The Long Distance Bike: TVS Apache RTR 180

Long distance riding and motorcycle tourism are becoming popular these days as evidenced by the increase of motorcycle-riding tourists and long distance endurance trials every year. And the market is no longer concentrated on big adventure or touring bikes. A few weeks back, Boss Lester Tiu of Granstar Motors and Industrial Corp. lent me the TVS Apache RTR 180 to be tested at the grueling KRCP 1000-Kilometer 24 Hour Road Rally Challenge and I have to say, I was impressed with the bike’s performance and we managed to finish the event in 14 hours 39 minutes.

POWERPLANT

Rounded to 180 cc, the Apache RTR’s engine would propel you from 0-100 in just a couple of seconds and is capable of sustaining such speeds beyond 100 km/h (kilometers per hour) in very long periods of time as demonstrated in the recently concluded KRCP 24 Hour 1000-Kilometer Road Rally Challenge. Drivetrain is 5-speed with wet multi-plate clutch and with its 9.5:1 compression ratio, low octane fuel that is still widely available in the provinces will not be an issue. Fuel is fed by a UCAL BS-29 carburetor.

Look at that muscular engine!

I added Auxiliary Lights for the KRCP 24 Hour 1000-Kilometer Road Rally Challenge

HANDLING AND COMFORT

I fell in love with the RTR 180’s handling on the highway. Very relaxed upright riding position that will surely make long distance riding like a stroll in the mall. Although not designed as a dual-sport bike, the RTR 180’s front telescopic fork’s 105 mm play and the rear’s dual Monotube Inverted Gas MIG shocks with spring aid makes it an able bike that can tackle rough (not technical) terrain with ease. The front 270 mm and rear 200 mm disk brakes gives the bike ample stopping power while the bike’s overall vibration is comparable to the Kawasaki Barako 175.

270 mm disc brake for the front and 200 mm disc brake for the rear gives the bike ample stopping power

Dual MIG Monotube Inverted Gas Shocks with Spring Aid completes the RTR 180’s touring prowess

With its 700-kilometer fuel range the RTR 180 doesn’t need an auxiliary tank for long distance touring

FUEL CAPACITY AND ECONOMY

Having one of the largest fuel tanks in its class, the RTR 180’s 16-liter fuel capacity makes it perfect for long distance touring. Fuel economy was an impressive 44 km/L (kilometers per liter) city and highway combined (moderate riding). During the KRCP event, the RTR 180 still managed to return an impressive 35 km/L fuel economy despite riding the bike aggressively through uphill mountain passes, rough roads and open highways with a top speed of 123 km/h.

Digital instrumentation panel with 2 trip features, a clock and recorded top speed

RTR = Racing Throttle Response at every twist of the throttle

LONG DISTANCE BIKE

Although the RTR 180 is not for aggressive cornering due to its soft suspension play, it makes up for long distance touring complemented by its ultra-comfy seat and mammoth fuel tank. At 44 km/L one top up has a 700+ kilometers range like a trip from Manila to Pagudpud with enough fuel to spare. One can add panniers and replace the tires with dual-sports and it will ride the Himalayas. The RTR 180 would be perfect for short trips around the city too. With an SRP of only PhP 98,000.00, the TVS Apache RTR 180 is your perfect budget long-distance tourer.

Look at that beauty!

On and off road, the TVS Apache RTR 180 can tackle them all with ease

Photo taken at the Lucena City junction by Vincent Fabellon

*Note: All photos were taken a day after the KRCP 24 Hour 1000-Kilometer Road Rally Challenge (except for the last photo) giving the bike that legitimate long-distance touring appeal.

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