TVS Apache RTR 180 2020 Review - Prices, Specs, Variants, Features and Mileage

What is the power source of 2020 Apache RTR 180?

How well are the performance and efficiency balanced in Apache RTR 180?

TVS Apache RTR 180 is powered by a 180cc high compression engine that has a rather flexible character. We say this because the engineers at TVS have tuned it to perform at its best at the mid-range. This gives it a better rideability factor which makes it both a very good commuter as well as a track machine. The throttle is crisp and reacts to the slightest twist which makes it very involving to ride.

The engine revs up pretty quick and this helps you munch up the tarmac with ease. The architecture of this engine is built to provide you with the optimum performance without compromising on efficiency. Keep in mind that this machine is an air-cooled unit and still manages to chuck out over 16 bhp of peak power and ample torque to keep your eyes glued to the roads. With all of this, TVS has managed to chuck out 45 kmpl of mileage which decrease a huge load off the rider.

The fuel tank capacity is less as compared to the competition but the impressive fuel efficiency copes up for it. The Apache RTR 180 gives a range of 562 km which is ample for an interstate ride! The fueling gets notchy due to the use of a carburettor which we feel undermines the potential of this machine. Bajaj took the smart decision and swapped its setup with a fuel-injected one which makes the bike more precise and fuel-efficient without the loss in performance.

How “bassy” is the acceleration from 0-60?

The sweet combination of short gearing and a light clutch makes this apache a very quick sprinter. The wet clutch helps maintain optimum temperature even in extreme situations, be it even the racetrack. The strong mid-range torque helps it have an edge over the competition and thus help in a swift sprint.

Top speed is capped at 114 kmph and this is not class-leading, but helpful as the RTR 180 tends to lose its composure at high speeds. It is thus, not a top speed machine and has a  sweet spot within the 70-90 kmph bracket.

The five-speed gearbox is glitchy as it tends to wear out very quickly and thus make it clingy. Maintenance is required for smooth sailing but TVS could have done with better gear components that could hold on for longer. Hero Xtreme 200r has the calmest and composed gearbox of the lot, which is not in a hurry. Bajaj also has a precise and quick shifting gearbox which tends to wear out rather quickly. Both the TVS Apache RTR 180 and Bajaj Pulsar 180F Neon provide a thrilling experience but also need utmost care as well.

How bitey are the brakes on Apache RTR 180?

TVS Apache RTR 180 has one of the best brakes of its class. The disc set up at both ends have ample feel and provides a reassuring experience. Braking is well-modulated and the levers provide precise feedback without any delay. This makes it easy for a new individual to get used to in no time.

Apache RTR 180 also has the added benefit of Super-Moto ABS which helps drastically on the safety front. The precise nature of brakes induces confidence in you to take corners faster. The slotted petal discs help maintain the temperature and thus providing optimum performance at all times.

The competition has more or less, similar setups but Apache is the only one of the lot that comes with petal disc brakes. This gives it an edge over the others in the long run and thus retain braking performance for a longer duration. The impressively least kerb weight also plays an important factor in braking which is a boon for this Apache.

How nimble is the Apache RTR 180 and are those “Alcantara” seats?!

Apache RTR 180 is a nimble bike and the low kerb weight helps it be a very flickable bike as well. TVS made a short bike here which is a breeze to handle even in tight traffic conditions. The handlebar is short and is positioned in a neutral fashion which helps you stay on the saddle without fatigue for a long time. The suspension is well-tuned and helps in overcoming India’s harshest roads with ease. The rear adjustable mono-shock also gives you the flexibility to fine-tune the motorcycle as per needs.

Comfort is also high on the Apache RTR 180 and TVS has improved it drastically over its previous generations. The basic riding triangle remains the same with a relaxed posture. The footpegs are placed for a relaxed seating position and the RTR 180 has “Alcantara racing seat” as per the official website. Of Course! It's not the original bit, but we believe that TVS is depicting its premium feel and comfort with the naming.

The ground clearance of 165 mm helps in plying on Indian roads with ease. Hero Xtreme 200r is the heaviest bike of the lot and that also steals from its performance and riding dynamics. The Bajaj Pulsar 180F flaunts the same dynamics as its elder brother, the 220F. This makes it a comfortable tourer with a low slung seat and a not-so-aggressive riding posture, despite having clip-on.

Does the 2020 Apache RTR 180 look menacing enough?

The looks have not been tampered upon from the original Apache that came out in 2006. TVS has updated it as per the year-gap but it still has that muscular look in a compact body form. The new updates include new paint schemes along with updated decals. The tank shroud also gets redesigned to look sharper and thus freshen up the look.

The headlight retains its menacing look with the LED DRLs. The darkened headlight setup gives it a sinister look and looks from a segment above. TVS has used a lot of carbon fibre textured panels which give it a premium look. Quality of components is well versed but TVS could have done better with the fit and finish as there are a lot of panel gaps. The seat is made of premium “Alcantara” and looks plush.

Aesthetic Features

• LED DRLs

• Smoked headlamp

• Golden front fork casing

• Six-spoke alloy wheels

• Muscular tank shrouds

• Contrasting seat texture

• Split grab rails

• Matte paint jobs

Despite being over a decade old, Apache RTR 180 still looks dapper as ever. The angry-looking LED DRLs will instantly remind you of the quick machine behind you. Bajaj Pulsar 180F shares its design cues with the Pulsar 220F and Hero Xtreme 200r is a completely new design from the Indian automaker. Apache looks the most appealing among the lot, for us.

What are the safety and class-leading features available on Apache?

TVS has pampered the RTR 180 with a bundle of safety features. It now comes with a single-channel ABS which helps instil an increased level of confidence on the road. The intervention is natural and doesn’t hinder natural braking thus providing a compatible braking experience.

Other noteworthy features include LED DRLs and taillights which can attract attention on the open roads and thus cater to safety. An instrument cluster is a semi-digital unit that is backlight in a dull blue colour and intuitively displays all vital details. The slotted petal disc rotors are unique to the Apache and also adds in both technical and visual appeal.

Hero Xtreme 200r is the latest bike of the lot which gives it an edge over the ageing duo in terms of the feature list. But in terms of overall appeal both the Pulsar and Apache stand miles ahead of the newer Hero. The pulsar now flaunts 220F’s semi-cowled setup which gives it a distinctive look. TVS has not strayed too much from its base design language and have only updated it subtly to look modern. 

How does the competition stack up against the 2020 Apache?

TVS Apache RTR 180 vs Bajaj Pulsar 180F

Bajaj has updated the 180F heavily for 2020. The 180F is an all-new iteration of the older Pulsar 180. It shares design cues with its bigger brother, 220F and thus looks intimidating. It also gets Fuel injection which makes it a much smoother performer than the carbureted Apache RTR 180. In terms of refinement, both engines are at par, so it is either this or that. In this case, the spare parts and servicing of Bajaj Pulsars are much cheaper than the Apache. We would happily go for the Pulsar here due to FI and thus a much better balance of performance and mileage.

TVS Apache RTR 180 vs Hero Xtreme 200r

Hero Xtreme 200r is a typical offering from the most well versed Indian bike manufacturer. It looks bulky but doesn’t have the force to back its muscle. It also has an additional 20cc which should bring about a marginal bump in performance, but instead, it drops off. But it will be a perfect companion for someone who would want a 200cc commuter; just COMMUTER. This is where the other two bikes fare much better. Both TVS and Bajaj pitch in motorcycles that have a flexible attitude and can be both composed and ferocious at will. You can choose the Apache here, for the balance it puts on the table or if modern features and mileage are high on your list, then Hero is the one for you.

Where does the ageing TVS Apache RTR 180 stand in the evolving market?

TVS has not fiddled much with the basic design template of the 2006 Apache and thus have maintained the essence of the performance machine that started it all for TVS. Apache RTR 180 provides a fine blend of performance and mileage which is hard to come by in a motorcycle under 200cc. TVS recently updated it’s Apache 160 and 200 for 2020 drastically. The Apache RTR 180 stays rooted in its ancestor and even makes you a bit nostalgic. With the dawn of more powerful and pocket-friendly 200cc motorcycles, the 180cc bracket is becoming obsolete which explains as to why TVS has not updated it. Bajaj Pulsar, for now, is the most well balanced 180cc offering in India with Apache 180 coming in a close second.