Catch OverDrive (June 2009) as they test drive the new TVS RTR 180 on the TVS test track at Hosur…
 The new Apache RTR 180 is strikingly similar to the RTR 160 since the new flagship is attired exactly like the bike it has evolved from except for the new decals. The new bike features broken racing stripes like the RTR Fi’s. The RTR moniker is more prominent on the tank extensions. It also gets sportier gold finished front forks and rear suspension canisters. The white shade is exclusive to the RTR 180 and is similar to the Ducati Monster’s. Other cosmetic changes include white pinstriping on wheels, a white faced tacho and blacked out adjustable clip-ons and T-cover. The tiny slash cut fender makes for a sporty rear. Interestingly, it will come with a bolt-on full flap for the monsoon says Overdrive (June ’09).
The engine however forms the core of this exercise. The 177.4cc capacity in this case has been achieved by increasing the bore by 0.5mm to 62.5mm, while the stroke has increased by about 5mm to 57.8mm. The bore-stroke ratio has dropped from 1.17 on the 160 to 1.08. though a bigger bore would have made the engine more peaky and lose bottom end grunt, TVS engineers have adopted the classic solution of lengthening the stroke for better low and mid-range yet keeping it oversquare for the revvy feel. Fuelling is now via a bigger Mikuni BS29 carb and the advanced IDI injection system produces twice the ignition energy compared to a conventional system with every spark. Power output is 17.3PS at 8500rpm and the torque peak is 15.5Nm at 6500rpm. With nearly the same weight as the RTR 160, the 180 boasts a class leading power-to-weight ratio of 125PS/ton.
The bike’s wheelbase has been increased to 1326mm, 26mm more than the RTR 160’s. The chassis is the same but has been strengthened to handle the extra power. The engineers have managed to position the centre of gravity right under the rider to sharpen handling and steering control. The bike gets lighter tubeless tyres with a 110-section, 17-inch rear though it is not a radical tyre like on the Yamaha FZ16.
 The gearing has not been altered and taller ratios towards the higher gears have been retained so that when the race kit is fitted the bike will get better top end power.
Reports OverDrive (June ’09), testing it at the TVS race track; the RTR 180 has heady acceleration, brakes spiffily in the shortest of spaces and felt superbly planted when leaned over on the loop. The new bike’s engine felt grunty all the way and throttle response was instant. It has loads of churning power available from as low as 2000rpm for good initial thrust and the surge continues right till the top.
Riding it back to back with the 160, the 180 feels stronger in all aspects; the 160 ran out of steam much earlier on the straight while the 180 accelerated effervescently up till the corner. It also felt more stable around corners. Both bikes are equally flickable reports OverDrive (june ’09) testers.
On the pricing issue, the RTR 180 is estimated to be around Rs. 68,000 which is in the new Pulsar zone. |
| Article By IndiaBike on 2nd November 2009 |
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