TVS Apache RTR 180 ABS

TVS Motors launched the Apache RTR 180 with Anti-brake locking system exactly two years ago in March 2011. The bike has mostly the same specifications as we noted with the Apache RTR 180 yesterday with this facelift. The ABS technology has sensors that continuously monitors an impending wheel lock and when it does so, enables a smooth deceleration that allows the biker to stay in control of their vehicle even under sudden braking.

Although this is very similar to the Apache RTR 180, we will still take you through the specs one more time. This bike again comes equips with a 4 stroke single cylinder engine with a 177.4cc displacement. The larger displacement ensures a better power that maxes out at 17.3 PS @ 8500RPM. The torque can go up to 15.5 Nm at 6500RPM. The RTR 180 ABS can reach a maximum speed of 124kmph and comes with telescopic fork suspension on the front tyres along with monotube inverted gas filled shox with spring aid on the rear tyres. The bike has a wheelbase of 1326mm and ground clearance of 165mm. The RTR 180 ABS comes with a kerb weight of 139kg at a price of Rs. 84,180 ex-Delhi.

Test Ride and Customer Reviews
The engine and ignition systems on the RTR 180 ABS is not very different from what is available on the regular RTR 180 and so the manufacturer’s claim on fuel consumption has not been different. According to TVS, the RTR 180 ABS can deliver around 56kmpl under standard test road conditions.

However, this is expected to come down on regular city roads, as pointed out by MaxAbout. In their test ride, the website reports a city road economy of 39kmpl that goes as high as 47kmpl on the highways. The reviewer commends the bike on its aggressive styling although points out that the price is on the higher side given that even the Pulsar 220cc comes cheaper than this.

On ProDease, the reviewer calls the RTR 180 ABS a “commuter bike” which I don’t agree with. Their test ride though yields a mileage that cannot be called commuter friendly and understandably so for a 180cc bike. They report 38kmpl overall on their test.

ZigWheels doesn’t seem to have done a test ride of the bike (or maybe I missed it), and so I am not sure if the fuel economy they report was tested by their own staff or through third party reports. They note 44-45 kmpl on the RTR ABS.

There is not a great deal of reviews available on MouthShut for the RTR 180 ABS. The couple of reviews on the site rate the bike 4/5 on fuel consumption. Of the two reviews, one reviewer has not mentioned the mileage while the other reports 40-43 kmpl under city roads.

I have tabulated all mileages as reported by the various sources below. I’ve also put in the numbers for Apache RTR 180 side-by-side for your comparison. Is it worth spending an additional 11,000 for the ABS? You make the decision.