The first time I saw her I knew that this was it. I mean, it was exactly what I was looking for. However, I was more keen about the Bajaj Pulsar N160 due to the dual-channel ABS.
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Hello Team-BHP members,
I got home my first bike, a TVS Apache 160 4V, in the first week of February. This one is the Dual Channel ABS, the one TVS announced in December 2023.
The need for a new machine started around September last year. I was using my mom’s 21-year-old Activa 1st Gen (2003). I used it throughout my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree last year. There weren’t frequent breakdowns per se but the breakdowns were in the most crucial places and we knew it was about time. Frankly, I didn’t favour a bike back then, but my mom and dad were more excited and practical in convincing me to bring one home. The story is quite the opposite of Indian households. I did want a new machine but initially, I was more inclined towards something like an Ather 450x, quick, fast and electric. But God had other plans and was quite happy his plan worked.
Although I had my Geared license in 2019, my close friends and family didn’t have a bike to ride on regularly. I got used to driving our car more easily as I often went out with my parents for outstation trips and grocery runs in our Jazz or Alto. My nervousness was quite high initially when we decided to buy a bike.
So my hunt began. I wasn’t looking for something fancy or heavy (like a RE or a KTM) but a simple but adequate power for my occasional countryside trips and regular commute to work.
One criterion to be added was turn-by-turn navigation. I prefer being connected and I hate installing my phone on the stand next to the handlebar or wearing AirPods while riding. But not something I could not live without. Keeping this in mind, I had two major options in my head:
Bajaj Pulsar N160
So we visited the Bajaj showroom in Aundh and to my surprise, they did not have the bike for a test ride. The attitude of the salesman also didn’t seem quite interesting. My dad was quite interested in this as he loved the OG 2002 Pulsars. But we turned this down due to the unavailability of a test drive temporarily. I tried my friend’s N160 and the one thing that impressed me was its brakes and seating posture. The only factor and a major one going in favour was the dual channel ABS.
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
To be honest, the time I saw her I knew this was it. I mean, it was exactly what I was looking for. However, I was more keen on N160 due to the Dual-channel ABS. My apprehensions of the uncomfortable riding posture (I am 5’11) were proved false after the test ride. But we didn’t land on our decision then.
Around mid-December, while I was discussing with dad about this dilemma and scrolling through IG in Pune University traffic, I saw a post, and my happiness touched a cloud 9 to say.
It was the “whenever God gives, he gives it in a big way, for me”. APACHE RTR 160 4V with Dual Channel ABS!!! Exactly what I wanted.
So I went to the nearest TVS showroom and to my surprise they had no clue that TVS Apache 160 4V was launched with Dual Channel ABS. Inquired to 3-4 showrooms on call. One of them referred us to Shelar TVS in Swargate who had the new model.
We went to Shelar TVS in Swargate on 26 Jan as all three of us had a holiday. I tried out the bike and my mom asked, you like it? I was like yeah, it’s quite something I am looking for. My Dad “Book it then, seal the deal”.
Finally, after 8 days, I took her delivery on Feb 4. Named her MiFa (after Luke Skywalker’s First starship Millenium Falcon from Star Wars: A New Hope Ep IV released in 1977)
So MiFa has clocked around 3200kms to date mostly in the city lanes and less between the highway stripes. So, I’ll add my elaborate thoughts on highway performance once I get to spend more time with her on the highway.
Here are my observations:
Pros:
- Easy to adapt: As my first bike, RTR 160 4V has been easy to get around with for a person who is not in touch with riding a bike. Just took 3-4 hours on a Sunday morning to get used to it.
- Engine: Well refined with enough power for my needs. Love the exhaust note as well. It has a powerful midrange and helps in traffic.
- GTT: GTT has spoilt me for good. I can’t explain how effective this is. I go to Symbiosis Lavale for work and this is like a Godsend feature in peak traffic hours.
- TVS SmartXConnect: Initially had issues with pairing and connection. It has its bugs but works 90% of the time (I use it only for navigation and call alerts) One of the factors is that you cannot directly add a location from WhatsApp. You have to search it on the TVS app and start the navigation using Mapples India.
- Ride Modes: Apache has 3 ride modes:
- Urban: Smooth and controlled power, with ABS setting at medium
- Rain: Power same as urban, ABS setting set to Max
- Sport: Highest power, with lowest ABS setting
- Fuel Economy: Happy to report FE in the range of 46-51 kmpl with the right tyre pressure. I make sure to get it checked from my tyre store on my way back home after refuelling.
I shall point out an observation, although it’s very, very rare. it was raining cats and dogs while riding in 2-3 weeks ago, and in rain mode, I felt engine braking acting a lot more aggressively, but it just happened once or twice. Or it may be the Rain mode’s ABS acting upon.
As I mentioned previously, I’ve not ridden on the highway much, just twice or thrice, but it does inspire confidence in a new rider. Stable and planted at higher speeds.
Cons:
- Brakes: I know many have pointed this out, but something I have learnt to deal with. I realized how weak they were compared to the competition when I rode my friend’s 3-year-old N160.
- Fuel Gauge: Quite confusing at first. Fuel bar often reappears after 3-10 minutes when you are riding. My bike shifted on reserve due to this in my first month. Now I refuel once I have two bars left.
To sum up, getting MiFa home has been one of the best decisions of my life! Lived a frugal life for 4-5 months to get her home with my own money. But worth it!
From not wanting a bike until last June to giving her “Princess-like” treatment. I have started loving motorcycles more and understanding them better.
Hopefully, this bike will help me be a better rider with every passing experience.
Honourable mentions to Hagaru and Offypoint for their valuable reviews! The Team-BHP community also deserves credit for valuable suggestions and advice through this amazing forum.
Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
