For starters, it is a niche program that aims to carve out the racer in you.
BHPian Iva1311 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
Motorbikes have always been the favorite commute option for the Indians. But in the recent years it has evolved from a basic commute option to a leisure and adventure escape.
Hello everyone, this is my first post at Team-bhp. Please throw in your comments and Suggestions.
I have always loved Motorcycling. Not because I started with two-wheeler as my daily driver, Hero Puch. But because I found passion in riding.
By owning a TVS Apache, I got a chance to participate the TVS’s ARE – Apache Racing Experience. Ofcourse one does not need to own an Apache, but you can only ride an Apache on the track they make.
My Preparation
TVS coined the term ARE years ago, I even found an old thread (Apache Racing Experience 2009) from 2009 which did not have any information.
What is ARE?
ARE – Apache Racing Experience is a program launched by TVS Motor Company to showcase what their Apache series bikes can do on track, it is for the participants to experience the world of Bike racing in a relatively minor setup.
They conduct this program in almost all the cities where they operate their Apache Owners group, some 20 cities.
Last week they organized ARE in Jaipur.
They start by collaborating with a local go kart or small bike racing tracks where they customize the track according to the trainers for a layman to ride around.
and then start taking applications from participants for Rs. 1500(breakfast,lunch, photography included).
One has to bring their Apache bike – 160cc, 180cc, 200cc, 310cc. Sadly the newly launched Ronin can’t participate as it’s hard to do cornering and it’s not built for tracks.
If someone does not have an Apache, Event organiser will provide the bike – new condition.
They do not allow anyone without Riding gears – Riding Jacket, Riding pant or knee gaurds, Gloves, riding shoes and safety standard certified Helmets with D-ring locks.
If you do not have any items, they arrange it for you. They even provided newly packed helmets (TVS brand) which had D-ring locks to be used by riders on track.
How it goes?
The Session started with a quick walkaround of the track, all riders were asked to notice the turns and tarmac conditions.
Organisers Divided the Apache owners based on the engine capacity
- Apache 160cc ,165cc and 180cc Bikes
- Apache 200 cc Bikes
- Apache 310cc
Batches were made so that only 6(max) riders can go on track in one batch.
Started with an Introduction Session by people from TVS explaining the rich history of TVS and it’s racing DNA.
The numerous Awards which are won by TVS professional riders and the company for the world class racing competitions such as the Dakar Rally championship, INMRC championship, Indian National Supercross Championship (INSC) and more. Checkout their racing history at this link https://www.tvsmotor.com/tvsracing/
Next to that, We were explained the basics of Racing, positioning, tactics that were too useful on the track.
Harry from TVS took each sessions by breeze. After each session, we were taken to the track with our bikes to implement the learnings of classroom.
Each riding sessions were headed by a champion rider from the TVS. For this event we had Jagan Kumar,KY Ahmed, Mohan from the TVS Professional racer team.
At the last, lap time competition was done to finally discover the champions in each category.
Is it worth it?
Yes, a big yes.
For the starters, it is a niche program that aims to carve out the racer in you. If you are serious for racing, and have a genuin interest. You will have this great opportunity to make yourself a career out of it.
Winners from each category – 160/165/180cc, 200cc, 310cc are given an opportunity to compete with the other winners(from other cities)
the final winner of all these races are given numerous goodies which can be found here:
I have not seen any other Indian manufacturer to provide such a platform and at such a wide level.
If there are any please send them in the replies.
I have been to various rides with AOG – Apache Owners Group. But this one was a different experience. I consider that the new budding generation will finally have more career options or at least hobby options to choose from.
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