Isaac
03-20-2009, 10:58 AM
TVS Apache RTR FI does have the slowest lap time of the lot. But, even at four seconds off the leader's pace, the RTR FI is an impres¬sive motorcycle. We've always maintained that the 160's motor was a special one, and we were repeatedly tempted to imagine what a stonker the 180cc version of this motorcycle would be like. The RTRFI recorded some of the highest corner speeds throughout the run. But the smallest power and torque figures, basically, ensured that it would neither make up time on the competition at the end of the straight, not on the exits of the corners. It's relatively light weight allows it to come a lot closer to the competition than its IS0cc peers though, all of which weigh more.
2221
Most testers appreciated the agile and quick nature of the RTR's handling, but they also found that the pegs were mounted too low and clearance became an issue as speeds rose. That said, the primary criticism of the RTR was surprisingly, in the ergonomics department. Many felt that the close-set, narrow bars and a high saddle height combined into a slightly weird ergonomics package. You always felt sat-on in the bike and the bars were so close that it robbed you
of a small, but crucial, amount of feel that prevented you from going faster.
Then again, the Apache is the cheapest of the motorcycles on this test by almost. If you consider the non-fuel injected version (slightly less crisp, marginally less responsive, a tiny bit less power), you stand to save a non-inconsequential amount of money. But it won't be the quickest around a track.
2221
Most testers appreciated the agile and quick nature of the RTR's handling, but they also found that the pegs were mounted too low and clearance became an issue as speeds rose. That said, the primary criticism of the RTR was surprisingly, in the ergonomics department. Many felt that the close-set, narrow bars and a high saddle height combined into a slightly weird ergonomics package. You always felt sat-on in the bike and the bars were so close that it robbed you
of a small, but crucial, amount of feel that prevented you from going faster.
Then again, the Apache is the cheapest of the motorcycles on this test by almost. If you consider the non-fuel injected version (slightly less crisp, marginally less responsive, a tiny bit less power), you stand to save a non-inconsequential amount of money. But it won't be the quickest around a track.