedometer and fuel counter prominent. All-inclusive switches, high mirrors and comfortable grips are present, while the handlebar uses bar end weights. The bike’s fuel tank is smartly creased and stunning from any angle, with effective knee indents on either side. Fuel filling is via a flush alloy lid, and bold Apache decals, among the minimalist graphic details to adorn this sportster, are slashed across its sides.
Side panels have been cleverly sculpted and colour-coded to hide their bulk, while the rear fairing tapers smoothly into an integrated brake lamp. Other noticeable details are smart engine cases, a black silencer, gold rear suspension tubes and a deeply stepped seat. The Apache makes itself vocal via piercing dual tone, twin horns.
The F2 engine was always a smooth and willing performer. What it lacked was a 5th cog and adequate muscle. That’s all been rectified on the Apache, for although it is based on the same four-stroke, air-cooled and single-cylinder unit, the new bike has now been suitably revised.
Fed via a CV-type BS 26 carburettor, the alloy cylinder displaces 147.5cc. Its valve train has roller bearings incorporated on the rocker arms, and TVS has lavished attention on the internals, allowing the cylinder to breathe better. The theme has been to allow lean burn character for crisp throttle response, assisted by an induction and exhaust resonator on either side of the barrel. Inside, a super strong spark now fires the charge, with a claimed 60 millijoules tendered thanks to an inductive digital ignition system, as seen on some Royal Enfield bikes. Spark duration on the combustion stroke has also increased from 200-1200 micro-seconds, again helping the motor to dispense quick replies when queried with throttle inputs.
TVS has beefed up the smooth-working clutch on the Apache. The gearbox is now a positive and well-weighted 1-down and 4-up system that uses a heel-and-toe lever. One can safely expect par with the class economy, and instant cold starting character thanks to that fatter spark.
We experienced nippy initial acceleration with a saturated top speed somewhere close to a true 110kph, competently in the region of the Achiever, Unicorn and Pulsar 150. Don’t expect the Apache to be much faster—but it’s surely going to be as quick, if not a little quicker in the lower reaches of its power band.
The engine note is a soft throb that builds with quiet composure as the revs rise. There is no drama, no intrusive vibrations, and the Apache always feels forgiving and linear in its power delivery.
Among the first things one notices when approaching an Apache is its short wheelbase. All of 1260mm separates the two rims, the front 17 inches, and the rear 18 inches. Rubber is TVS kit, with a meaty 90/90 section in front, and 90/90 at rear, or a slightly larger 100/80 available as optional. The twin downtube frame has had its stiffness and flex levels optimised. Twin telescopic forks and adjustable gas charged shocks do duty along with a rectangular swingarm. There’s a forward-biased riding position, with short and low handlebars, that looks uncomfortable.
But that’s far from true, sling a leg over and the Apache will allow you to get comfy pretty quick. Three quick blasts around TVS’s small, but interesting test track was all it took to have us feeling absolutely at home.
Neither too sharp a handler nor too soft, the short wheelbase bike feels stupendous in twist and turn situations, ultra flickable yet rock steady, even at speeds around the magical 100kph.
The Apache literally threads twisties together and goes through corners like an assasin's knife. While ride quality and seat comfort felt just right on the smooth factory track surface, we will reserve judgment on these areas till we road-test it.
What’s clear up to now is the Apache’s handling is a highlight. The only minor grouse we could pick is the low-handle rotating arch fouling with our knees on extra sharp and extra slow turns, and our tester’s six-foot stature only served to accentuate the blemish. Braking on the Apache is reassuring and just as stable as can be expected.
TVS’s bikes have always been associated with sound engineering and sweet handling. The one department they failed to raise eyebrows with was lacklustre styling. But the Apache has turned that perception on its head. It looks just as potent as it goes.